Euro/Asian Mazda3 oil hose recall pending?

Mazda is reportedly looking to issue a recall of the popular Mazda3 compact in its European and Asian markets. According to Automotive News, the carmaker has filed a report with the Japanese transport ministry stating that driving on rough roads for an extended period of time can cause the car's oil hose to rub against the radiator's protective panel. This can cause oil to leak if the hose is worn down. Worst case scenario, Mazda says, is that the car will simply be unable to start.

This recall will only affect 89,822 Axela models (the Mazda3's name in Asian markets) in Japan and China, and an additional 191,503 units sold throughout Europe. The United States is off the hook this time, though, since the recall only covers vehicles fitted with an engine that's unavailable in the U.S. Mazda is currently deciding how to repair this problem in all markets and plans to issue the official recall in the near future.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]