25,000+ 2010 Mazda3s recalled over potential wiring harness fault

[mikeyb]

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 .

 

[jred321]

that was quick.


also i assume these will be easy to carry out since most of these are likely still on dealer's lots

 

[Mazda3]

It's a $5 plastic clip that takes 5 mins to put on. No big deal.

 

[GoFast]

well it's about timje there was recall on the 2010 3. I mean 3 weeks since being out without a recall...i was starting to wonder

 

[TRDMS3]

not a good way to start off is it

 

[maskedSONY]

I am going to wait for a year or so for them to get all of the bugs out.

 

[Mazda3]

It's a $5 plastic clip that takes 5 mins to put on. No big deal.

 

[cjre1]

Do you think that it is just a clip? Do any of you know that if they will do the cars that are sitting on the lot before they sale them?

 

[jred321]

Do any of you know that if they will do the cars that are sitting on the lot before they sell them?

since it is a recall i believe they have to perform the fix. if it was a TSB then they would not be forced to fix it but would only fix it if the vehicle exhibited the stated problem.

recall = safety issue = paperwork filed with NHTSA = mandatory fix
TSB = common problem = voluntary repair

 

[cjre1]

since it is a recall i believe they have to perform the fix. if it was a TSB then they would not be forced to fix it but would only fix it if the vehicle exhibited the stated problem.

recall = safety issue = paperwork filed with NHTSA = mandatory fix
TSB = common problem = voluntary repair

Very true, but you know how dealers are, at least the ones that I have always dealt with. For example, there was a recall on the cars one month before I bought the new car, I asked them about it and they said that they will perform the recall service only after the car was bought. There normal procedure is not to perform tham until the car is sold. I was told this from many dealers. Well that day, when I bought the car, they perform the recall service and one TSB.

 

[Mazda3]

Do you think that it is just a clip? Do any of you know that if they will do the cars that are sitting on the lot before they sale them?

I have seen the part, it's just a clip. The cars aren't allowed to leave the lot without the fix.

 

[cjre1]

I have seen the part, it's just a clip. The cars aren't allowed to leave the lot without the fix.

Thanks. That is great to know, so if I buy it, I will make sure that it is done. Can you see the harness from looking into the engine area? Where is it located? I want to make sure myself before I actually buy this car.

 

[Mazda3]

Thanks. That is great to know, so if I buy it, I will make sure that it is done. Can you see the harness from looking into the engine area? Where is it located? I want to make sure myself before I actually buy this car.

I didn't have them show me where it went, but I believe it was located by the starter housing.

 

[cjre1]

I didn't have them show me where it went, but I believe it was located by the starter housing.

That would make sense. I think the wire harness is located right next to the starter.