Skip advert
Advertisement

US Mazda6 recall caused by petrol-sniffing spiders

Spider infestation could cause fires in 42,000 US Mazda6 cars

Petrol-sniffing spiders have forced Mazda to recall around 42,000 of its 6 family car in the US market.

The yellow sac spider is attracted to the scent of petrol and will weave its web in engines, causing an air-blockage and build-up pressure.

In a set of documents it passed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mazda explained: "A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line, potentially causing a restriction in the line.

Advertisement - Article continues below

"If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapours from the canister.

"As the canister is purged repeatedly during normal operation, the stress on the fuel tank may eventually result in a crack, potentially leading to fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire.

While Mazda said it did not know of any of its cars catching fire as a result of yellow sac spider infestation, it admitted it is a problem that has plagued their US-market cars since at least 2009. In 2011, 52,000 Mazda6 cars were recalled across the US for the same issue, but Mazda rectified the problem by designing fitting covers over engine vents to stop the spiders from getting inside the car.

However, some yellow sac spiders were particularly determined, and have continued to set up home in their vehicles.

The recall of Mazda6 models built from 2010 to 2012 will begin at the end of April 2014.

Have you ever experienced car trouble caused by rogue wildlife? Tell us all about it in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025
New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory
Halewood factory - Phil with Range Rover outside

Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory

We take an exclusive look inside JLR’s revamped Liverpool site as the brand gears up for EV production
Features
18 Jul 2025