Mazda 6 Recall Potential Fire Risk

[csv8]

Mazda has suspended deliveries of its medium-sized 6 amid concerns with a DC-DC electrical converter that could potentially result in a fire.

The fault is expected to result in a recall for approximately 1500 Mazda6s, the latest generation of which went on sale late in 2012.

Sources have told Drive that the brand is examining flaws in one of the components in the system called i-ELOOP that is an energy recovery system that helps reduce fuel use.

The faulty component is understood to be a DC converter used to feed electricity back into the car for use on ancillaries such as the radio and ventilation systems.
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It's understood dealers suspended delivery of the all Mazda6s last week until it has found a fix.

Mazda spokesman Steve Maciver says few details are available and that staff were going to “try and get to the bottom of it”.

“Engineers have discovered a potential quality concern with Mazda6,” he says.

“We should have more information in due course. The engineers are looking into it.”

The Mazda6 is sold with a choice of 2.5-litre, 138kW/260Nm petrol or 2.2-litre, 129kW/420Nm turbo diesel engines. The brand’s CX-5 SUV uses the same motors, but it says only the Mazda6 is affected.

Maciver could not say whether the problem was confined to Australia or had links overseas, and that it is too early to say whether the Mazda6 will be recalled.

“We need to find out exactly what is going on,” he says.

“As soon as we know what the problem is we can then plot a course of action.”

Mazda Australia’s last recall was issued in November 2012.

It addressed a flaw in the Mazda Tribute utility that carried a risk of its throttle jamming open.
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...325-2gouv.html

[Kable72]

Cool..

[Silver Ghia]

Just like what happens when any new technology is introduced, with the inherent teething problems.

[naddis01]

Of course the cx5 wouldn't have the issue since it doesn't have the cause - i-ELOOP.

[2011G6E]

I recall urgent bulletins going out about the first hybrids like Prius's and so on, to fire departments and anyone who might come across one after an accident. Our sons were both in the SES at the time and brought home a fact sheet.
It said what to watch out for, not to go near anything sparking (obviously) what colour thick cables to watch out for if getting someone out (orange cables, I seem to recall?), and that a "normal" car might have a few amps running around the electrical system after an accident, but in an electric car or hybrid with a big battery pack, there could be hundreds of amps,and it didn't take much to stop your heart.

Any new technology...like the great idea Mazda has for recovering otherwise wasted energy in the 6...is bound to have initial problems.

[stevz]

Great to see an imported brand getting some bad publicity for once. According to some they can do no wrong.

[2011G6E]

I don't think anyone said they can do no wrong...it's just that normally they do so well that it seems odd when they stuff up.
Our daughter has a previous-model Mazda 6 diesel six speed auto...and I'll say right here it's a magnificent car...comfortable, quiet, reliable, stupid fuel economy that has you checking to see if the needle is actually still working and moving normally, pulls like a train with that manual and turbo diesel engine, it's great.

When you have a lot of personal experience with a car like this and then see a recall, and you step back in disbelief. I know when I read the article I wondered what the hell could have gone so wrong. You just don't expect it.

Other makers however, well, that's just "one of those things that happens from time to time"...no big surprise.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by stevz

Great to see an imported brand getting some bad publicity for once. According to some they can do no wrong.

Problem identified and within a week, the cars in the yards are on hold, Mazda have advised what the problem is about and are working on fixing it. Until they do no more cars will be delivered.

If Mazda follow there past tech support path, if the issue is simple to fix a TSB will be issued to dealers shortly. If the problem is more involved Mazda Japans own engineers will fly out and do the repairs themselves or train key service staff on the fix, like they did with a batch of RX-7's I know about. They were all repaired by Mazda Japan staff.

Remind me how long the issues with premature wear of ball joints on Territory was known for? Something that could be a serious safety issue. Remind me how forthcoming Ford were about notifying customers of the issue? Also how many years (literally) did it take for a proper recall?

You took a cheap shot, but it fell short.

If Ford was as on top of issues for Falcon and Territory in years past, I'd wager a bet their sales right now would look a lot healthier for both.

[graham7773]

Cars having been built since the late 1800's, you would expect a bit more from them, new technology not excepted. If the new technology is suspect, do not put it in cars until it is not suspect.
Typical big business saying that their main concern is driver safety then putting drivers at risk with unproven technology.