Motoring: Mazda recalls 65,000 vehicles due to spiders, fuel leaks

Mazda has issued a recall for certain 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 vehicles, due to the possibility of a fuel leak should spiders weave webs in the vent line. 50,000 cars in the U.S. and 15,000 more in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico are affected by the Mazda recall.

In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mazda said, “A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line and this may cause a restriction of the line.”

Mazda 6 models with 4-cylinder engines seem to be the only type affected. All 20 reports so far have involved the same model. About 50,000 cars in the U.S. and 15,000 more in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico are affected by the Mazda recall.

The company said that on certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5-litre engine, a particular type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line which may cause a restriction in the line. If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapours from the canister. As the canister is purged repeatedly during normal operation, the stress on the fuel tank may eventually cause a crack.

Dealers will clean the line and install a spring to prohibit spider intrusion. The powertrain control module (PCM) will be reprogrammed with modified software, including a function to avoid excessive negative pressure in the fuel tank. If damage is found to the fuel tank or a web is found in the canister vent, the fuel tank and check valve on the canister vent line will be replaced.

The company will be notifying owners of the affected cars starting this month. Dealers will inspect the fuel system and will repair it for leaks or damage related to the spiders. The vent line will be cleaned and mechanics will be installing a spring device to prevent spiders from crawling back inside. Mazda 6 vehicles manufactured from April 2008 and February 2010 are affected by the Mazda recall.