CX-5 Fuel Leak Recall and Stop Sale

[yrwei52]

Some good info here

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM497833/RCLRPT-16V064-9283.PDF

Vehicle : 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5
Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES
Body Style : SUV
Power Train : GAS
Descriptive Information : 2014 - 2016 model year CX-5, built from June 27, 2013 through January 20, 2016 at
Hiroshima plant of Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan.
Production Dates : JUN 27, 2013 - FEB 02, 2016

Update on 2/6/2016, the total number of subject vehicle and the VIN range
of 2016MY vehicles, production period have been revised.
S6.4 of FMVSS No. 301 requires that, when a vehicle is rotated on its
longitudinal axis to each successive increment of 90 degrees, following an
impact crash test of S6.2 (b), fuel spillage shall not exceed the limit of S5.6.
There was no spillage during the impact crash test of S6.2 (b), however
when the vehicle was rotated according to S6.4, the amount of fuel spillage
exceeded the limit of S5.6.
FMVSS 1 :301 - Fuel system integrity
FMVSS 2 :NR
Description of the Safety Risk :There is a possibility the fuel filler pipe could rupture during an impact crash
similar to S6.2 (b) of FMVSS No. 301 and for the fuel to leak from the rupture if the vehicle has a rollover similar to S5.6 of FMVSS No. 301. Leakage of gasoline
presents the risk of a fire.
Description of the Cause : When the vehicle was tested according to S6.2 (b) of FMVSS No. 301, a rupture on
the filler pipe appeared to be created during the impact.
NHTSA performed a compliance test of FMVSS No. 301 on a 2015MY Mazda CX-5 at
KARCO Engineering LLC, CA. There was no fuel spillage during the test of S6.2. When the vehicle was rotated
according to S6.4, the amount of fuel spillage exceeded the limit of S5.6.
Mazda attendees for the test observed this phenomenon on site and reported it to Mazda Motor
Corporation in Japan.
January 19, 2016: Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan started the investigation.
January 29, 2016: On the basis of the test result and investigation, Mazda concluded that the test
performed by the NHTSA was valid and decided to conduct a noncompliance recall campaign on 2014
2016MY Mazda CX-5 vehicles.

Owners of record will be notified of this issue and instructed to take their
vehicles to a Mazda dealer for repair. The repair will be to remove an
attachment bolt on a left rear side member attaching the bracket of the fuel
filler pipe. This will prevent the rupture on the fuel filler pipe by changing
the load path during the rear crash impact. For the remedy in the field and at
ports, a tape will be applied to cover the hole for the bolt mount.. For the
production on or after February 1, 2016, a rubber pad will be placed
between the body member and the bracket and a plastic fastener will be
used for attaching the bolt. The repair will be performed free of charge to the
vehicle owners.
How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : The attachment between the fuel filler pipe and
the left rear side member will be changed, so it
can be distinguished easily when it is inspected
the area.
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : Implementation date will be February 1,
2016.

Thanks for the finding as always!

According to this NHTSA info, we verified at least two things:

1. This excessive amount of fuel spillage problem during rear-end crash was found by NHTSA's compliance test, NOT by Mazda itself as many people indicated earlier in the forum. It's NHTSA who found the problem and initiated the recall. We should take those applauses back as many people thought Mazda found the problem by itself internally and took the action for this "voluntary" safety recall.
   
2. The fix to our CX-5 doesn't seem to follow the procedures outlined by NHTSA. At least I didn't see the tape covering the threaded hole left by bolt removing on Kedis82ZE8's vehicle.

Of course why certain early CX-5's still can keep the bolt is still a mystery. The filler neck on CX-5 is pretty loose already comparing to other vehicles, I wonder how loose it'll be after the bolt removal. I'll try to get that rubber pad and plastic fastener, designed after the "attachment" change, whenever they're available hopefully they can fit to prevent rattling issue. And a plastic fastener will be used for attaching the bolt? Does that mean the bolt in question will be back with plastic fastener after the "attachment" change? (uhm)

 

[CX5_Pete]

I think I will hold off on the recall and take my chances...

 

[MikeM.]

It's NHTSA who found the problem and initiated the recall. We should take those applauses back as many people thought Mazda found the problem by itself internally and took the action for this "voluntary" safety recall.

Not true. While testing by NHTSA found the problem, Mazda initiated the recall themselves and they did it voluntarily. And it was the proper course of action.

The filler neck on CX-5 is pretty loose already comparing to other vehicles, I wonder how loose it'll be after the bolt removal.

What the hell are you talking about here?

 

[yrwei52]

It's NHTSA who found the problem and initiated the recall. We should take those applauses back as many people thought Mazda found the problem by itself internally and took the action for this "voluntary" safety recall.

Not true. While testing by NHTSA found the problem, Mazda initiated the recall themselves and they did it voluntarily. And it was the proper course of action.

NHTSA found fuel spillage problem on CX-5 and Mazda agreed. The manufacture started the "voluntary" safety recall campaign trying to fix or patch the problem otherwise they'll be facing heavy fines or even stop sales. Do you really think Mazda would initiate the recall themselves and they would do it voluntarily without NHTSA's intervening?

You've always dismissed those overwhelming number of weak windshield complaints towards CX-5 at NHTSA website as "a disinformation campaign". But who knows, the whole thing could have been started from a simple safety complaint to NHTSA website filed by the owner of this burned-out CX-5:

(image provided by silverevo05)

The filler neck on CX-5 is pretty loose already comparing to other vehicles, I wonder how loose it'll be after the bolt removal.

What the hell are you talking about here?

When I put in the fuel pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck of our CX-5, it can wobble like the whole filler pipe is loose. Of course your God sent CX-5 will never have any problems and flaws and you can't never tell you're having this issue. See, your CX-5 mysteriously escaped this recall even though your fuel filler pipe, body member, and bracket seem the same as other MYs.

The bolt in question has its purpose holding the filler pipe, or Mazda wouldn't spend a penny for it! This recall fix seems just a half-assed patch job by Mazda and NHTSA couldn't care less other issues such as rattling or loose filler pipe as long as the CX-5 can pass their compliance test!

 

[Tccox]

Had the fix done on mine several weeks ago. No rattles, CERTAINLY no loose filler neck before or after the fix. Sounds like something's wrong with yours

 

[yrwei52]

Had the fix done on mine several weeks ago. No rattles, CERTAINLY no loose filler neck before or after the fix. Sounds like something's wrong with yours

So our CX-5 has another issue needs to get fixed!?

According to NHTSA document, the threaded hole after bolt removal is supposed to be covered by a tape, did you check that? And you do realize the bolt will be back for newer production of CX-5's with a rubber pad placed between the body member and the bracket and a plastic fastener used for attaching the bolt, right?

 

[Martyd]

The filler pipe in my 2015 is not rigid. About 1/4 inch of wobble. This is before the recall fix.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Work order does mention protective film. If there, it was laid down before they applied the undercoating underneath of the bracket.

As well as a decal ... not sure if part of the repair or work completion. I don't see a completion sticker so must be part of recall work to cover the old bolt hole.

 

[ColtX-5]

The filler pipe in my 2015 is not rigid. About 1/4 inch of wobble. This is before the recall fix.

I never noticed it when filling, but mine can be moved within the rubber grommet inside the fuel door.

I scheduled my repair this afternoon; the first appointment was a week away!

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

 

[MikeM.]

Do you really think Mazda would initiate the recall themselves and they would do it voluntarily without NHTSA's intervening?

Yes, it happens all the time that a manufacturer initiates a recall as soon as they are made aware of a safety defect. Because the awarded damages for accidental death can go much, much higher if the manufacturer was made aware of the defect but decided not to do anything about it. This was a voluntary recall by Mazda as evidenced by the fact that Mazda, after reviewing the test data from NHTSA, decided the test was valid and a problem existed. You are twisting the actual facts in your pathetic attempt to impinge Mazda's reputation. In fact, Mazda acted quickly and voluntarily to remedy the problem as soon as it was discovered. This is evidenced by the timeline published by NHTSA here:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM497833/RCLRPT-16V064-9283.PDF

You have an obvious and disgraceful history of distorting the truth in pathetic attempts to damage Mazda's reputation. I'm not sure what your motive is (disgruntled ex-employee, anti-Japanese racist who is jealous of their superior automotive technology or simply a person unhappy with his/her life) but you need to look at what you're doing here for your own good.

When I put in the fuel pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck of our CX-5, it can wobble like the whole filler pipe is loose. Of course your God sent CX-5 will never have any problems and flaws and you can't never tell you're having this issue. See, your CX-5 mysteriously escaped this recall even though your fuel filler pipe, body member, and bracket seem the same as other MYs.

Yrwei, it appears you are attempting to impinge my good reputation by implying that I have been less than forthcoming about issues that my car has. My "God sent" CX-5 will never have any problems and it "mysteriously" escaped this recall? You seem to imply that I had an active role in this or, at the very least, that Mazda is up to something nefarious here. But you are not an automotive engineer and have not performed any testing and you do not understand the specific systems under discussion or their design intent in terms of being as safe as possible during severe impacts.

My car is a model year 2013. I have only seen recalls for 2014-2016. Do you know something the rest of us don't? Because that would be a first. Your insinuations are not welcome.

I am not an automotive engineer but I am quite confident this "wobble" of the fuel filler neck is by design. If you look at the area in question, it appears the nozzle neck is held captive by a thin plastic ring that is of a greater diameter than the fuel cap. In a severe accident in which portions of the vehicles structure are displaced by a few feet, this ring is probably designed to allow the fuel cap to pass through the body intact (without ripping the cap off the filler tube). The wobble is almost certainly not a design flaw but a safety feature. But you cannot see this because, in your pathetic mind, everything (and I mean everything) about the CX-5 is a design flaw. The CX-5 is one of the crappiest cars ever built.

 

[MikeM.]

But who knows, the whole thing could have been started from a simple safety complaint to NHTSA website filed by the owner of this burned-out CX-5:

Who knows, you could be trying to scare CX-5 owners? Who knows, the statement that there have been no fires attributable to this defect could be a big conspiracy? Who knows?

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/02/mazda-cx5-stop-sale-official/

 

[MikeM.]

The filler pipe in my 2015 is not rigid. About 1/4 inch of wobble. This is before the recall fix.

The recall fix will not change the fact that the filler neck is not held rigidly to the body (by design).

There is no practical reason why it should be a solid connection and I'm sure plenty of people have burned needlessly to death from fuel spillage caused by the rigid filler necks before these types of safety improvements were engineered.

 

[djaj]

i got it in the mail a couple of days ago.

 

[yrwei52]

Yes, it happens all the time that a manufacturer initiates a recall as soon as they are made aware of a safety defect. Because the awarded damages for accidental death can go much, much higher if the manufacturer was made aware of the defect but decided not to do anything about it. This was a voluntary recall by Mazda as evidenced by the fact that Mazda, after reviewing the test data from NHTSA, decided the test was valid and a problem existed. You are twisting the actual facts in your pathetic attempt to impinge Mazda's reputation. In fact, Mazda acted quickly and voluntarily to remedy the problem as soon as it was discovered. This is evidenced by the timeline published by NHTSA here:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM497833/RCLRPT-16V064-9283.PDF

I'm perfectly aware of the timeline. We're arguing nothing but semantics at this point. Did Mazda officially initiate the recall? Sure, but in practice, we both know that Mazda was unaware of the issue before the NHTSA compliance test and no action would have occurred had the issue not been tested. In my mind, you cannot talk about the recall without first explaining how the issue was discovered and brought to Mazda's attention. Had the issue been discovered internally, that would be a different matter.

You have an obvious and disgraceful history of distorting the truth in pathetic attempts to damage Mazda's reputation. I'm not sure what your motive is (disgruntled ex-employee, anti-Japanese racist who is jealous of their superior automotive technology or simply a person unhappy with his/her life) but you need to look at what you're doing here for your own good.

It's funny that an anti-Japanese racist would own multiple Japanese cars, isn't it? I'm simply trying to discuss the issues, and you continue to bring personal attacks through suggestion or innuendo just because you don't like what I have to say about Mazda. I don't think that's right.

My car is a model year 2013. I have only seen recalls for 2014-2016. Do you know something the rest of us don't? Because that would be a first. Your insinuations are not welcome.

I am not an automotive engineer but I am quite confident this "wobble" of the fuel filler neck is by design. If you look at the area in question, it appears the nozzle neck is held captive by a thin plastic ring that is of a greater diameter than the fuel cap. In a severe accident in which portions of the vehicles structure are displaced by a few feet, this ring is probably designed to allow the fuel cap to pass through the body intact (without ripping the cap off the filler tube). The wobble is almost certainly not a design flaw but a safety feature. But you cannot see this because, in your pathetic mind, everything (and I mean everything) about the CX-5 is a design flaw. The CX-5 is one of the crappiest cars ever built.

Do you have a link indicating that the fuel filler neck design is for safety concerns? I imagine that if it was, it would be advertised somewhere.

Finally, nowhere did I say or imply that the CX-5 is one of the crappiest cars ever built; it would be pretty damning of my own judgment given I purchased one myself after much research and comparisons to other models and brands. But to pretend that the CX-5 is completely without flaws is hard-headed brand shilling at its finest.

 

[MikeM.]

Sure, but in practice, we both know that Mazda was unaware of the issue before the NHTSA compliance test and no action would have occurred had the issue not been tested.

But I didn't take issue with that. I take issue with your statement "Do you really think Mazda would initiate the recall themselves and they would do it voluntarily without NHTSA's intervening?". And my answer to that is an unqualified yes. This entire recall will cost less than if Mazda had to defend against one wrongful death lawsuit.

It's funny that an anti-Japanese racist would own multiple Japanese cars, isn't it?

But I didn't say you are a anti-Japanese racist, I said I don't know why you would attack Mazda 24/7 and threw out the only three possible reasons that came to mind. Upon further reflection, you are probably just an unhappy person who is unusually negative, even about things that are inconsequential, untrue or a feature, not a defect.

Do you have a link indicating that the fuel filler neck design is for safety concerns? I imagine that if it was, it would be advertised somewhere.

See, this is what I'm talking about. You take a lack of positive affirmation to imply a negative, even when there is no evidence it's a negative. There are hundreds of minor safety features designed into every CX-5 that are only documented in Mazda's internal engineering documents.

Finally, nowhere did I say or imply that the CX-5 is one of the crappiest cars ever built

But I didn't claim you said the CX-5 is one of the crappiest cars ever built. However, that is certainly the impression that any rational person would be left with after reading all of your comments.

But to pretend that the CX-5 is completely without flaws is hard-headed brand shilling at its finest.

I can't help it if my heating/AC system works properly, the seats are comfortable on long drives, the HID headlights are best in class and it sips fuel. None of these things are untrue and I never hesitate to be critical of the one major flaw I do find, that the TomTom NB-1 "navigation system" is a complete joke and has no business being called a "navigation system". I'm not "brand shilling", I'm speaking out against misleading bashing of things that aren't even flaws. The fuel filler neck has play in it? It's designed to have a better chance of keeping the occupants safe in an accident. It would have been cheaper and simpler to affix it rigidly to the body than to design it to have a better chance of staying intact during a severe accident. This is the kind of constant bashing that exposes you for what you are.

I've never owned a Mazda before in my life, in fact, other than one Subaru, it's the first Japanese car I've ever bought. And, yes, I'm highly impressed with the design engineering, the driving dynamics, the reliability, the build quality and the overall ownership experience. I'm sorry you're disgruntled about every major and minor system of the car.

 

[nmcbride]

Since having the recall issue dealt, with the fuel filler neck has no noticeably more or less play to it than my 2016 Accord.

 

[Martyd]

The recall fix will not change the fact that the filler neck is not held rigidly to the body (by design).

There is no practical reason why it should be a solid connection and I'm sure plenty of people have burned needlessly to death from fuel spillage caused by the rigid filler necks before these types of safety improvements were engineered.

I agree that a solid connection is not necessary. What I was responding to was your comment,

"What the hell are you talking about here? "

I thought perhaps you did not believe a wobble was possible and the Mazda was designed to be rigid.

 

[yrwei52]

I agree that a solid connection is not necessary. What I was responding to was your comment,

"What the hell are you talking about here? "

I thought perhaps you did not believe a wobble was possible and the Mazda was designed to be rigid.

Everybody followed this thread can see he's changed his stance...

 

[yrwei52]

Do the techs have to remove any interior or exterior panels??

Only area that was disturbed was shown in picture.... they probably have put it on a lift....unsure on that part. I'll try simulating getting my hand up there with a ratchet. If I was doing this at home I would be using some ramps to ensure the undercoating was applied properly.

Our CX-5 hasn't done the recall yet. I did try to find the bolt in question yesterday when I had a chance as my wife is the daily driver. But I couldn't find it even though I followed the left-rear shock absorber as the reference point. It seems the filler pipe is hidden behind the plastic wheel well liner.