Recall wrap: Engine warning for diesel-powered Mazda owners

Mazda has announced a safety recall for some of its most popular models built between 2012 and 2018.

The national recall affects more than 35,000 diesel-powered Mazda models, including the Mazda3 (2014-2016), Mazda6 (2012-2018) and CX-5 (2012-2018).

An accumulation of carbon deposits in the engine’s intake shutter valve are to blame, with Mazda saying owners could experience a gradual drop of engine power, smoke emitting from the engine bay, multiple warning lights on the dash, a gradual increase in vehicle stopping distance and potential engine stall with no restart.

Mazda says it will contact affected owners to organise repairs and a software update once parts become available.

The brand’s CX-9 has also been issued a recall for wiring harness problems, affecting 1280 vehicles built in 2017. Connectors in the harness may have a weak retention force, causing communication errors such as false warnings on the dash, turn signals not operating properly and the front passenger airbag may not deploy as intended.

Mazda’s small car has also been hit with a recall of its own for a faulty fuel tank. Mazda2 models built in 2018 may be fitted with a fuel tank that exceeds the specified manufacturing dimensions, therefore placing additional strain on the tank’s retaining strap, which could eventually break.

Mazda will contact all owners affected.

Peugeot and Citroen have also issued several recalls within the last month.

A faulty seat belt buckle in the middle front seat of 2018-2019 Peugeot Expert vans and Citroen Dispatch KO vans has been noted, affecting a total of 86 vehicles. The manufacturers say the front central passenger seat belt could unclip from the buckle when braking or avoiding obstacles.

Peugeot’s 3008 SUV and Citroen’s C3 have also been issued with a recall, affecting 60 3008s and 233 C3s, all built in 2018.

Those vehicles have been incorrectly fitted with a top tether anchorage point for a child seat to be installed in the front passenger seat, with no option to deactivate the airbag system.

Vehicles in Australia are not given the option to deactivate front passenger airbags as some countries overseas are, meaning there is a risk of serious injury to a child in the front seat if the airbag was to deploy.

Peugeot and Citroen will contact owners of all vehicles to organise repairs.

Meantime, Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for a potential fuel leak on GLE models built in 2019. Affecting just 12 vehicles, ’Benz says the joint between the fuel filler neck and the fuel tank may not be adequately sealed, possibly resulting in a fuel leak.

Mercedes-Benz has also issued a recall for E-Class Estate models built between 2017 and 2019 for potentially loose screws on the rear spoiler.

Elsewhere, 346 Porsche models built between 2016 and 2017 have been recalled, affecting the Panamera, 911, Boxster and Cayman.

Porsche says an “out of specification” capacitor in the airbag control unit may have been installed on the affected vehicles. The capacitor can deploy the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners in the vehicle unexpectedly, or can prevent them from deploying in the event of an accident.

Porsche will contact affected owners.

More than 8000 Hyundai iX35s have been recalled due to a potential oil leak around the engine sump seal. Hyundai will notify owners of the SUV built between 2010 and 2013 to have their vehicles repaired.

Almost 3000 Toyotas have also been issued with a recall notice for a “lower than specified tightening torque of the fuel inlet pipe that supplies the diesel fuel injector common rail, which may allow fuel leakage”. The recall affects the 2019-built LandCruiser Prado, HiAce and HiAce Commuter vans.

Toyota says it will contact owners to organise repairs once parts become available.

More than 14,000 Lexus models have also been found to contain potentially deadly Takata airbags. Lexus’ affected include the IS 250 (2005-2012), IS 350 (2010-2012), IS F (2008-2012) and SC 430 (2001-2010).

Finally, Lamborghini has issued a recall for its Aventador S Coupe and Aventador S Roadster built between 2017 and 2019.

A software fault means the engine may not be able maintain the minimum idle speed required to keep the engine running when idling.

Lamborghini will contact owners to organise a repair.