Mazda recalling 109,000 Tribute SUVs for possible steering-loss issue
Mazda is recalling 109,000 Tribute SUVs to fix possible corrosion issues in the vehicles’ suspension, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
At least it’s not spiders.
The recall affects Mazda Tributes from the 2001-04 model year, and only those sold or currently registered in 20 states and the District of Columbia.
The vehicles are being recalled due to corrosion on a piece of the front suspension called the lower control arm. In some cases, the corrosion can cause the piece to separate, causing the loss of steering, the NHTSA said. This can lead to an increased risk of a crash.
“There have been no accidents or injuries as a result of this situation,” Mazda said in a statement.
Mazda will notify owners, who can bring their vehicles into dealers for an inspection.
If the vehicle needs a new cross-brace, Mazda will provide a free rental vehicle until the new part is available, which could take several weeks. All costs for replacing the part will be covered by Mazda.
Only Tributes sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia are affected by this recall, the NHTSA said.
The news comes just a few weeks after a recurring issue with yellow sac spiders forced Mazda to recall 42,000 Mazda6 sedans from the 2010-12 model years. The issue prompted an initial recall in 2011.
