Mazda is known for producing vehicles that meet the highest quality and safety standards. However, similar to other automakers, the company may sometimes have to recall certain vehicles due to unforeseen circumstances. Whether this is for a minor or major problem, you should heed a recall to ensure a safe and pleasant driving experience. If you've received a recall notice for your Mazda model in Lunenberg, Massachusetts, come to North End Mazda for recall repairs that you can trust. 

What Is a Mazda Recall?

When Mazda issues a recall for your vehicle model, you may feel a little uneasy and worried. However, you should find some relief in knowing that vehicle recalls are relatively common in the automotive industry. Getting a recall notice doesn't necessarily mean that your Mazda model is poorly built or unsafe to drive. In many cases, it's only to address a small problem that can be quickly and easily fixed. 

Usually, a Mazda recall occurs when a large number of consumers complain about certain issues in one or more Mazda models. In response to these complaints, Mazda examines car models with similar problems to determine whether an error was present when the vehicles rolled off the assembly line. If the issue is indeed a manufacturing defect, the company will send out a recall notice to owners of the affected models, informing them that they should bring their vehicles to a Mazda dealership for repairs. Typically, you don't need to pay anything to get your recalled vehicle fixed. 

Why Is Your Mazda Recalled?

Your Mazda vehicle may be on the recall list for a variety of reasons, but it's usually because of a safety issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the agency that supervises safety recalls, but auto manufacturers are responsible for initiating them. 

According to the NHTSA, a recall should occur when there's a defect that poses a safety risk to a specific group of vehicles, either in its manufacture or design. Recalled vehicles are those that fail to comply with the minimum performance standards set for parts that have an impact on safety. Common safety-related defects that require a recall include:

• Faulty steering components that make the vehicle more difficult to control
• Sticking or broken gas pedal
• Inoperable windshield wipers that reduce or obstruct the driver's view.
• Wiring issues that can potentially cause loss of lighting or fire
• Broken engine cooling fans that pose a danger to mechanics
• Malfunctioning seats and seat belts
• Defective air bags
• Damaged or cracked wheels that result in a loss of control

Note that manufacturers can also recall vehicles to fix defects that aren't safety-related. Some of examples of these defects include:

• Excessive oil intake
• Malfunctioning air-conditioning or audio system.
• Abnormal wear and tear on batteries, shocks, exhaust systems, or other components
• Poor paint quality, body panel rust, and other blemishes

Should You Drive Your Recalled Mazda Before Going In for Repairs?

If your Mazda has been recalled, you may be wondering if it's safe to continue driving it without getting the needed repairs. Well, it depends on what type of defect your car has. The best thing to do is to read the recall notice. The notice will let you know whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive. If the problem is faulty brakes or potential engine stalling, Mazda may issue a “do not drive” warning. In this case, you may put your life in danger if you ignore the recall. 

In some cases, a recall notice may also instruct you to park your vehicle outside or away from any structures. This is usually because the car has a problem that poses a fire or explosion risk, such as a defective battery or wiring issue. 

If you don't see any warning in your recall notice, you can still drive your Mazda if needed. However, it's essential for a mechanic to repair your car as soon as possible. Bear in mind that a defective part can cause additional wear or damage to another component, so it may not be a good idea to delay your visit to a Mazda service center. 

How Do You Find Out About a Recall?

If your Mazda model is involved in a recall, you should receive a letter from your local Mazda dealership asking you to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. The recall letter includes information such as a description of the defect, any potential hazards this poses, warning signs, repair procedures needed, estimated repair time, and your next steps. 

Note that a recall notice can sometimes be sent to the wrong address. This may happen if you're not the first owner of your vehicle or have moved to another place. You can find out whether your car is on the recall list by using the recall lookup tool on the NHTSA's website. This tool requires you to enter your car's 17-digit vehicle identification number, which can be found at the lower left corner of your windshield or on the driver-side door post. Alternatively, you can just contact your local Mazda dealership.

What Are the Most Recent Mazda Recalls?

Mazda has a relatively low recall rate compared with other auto manufacturers, so you most likely won't have to take your vehicle to a recall center. However, to be sure, let's take a look at the following list of recent Mazda recalls:

• 2020 to 2021 CX-30 — Power lift-gate issue
• 2020 Mazda3 and CX-30 — Front brake caliper problem
• 2019 to 2020 Mazda3 — Faulty automatic emergency braking
• 2003 to 2013 Mazda6 and 2006 to 2007 Mazdaspeed6 — Takata air bag issue

Serving Lunenberg, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lancaster, Devens, Groton, and Townsend, North End Mazda is one of the best places in northeastern Massachusetts to get recall work done on your prized Mazda. With a fully equipped recall center, devoted team of factory-trained technicians, and a well-stocked parts center, we can perform any recall repairs your vehicle needs with utmost precision and efficiency. Rest assured, we'll get you back on the road in no time. If you need more information about Mazda recalls, please don't hesitate to contact us.