This appears to be a Mazda manufacturing defect caused by the lack of quality control.
Mazda is recalling 2009-2013 Mazda6 models because the door latch mounting screws may become loose. In a required NHTSA filing made public before the right wing of the Republican Party shut the government down, Mazda said that if all three door latch-mounting screws become excessively loose, the door latch mechanism would not engage. As a result, the door might open while the vehicle is in motion increasing the risk of accident or injury. More than 161,400 Mazda6 sedans built by the UAW in Flat Rock, Michigan are affected, it was revealed before the Republicans shut down the U.S.safety agency NHTSA along with the rest of the government.
The recall was prompted by a NHTSA investigation opened last May about doors suddenly opening. In reply to a NHTSA request for more information, Mazda said that if all three door-latch mounting screws become excessively loose the door latch mechanism would not engage and the door ajar warning light will illuminate.
Initially Mazda maintained the door opening problem did not exist, a response AutoInformed has seen at other Japanese automakers, infamously Toyota. Further investigation revealed that vehicles in use had screw loosening because they were below the specified torque and/or screws were missing. Then Mazda maintained that drivers were ignoring the warning light when the problem occurred.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will apply a thread locking adhesive to the door screws and re-torque them, free of charge as is required by U.S. safety regulations when the government is operating. The recall is expected to begin by 18 October 2013. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s recall number is 7013I. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.
