Stalling Concerns Sparks Mazda Sedan, SUV Recall

Mazda is recalling more than 120,000 cars that the company says could stall without warning, posing a hazard to drivers, passengers and others on the road.

A faulty fuel pump could fail in the recalled vehicles, Mazda recently told federal regulators. If that happens, vehicles will fail to start or stall unexpectedly.

“The impeller in some low pressure fuel pumps may become deformed under certain conditions, which could cause fuel pump failure,” Mazda said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Fuel pump failure may result in engine no start and/or vehicle stall while driving at low speed and, in rare instances, a vehicle stall could occur while driving at higher speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The recall covers certain 2018 Mazda3 sedans and hatchbacks, 2018 Mazda6 sedans, 2019 CX-3 SUVs, 2018 and 2019 MX-5 Miata coupes and convertibles, 2018 and 2019 CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs, and 2019 and 2020 Mazda2 hatchbacks.

Owners of recalled cars can take their vehicles to a local dealer to have fuel pumps replaced, Mazda said. The company also said it would reimburse owners who already paid out of pocket to have their cars fixed.

In the meantime, Mazda said drivers can look for warning signs of a problem. “Drivers may notice this defect by a check engine light, and/or rough engine operation,” the company told NHTSA.

Defects, Safety Risks, Legal Rights

Mazda has been hailed for the quality and safety of its vehicles, earning the coveted “most reliable brand” title from Consumer Reports. But, like other major auto manufacturers, it still continues to struggle to ensure that the cars it puts on the road are actually safe.

Last year, for instance, Mazda recalled some 24,000 vehicles because of a brake problem that the company said increased the risk of a crash. 

These kinds of recalls are unfortunately common, whether it is from Mazda or another carmaker. The good news is that car owners and lessors in California do not need to wait for a recall to have faulty vehicles fixed.

The California lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces manufacturers to buy back covered vehicles that they are unable or unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner or lessor for the down payment, monthly payments and other related expenses. 

Manufacturers are also on the hook for any fees that an owner or lessor incurs while enforcing their rights under the lemon law. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you hold your car’s manufacturer responsible.

Our California Lemon Law Attorneys Are Ready to Help

At Bickel Sannipoli, our California lemon law attorneys have assisted hundreds of clients across the state stuck with defective or malfunctioning vehicles. 

We are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.