Despite the strict quality control that the Hiroshima-base automaker is employing on the production of its vehicles still there are defects or flaws that seem to slip undetected and unfortunately it is only when customers start complaining that such defects are discovered.
And just recently Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will be recalling more than 280,000 cars in Japan due to defects. This is currently the biggest vehicle recall of the automaker on record in Japan.
Mazda will recall 287,987 Demio and Verisa compact models produced between June 2003 and July 2006. The defects were found to affect the clutch systems and coil springs in the suspensions according to Mazda spokeswoman Aya Takahashi. She also added that so far there were no injuries or damage that have been reported but of course the automaker will not wait until for their customers to get hurt so they are announcing a recall.
The automaker will conduct the repairs for free however it did not specify the total cost of the current recalls.
Mazda spokeswoman Takahashi further stated that there are some 25,559 Demios much popularly known as Mazda2 overseas that were exported during that time. These cars are not included in the domestic recall but Mazda assured that it will handle the defects of exported models inline with local regulations.
Out of the 25,559 exported Demios, 20,850 were shipped to Australia, 1,166 vehicles were taken to New Zealand, 1,147 to Singapore, and 262 units to Hong Kong. The present 280,000 recall is the largest recall in Japan ever since the Mazda has began taking recall data in 1994 explained Takahashi. She said that the company’s previously recorded recall was for 162,405 vehicles which were in March of 2004.
One of the causes of the present recall is related to the coil springs with coatings that can be removed easily attributed to the inappropriate installation of the parts said Takahashi. The danger of this is that the coil will rust but the worst scenario is that it will break and might cause accident.
Another problem pertains to the material used to cap the hydraulic oil used in the clutch system since it could leak causing the clutch not to function properly.
Mazda Is not the only Japanese automaker that is experiencing an increasing number of recall this is because once defective products are found in a certain model it usually affects other models since usually this same parts like for example Mazda headlights are often used for multiple models among automakers.
Last March, Honda Motor Co. has also announced a recall of more than 290,000 vehicles from its 13 models. The reason for the recall was to repair a manufacturing defect that could stop the cars’ engines.
About Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda Motor Corporation has started manufacturing tools since the year 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. Then in the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines.
Mazda’s headquarter is located in Hiroshima in western Japan and today the automaker ranks as one of Japan’s leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. Mazda’s overseas sales account for more than half of its total turnover. Mazda has two main production sites in Japan and 19 overseas facilities. The Overseas sites include joint ventures based in the United States, and also in Thailand. Ford Motor Company is Mazda’s largest shareholder.
By: Kraig JohanssenAbout the Author:
Kraig Johanssen is a native of Connecticut and holds a degree in Software Engineering. He now works at a software development firm in Alabama. His love for writing and great interest on cars makes him a proficient contributing author to various automotive magazines.
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