RECALL ALERT: Spider Infestation

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Mazda Recalls 2009-10 Mazda6 for Potential Spider Infestation

By Jim Sharifi

Mar 04, 2011



We always thought that the Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the water spout, but now it seems like our favorite nursery rhyme arachnid may be finding a new home in Mazda6 fuel systems. “The Japanese automaker has issued a recall for 52,000 Mazda6 sedans due to potential obstruction in the vehicles' evaporative systems,” writes Autoblog. “Apparently, the evaporative canister vent line of certain 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 models is the perfect home for a species of spider.”

It’s hard to imagine that a spider making its new home in a Mazda6 could cause any serious damage, but the NHTSA writes, “If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapors from the canister.” Left Lane News puts it in layman’s terms: “The actual problem is that the web can then lead to excess pressure build-up in the emission control system, which then in turn can stress the entire fuel tank, potentially causing a crack.”

NHTSA reports that the safety recall will start on March 25, 2011. However, owners with an extreme case of arachnophobia can jumpstart the process by calling the Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500.

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Arachnid Issues with Honda Accord

By Rachel Smith

Mar 10, 2011



Last week we reported that Mazda is recalling 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 models for spiders that take up residence in fuel systems. That’s one of the most interesting recalls we’ve heard in a while, and it turns out that more vehicles are affected by these arachnids than we thought. Honda has reported similar issues in 2008 and 2009 Accords.

“Like in the Mazda 6 recall, the same specific breed of spider can weave a web in the evaporative canister vent, which helps capture any raw fuel from evaporating in the fuel tank,” writes Kicking Tires. “The spiders can prevent the evaporative system (EVAP) from functioning correctly, which, in turn, raises the pressure in the fuel tank and can cause a crack, fuel leak or fire.”

The Chicago Tribune says, “Honda hasn't announced a recall, as Mazda did when the yellow sac spiders were found in Mazda6 sedans, but it has notified dealers to be on the lookout.” According to the LA Times, “the spider problem shows up the most often in 2008 and 2009 model-year Accords.”

For now, Honda hasn’t issued a recall. We’ll let you know if this issue escalates further.

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