Mazda Recalls Vehicles for Potential Fuel Leaks and Fires

Mazda is recalling about 70,000 of its cars from model years 2004 to 2008 because their fuel pump sealing rings may weaken over time and cause leaks, which is in turn a fire hazard. According to a report on Consumerist.com, while Mazda and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have announced the recall, the parts to actually repair the vehicles are not yet available. Mazda will contact car owners to schedule repairs when the parts do become available.

Mazda officials say the defective seals may deteriorate when they are near a source of heat, say, an engine or an exhaust pipe. That is what makes the vehicles a fire hazard since a fire could occur if ignited. Owners of vehicles that are part of this recall could contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. The company’s recall number for this specific problem is 0516J.

The Danger of Fuel Leaks

Driving a vehicle with a fuel leak can be dangerous not just because gas leaks are the leading causes of vehicle fires, but also because it is flammable and creates a slick surface for other drivers. There is potential for significant burns, injury, and even death from gas leak fires, so it is best not to drive a vehicle that has a gas leak. A fuel leak has the potential to cause a fire or explosion if the vapors or gasoline come into contact with a heat source. And this heat source could be something as simple and small as a spark. If this occurs, the gas may ignite putting the passengers of the vehicle and others around the car in grave danger.

What are the signs of a gas leak? Besides the smell of gas, one additional sign you may notice is burning through the fuel sooner than you did before. If you notice that you are filling up your gas tank much more often than before, you may have a fuel leak. Another sign of a fuel leak is a rough idle, which means the vehicle is not smooth when it is on, but not in motion. A second sign that goes along with this is excessive strain on the vehicle when you are trying to start the engine. If you notice either of these two signs separately or together, it is crucial that you get your vehicle inspected.

If You Have Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle defect, you may be able to seek compensation from the automaker by filing an auto product liability claim. An experienced auto defect lawyer will be able to guide through the claim process and help ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses.