A Web of Destruction for Mazda Owners

In a web of recalls already this year, Mazda may be leading with the most bizarre reason for a recall – spider webs. Mazda is recalling 52,000 vehicles because spider webs can potentially clog the vent line. Apparently, the yellow sac spider loves the smell of gasoline and may choose to build a web in the vehicle emission system restricting the vent line, which could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure in the fuel tank. The build-up of webs in the emission systems could clog the ventilation leading to fuel tank cracks and possible leaks.

According to an automotive journalist, “Once it smells the gasoline from outside, it will go inside. In the United States, it’s a relatively common type of spider." When asked why the Mazda6 and not other vehicles, he said “The Mazda6, has two pipes coming out from its gas tank, which is extremely rare and means that the smell of gasoline is strong enough to draw the spider in but not strong enough to kill it.”

The recall applies to 2009-2010 model year Mazda6’s. Back in October 2009, the automaker examined a Mazda6 with a crack in the fuel tank and found a spider web in the vent line, but not connection was made at that time. The Japanese auto manufacturer has now found twenty cases of yellow sac spiders spinning webs in vent lines, but Mazda says no fires, accidents, or injuries are known to have been caused by this issue.

Dealers will inspect the vent tubes and if they find spider webs, remove them. Additionally, all Mazda’s under the recall will be installed with a spring to prevent the spiders from entering the vent. Mazda6 owners can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 or visit safercar.gov to learn more about the recall.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by plaintiffs involved in pending, personal injury litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association as well as their ABA Advisory Committee, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.