Mazda Halts Sales and Production of Mazda5
Originally Posted by
KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Mazda Motor Corp. said Monday it had halted the sale and production of the 2006 Mazda5 crossover because a potential heat buildup in the exhaust system could lead to a fire.
ADVERTISEMENT
The government, meanwhile, said it was investigating reports that the large sun roof on the Cadillac SRX has shattered while driving at highway speeds, showering passengers with glass.
Mazda said it recalled about 2,000 of the Mazda5s that had already been sold and told dealers not to sell another 700 still on dealership lots. The Mazda5, which seats six but is smaller than a typical minivan, first became available in the United States during the summer.
Production of the vehicle, expected at 10,000 to 15,000 in North America, has been suspended while the company investigates the incidents, the automaker said.
"Safety is our No. 1 priority so we've gotten all the customers into loaner vehicles so they're not without a car for the duration," said Mazda spokeswoman Tamara Mlynarczyk.
The recall is based on three reports of fires, which the automaker said appeared to start around the left rear bumper. Mlynarczyk said the automaker is trying to quickly understand the cause of the problem.
Mazda said owners were told it may take about a month to fix the problem. The potential defect is not believed to affect vehicles in Japan and Europe, Mlynarczyk said.
"We first fought the heathens in the name of religion, then Communism, and now in the name of drugs and terrorism. Our excuses for global domination always change." - Serj Tanikan
"Dusting is a good example of the futility of trying to put things right. As soon as you dust, the fact of your next dusting has already been established." - George Carlin
Reply With Quote
