Mazda to recall 161,400 Mazda6 sedans in the US over defective door latches
30 Sep 2013
Japanese carmaker Mazda Motor Corp yesterday said that it is recalling 161,400 Mazda6 sedans in the US over defective door latches.
The recalls affect 2009-2013 model years of Mazda6 built before 24 August 2012.
The automaker said that that doors could open while the cars are in motion due to defective door latch mounting screws.
The door latch mounting screws may become loose due to lack of torque during manufacturing and / or unevenness of the door shell in the latch mounting area, which could cause the screw's axial force to decrease, and in turn may cause the screw to loosen while the vehicle is in use.
''If all three door latch mounting screws become excessively loose the door latch mechanism would not engage and the door ajar warning light will illuminate. However, if the warning light goes unnoticed and the vehicle is driven, the door might open while the vehicle is in motion increasing the risk of accident or injury,'' Mazda said in a statement.
The company said owners of the affected vehicle will be notified of this issue and instructed to take their vehicles to a Mazda dealer to remove the door latch mounting screws on all doors, apply a thread locking adhesive, and retighten the screws to the specified torque.
In case of missing screws, a new screw will be treated with thread locking adhesive, and tightened to the specified torque.
The repair will be performed free of charge.