25,000+ 2010 Mazda3s recalled over potential wiring harness fault
2010 Mazda3 - Click above for a hi-res galleryThe hotly-awaited Mazda3 is only now filtering into U.S. dealerships after hitting other markets, but there's already a snag – more than 25,000 units are being recalled.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the safety concern stems from a small tolerance issue: the clearance between the underside of the engine and the starter motor housing is apparently too narrow, which could result in a short circuit, leaving the car at risk of stalling and perhaps being unable to kick over again. As a result, NHTSA has issued a recall for the 25,400 new Mazda3s in the United States to have a simple clip installed and, if necessary, to have the problematic engine harness repaired.
Full details are available in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 Mazda3
[Source: NHTSA - Office of Defects Investigation]
PRESS RELEASE:
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MAZDA / MAZDA3 2010
Manufacturer: MAZDA MOTOR CORP Mfr's Report Date: APR 15, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V126000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 25400
Summary:
MAZDA IS RECALLING 25,400 MY 2010 MAZDA3 VEHICLES. A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE HOUSING OF STARTER MOTOR MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. DUE TO THIS, THE COVERING OF THE HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED THROUGH VIBRATION DURING OPERATION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT-CIRCUIT BETWEEN CERTAIN HARNESS WIRES AND THE STARTER HOUSING. A SHORT-CIRCUIT CAN RESULT IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND/OR POOR SHIFT QUALITY.
Consequence:
THE MAIN FUSE MAY BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND INABILITY OF RESTART, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE ENGINE HARNESS INSPECT AND ADD A PROTECTOR CLIP ON THE AFFECTED SECTION OF THE HARNESS. IF NECESSARY, THE HARNESS WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MAY 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Notes:
MAZDA RECALL NO. 5409D. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Todd 9:34AM (4/20/2009)
That is nothing to smile about Mazda 3!
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Polly Prissy Pants 11:28AM (4/20/2009)
Ugh, as much as I love the Mazda3 I just couldn't bring myself to drive a car with that front end. If it was a person walking around with that stupid grin on his face all day I'd want to smack him.
Tony C 12:01PM (4/20/2009)
Ouch. Not a very auspicious start for the new 3 there, Mazda... Not a very auspicious start...
jav 10:31AM (4/20/2009)
with all its faults, the beast still smiles
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Luis 9:40AM (4/20/2009)
Early recalls like this are common with new models. Not really news here, but good for Mazda for recognizing it and fixing it now.
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mapoftazifosho 10:12AM (4/20/2009)
No, this is complete crap. These jokers should learn how to engineer a car right the first time. Absolutely inexcusable...I can't believe the crap these American automakers have been putting out for years...
Oh, wait this is Mazda, oh it's probably fine...
zamafir 10:48AM (4/20/2009)
mapoftazifosho has a point. I just saw one on the road for the first time yesterday and must admit it does a great job of making the previous gen look out dated, which is a good thing. That said, it is BS to recall a car essentially immediately after release. If they were aware of the issue why not just hold off on releasing the cars another few weeks and sort it out, without having their customers deal with bringing the car in, getting back to work, getting a ride back out, etc etc. You simply do not expect your brand new car to be recalled the day after u've purchased it.
Duke 11:05AM (4/20/2009)
Really, do you need to stretch so much to bitch and moan? They found a problem and addressed it very quickly. The argument they shouldn't have released the car until it was perfect in the first place is one we hear with every problem. I've had a new car get a recall repair right away, and it wasn't a big deal and I was happy to have them provide the fix.
Be realistic, things are never guaranteed to be perfect.
Luis 11:06AM (4/20/2009)
I bet 90% of the cars recalled are sitting on dealers' lots.
However you feel about it, it happens frequently with new models from every manufacturer.
Kitko 11:19AM (4/20/2009)
mapoftazifosho, perhpas you should calm down...
Since 2001, Mazda has won more quality awards than any other manufacturer - in Germany, awarded by Autobild, the most influential German car magazine, based, among other things, on TUV (the largest industrial quality audit authority in the world) tests and inspections.
http://www.autospies.com/news/Mazda-Gets-1st-Place-in-Auto-Bild-Magazine-s-Quality-Report-for-the-3rd-Year-16149/
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/mazda-ranks-first-in-auto-bilds-2007-quality-report-165187.html
Avinash machado 9:51AM (4/20/2009)
Maybe they should recall it to fix the smiling grin as well.
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nardvark 10:12AM (4/20/2009)
Maybe you should ask the dealership to turn the smile upside-down, sourpuss.
On a side note, how long will it be before we see someone driving around with teeth placed into the grill? I'm thinking gold plated, for the best possible street cred.
jv2k 10:48AM (4/20/2009)
That should come next.
P.V. 5:28PM (4/20/2009)
This is why you generally shouldn't buy in the first model year unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure of its reputation. Anyway, most of those cars probably haven't been sold yet.
@nardvark
That will happen in Dubai. We'll probably see it on this site in the near future (alongside that gold-plated Camry).
Jeff 10:22AM (4/20/2009)
Now we know why the car has a smiley face -- even with problems the car keeps it's positive attitude. How cute.
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Achtun Dumkopf 10:49AM (4/20/2009)
Wait, I thought only domestics had problems like this.
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Jeff 4:13PM (4/20/2009)
In Mazda's defense, the 2010 Mazda3 was developed while Ford still owned the controlling interest in Mazda. Today, finally, the Blue Oval is no longer calling the shots (they recently sold their controlling interest because, well, they needed money).
edzy 10:52AM (4/20/2009)
25000+ as in more than 25000
not 25000 + 2010 model years.
don't go looking for specific info on which of the other years models that are being recalled nor think that this was just early morning mathematics.
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Patrick 11:23AM (4/20/2009)
I still haven't gotten past gagging when I see pictures of the new 3 yet.
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Matt 12:16PM (4/20/2009)
Well, to be safe, they had better replace the whole front clip with a redesigned one. It's the only way to be sure it gets fixed right.
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