According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, spiders enter the engine area and will weave a web around a vent hose. The web blocks the vent hose, which creates tremendous negative pressure on the fuel tank and can cause it to crack.
In April of 2014, Mazda recalled thousands of certain model cars built between 2010 and 2012. Mazda owners are asked to bring the car to a mechanic and if a web is found around the vent hose, the fuel tank and vent line will be replaced free of charge.
The problem first began in 2009 and as a result Mazda began installing vent covers to prevent spiders from getting inside the vent and they reprogrammed the vehicles to change how they operate. All vehicles did not have the reprogramming, which has led to another recall.
Although it hasn’t been proven, news sources report that entomologists believe the spiders may have entered the auto parts in the warehouse before being assembled. Supporting this theory is the fact that the only cars affected all came from one plant in Flint Rock, Michigan.
Mazda owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s hotline with any questions or concerns. The number is 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).
