Mazda is conducting a safety campaign that affects certain 2016 MX-5s over a potentially dangerous situation.
The NHTSA explained that, due to the improper maintenance of a weld contact pin, the skid plate and metal bracket could detach from underneath the vehicle, thus creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of an accident. Prior to separation, drivers will hear a metallic rattle noise. Mazda is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths related to this defect.
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A total of 2,476 units of the popular roadster, made between May 26 and July 6, 2015, are included in this recall, although the feds estimate that only 1 percent of the cars might actually have the defect. As far as the fix goes, the company’s technicians will replace the skid plate free of charge. The new part has proper weld strength, thanks to an improved welding process, so the cars that will be repaired won’t suffer from the same fault in a few years.
Dealers have already been informed of the recall at the beginning of the month, whereas owners of the affected MX-5s should hear from Mazda before or on August 26. Should they not receive the official letter, they can reach out to the automaker, contacting their customer service at 1-800-222-5500, or the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
