Mazda Recalls Nearly 66,000 Cars Because Of… Yellow Sac Spiders?
Mazda is recalling certain Mazda6 sedans from the 2009 and 2010 model years to clean the cobwebs out of their fuel systems.
The car maker says the recall, which affects about 65,916 cars built from April 8, 2008 through Feb. 8, 2010, was brought on by a certain kind of spider called the Yellow Sac. The spider may weave a web in the vent line for the car’s evaporative canister. The web can cause a restriction in the line, which can result in excessive negative pressure (vacuum) in the fuel tank, reported The Wall Street Journal.
The pressure buildup can occur during normal operation when the emission-control system purges vapors from the canister. These purges happen repeatedly as the car is driven and the resulting stress on the tank can cause it to crack.
In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the company said its technicians noted two instances of cracked fuel tanks in 2009 and in the second case they found the web clogging the vent line.
Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes said it is unclear why the spiders were attracted to the Mazda cars. “Perhaps they enjoy cars that are fun to drive.”
On the serious side, he said fuel leaks are potentially dangerous so the company plans to begin the recall on or before March 25. Dealers will inspect and clean the canister vent line, and install a spring to prevent the spider from getting into the line. This service is free of charge. Owners with questions can contact Mazda customer assistance at 1-800-222-5500.
More Industry

Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →
Pump Price Jump Calculated
ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.
Read More →
Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop
Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.
Read More →
Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending
The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Rise
With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.
Read More →
EU Auto Association Urges Action
Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.
Read More →
Driving into the Super CFC Era
Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.
Read More →