Believe it or not, Mazda recall caused by spiders | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Believe it or not, Mazda recall caused by spiders

PTI | BySeema Hakhu Kachru, Houston
Mar 05, 2011 02:06 PM IST

Blockages due to cobwebs being spun by a particular spider breed has forced recall of 65,000 Mazda cars in the US.

Blockages due to cobwebs being spun by a particular spider breed has forced recall of 65,000 Mazda cars in the US.

HT Image
HT Image

As part of the recall, dealers will install a spring to prevent spiders such as the 'Yellow Sac' from entering the vent line.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The reason behind the recall is not an engine trouble, defective electronics etc but a gas loving spider, says a report. The spider is so addicted to the gasoline odour that it chooses to build its webs in car emission systems, the report said, adding this has necessitated recall of thousands of Mazda cars in the United States this week.

Mazda Motor Corp said on Thursday it was recalling 65,916 sedans because spiders can weave webs in the gas tank's vent pipe. The problem seem to be specific to the 2.5 litre engine range.

A Mazda spokesman declared that dealers have identified 20 cars with spiders in the vents, but no there were no reports about crashes, fires or any other damages. Fortunately, there have been no instances of technicians working on the problem being bitten.

Mazda says the recall of the 2009 and 2010 Mazda 6 is being done to prevent the web from blocking the line, causing a pressure problem in the gas tank that can lead to leakages.

There are 51,848 of the cars in the USA, and the rest are spread out over Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico.

The dime size creatures weave tight little sacs instead of the big webs like garden spiders. They live inside the sacs, venturing out to hunt, rather than waiting for food to come flying into the sac, the report said. They are found throughout the nation, and there is no particular reason why they would choose the inside of a car body to hang out, rather than some other crevice, says Rick Vetter, a researcher at the University of California-Riverside.

"Spiders are everywhere, and they are looking for a place to hide," Vetter says. He says he has heard of spiders causing problems before -- brown (not black) widows (breed) in New Orleans -- which were freaking out car buyers.

The Japanese automaker took the responsibility to contact all Mazda 6 owners by 15th March and to recommend them go to the dealers for verification and repairs. There will be specialised technicians to solve their problems.

What they'll actually do is to evacuate the vent line and install a system that prevents any spiders from entering the vent line. This seems to be the best solution for the owners and their cars.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On