Mazda issued a recall for 52,000 units of 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 models in America due to a very strange reason. According to NHTSA’s report, Mazda6’s evaporative canister vent line is a perfect place for a certain species of spider. Who knew!

Now, if the spider gets in there and weave a web, that’ll result in a clogged vent and that will cause the fuel pressure to go excessively negative. Long story short that may eventually cause the fuel tank to crack, which means fuel leakage and increased risk of fire.

The dealers will inspect the vent, kill every spider they find, clean it up and install a spring that prevents other spiders from entering the vent! We had recalls for some weird problems before, but this one tops the list.

NHTSA Report:

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 52,000

Summary:
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 MAZDA6 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 8, 2008, THROUGH FEBRUARY 8, 2010. A CERTAIN TYPE OF SPIDER MAY WEAVE A WEB IN THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER VENT LINE AND THIS MAY CAUSE A RESTRICTION IN THE LINE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE MAY BECOME EXCESSIVELY NEGATIVE WHEN THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WORKS TO PURGE THE VAPORS FROM THE CANISTER.

Consequence:
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 AD AN INCREASED RISK OF FIRE.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CLEAN UP THE CANISTER VENT LIN, AND INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF SPIDER FROM ENTERING THE VENT LINE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.