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Mazda Announces Voluntary Recalls

26 July 1999

Mazda Announces Voluntary Recalls

    IRVINE, Calif., July 23 -- Mazda North American Operations
(MNAO) today announced it is voluntarily recalling 172,154 1995-1997-model
626/MX-6 vehicles for the inspection, and if necessary, replacement of the
vehicle's fuel filler cap.
    Mazda found that certain 1995-1997-model 626/MX-6 models may have been
produced with a fuel filler pipe assembly that does not properly seal the
evaporative emissions system.  Owners will be asked by mail to bring their
vehicles to an authorized Mazda dealer for the inspection, and if necessary,
replacement of the vehicle's fuel filler cap.  The new fuel filler cap
includes a modified O-ring that will securely seal the fuel filler pipe
assembly.  The procedure will be performed free of charge.
    MNAO also announced it is recalling its 2000-model MPV minivans for
repairs to the latching mechanism in the sliding doors.  Due to the limited
number of customer vehicles involved, Mazda will contact owners by telephone.
During durability testing, Mazda found that dust may build up on the lock
mechanism over time, preventing the sliding door latch from fully engaging
when the child safety lock is in the "on" position.  This may result in the
door opening unexpectedly while driving.  There have been no reports of injury
or accidents caused by this condition.
    Mazda is asking owners of the affected vehicles to bring them to an
authorized Mazda dealer for the installation of parts in the sliding door
latching mechanism that will prevent the door from opening when the child
proof door lock is engaged.  The repairs should take about 40 minutes and will
be performed free of charge.  Until the replacement parts are installed, Mazda
recommends that owners not use the child safety locks.
    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 750 dealerships
nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.