Springs: coil springsRecall 97V-116 · 1992–1995 Mazda MX3

MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC recall 97V-116 covers 25,000 1992–1995 Mazda MX3 for a springs: coil springs problem, reported to NHTSA on July 22, 1997.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected25,0001 model
ReportedJul 22, 1997Owners notified Sep 15, 1997
Complaints since19Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 97V116000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.

What's wrong

The problem

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WASHINGTON, DC. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, CORROSIVE PITS CAN DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING. REPEATED USE CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE COIL SPRING TO BREAK AND A TIRE COULD BE PUNCTURED FROM CONTACT WITH THE BROKEN COIL SPRING.

The risk

THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

What to do

The fix

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GUARD ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL PREVENT THE BROKEN COIL SPRING FROM CONTACTING THE TIRE. IN ADDITION TO PERFORMING THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, MAZDA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR THE LIFT OF THE VEHICLE. IF OWNERS HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THESE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, DUE TO ROAD SALT DAMAGE, MAZDA WILL REIMBURSE THESE OWNERS FOR REASONABLE EXPENSES.

NOTES:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

1 model

Vehicles in this recall

Built from August 1, 1991 to August 31, 1994. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.

Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURERQ98001 · closed Nov 16, 1998
    NHTSA