Mazda has issued a huge Mazda3 and Mazda6 recall in America
Over 220 thousand Mazda3 and Mazda6 models have had a recall in America
(there are no details for South Africa yet) due to a potential fault with the parking brake, or hand brake as it’s fondly known as in South Africa. The brake apparently malfunctions by either not disengaging when released, or not engaging when used.
This could cause the brake to “drag” while driving if it does not disengage. Or the parking brake may not be strong enough to hold the car when parked causing it to potential roll away. The fault was first reported in Canada in 2015, but by 2017 13 reports had been received. 2 Accidents have been reported, one in the U.K. and one in Germany where the Mazda3 and Mazda6 rolled away while parked. No injuries seem to have been reported.
Models affected:
- Mazda3: 2014 / 2015 and 2016
- Mazda6: 2014 and 2015
- The problem only affects models fitted with hand parking brake.
The actual problem
Inside the brake calipers of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 is a brake actuator shaft that gets corroded. This is caused as water could pass the protective boot which seems to be the faulty part and needs replacing.
The Solution
The recall will begin rolling out on 21 August 2017 in the U.S. after Mazda has informed American car dealerships on 7 August. After inspection, either only the boot would need replacing, but should the brake caliper or actuator shaft is corroded, they would be replaced free of charge also.
Huge Mazda recall in South Africa last year
Last year Mazda had a global recall due to faulty airbags. 8000 Mazda6 RX-8 models were affected by the recall in South Africa. While no airbags were deployed, Mazda continued with the recall. Mazda appears to move pretty quickly. I suspect that should the hand brake problem affect South African Mazda3 and Mazda6 models, Mazda will act swiftly once again and recall..
