Recall wrap: Mazda to fix seat-lifter flaw

Mazda has announced a recall for a seat lifter in its Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models sold between September 4, 2007 and March 28, 2012.

Nearly 125,000 cars are affected and, according to the importer, "on the driver's seat of the affected vehicles, it is possible that the Seat Height Adjustment Lifter Link may crack, or the Lifter Link Retaining Nuts may separate".

In the event that happens, "the seat may exhibit an abnormal noise or rattling. In the worst case, the Lifter Link may break or separate from the seat frame, causing the seat to move out of position."

It's the second recall from Mazda within a week, the other recall being for the BT-50 commercial with automatic transmission, due to possible failure of the output-shaft speed sensor. Should the sensor fail the transmission will shift down to first gear, "which could result in a loss of vehicle control".

More than 5000 vehicles sold between October 31, 2011 and December 3, 2012 are affected by that recall and the importer will contact vehicle owners by mail, inviting them to arrange a time with the nearest convenient Mazda dealer for the vehicle to be inspected and repaired.

Other recalls announced during the week included Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Pulsar N16.

In the case of the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz advises that 769 vehicles sold between April 2016 and August 2016 are subject to the recall notice, for an incorrectly routed electrical wiring harness to the windscreen wiper motor. Due to the movement of the wiper linkage, the wiring may be frayed and the motor will cease to work as a consequence.

Benz will contact vehicle owners by letter to advise the owners how to proceed.

Hyundai advises that 755 units of the Sonata are being recalled for a wind deflector plate for the panoramic sunroof may detach while the vehicle is in motion. If the deflector plate separates from the car entirely, it could pose a hazard to other road users. It may also damage the sunroof glass, even if it doesn't come away from the car's bodywork.

The Vehicle Identification Number range for the cars being recalled is KMHE341*BFA017122 to KMHE341*BFA163661 and the cars were sold between July 10, 2014 and August 13, 2015.

Owners of vehicles sold during that period or bearing a VIN in this range should take the car to the nearest convenient dealer for a visual inspection. If the deflector plate needs replacement, this will be done at no cost to the owner.

Finally, Nissan has added two more cars to its Takata airbag recall tally. The affected vehicles are an N16 Pulsar (VIN: JN1CBAN16A0018390) and a Y61 Patrol (JN1TFSY61A0330012). Build dates are August 27, 2001 for the Pulsar, and August 25, 2001 for the Patrol.