5 unusual or downright bizarre vehicle recalls
Automakers issue a dizzying number of safety recalls, and fortunately there's Transport Canada's recall database to keep track of them all.
We've taken the time to list some of the most unusual, even bizarre, cases that have occurred in recent years. Here are five of them:
Mazda6 2010 to 2012 - 5,466 units recalled in Canada
Description: On some vehicles fitted with the 2.5 L engine, a particular type of spider could weave a web in the charcoal filter vent pipe, causing a restriction in the pipe. Should this happen, the pressure in the fuel tank could become excessively negative as the emission control system works to purge vapors from the charcoal filter. As the carbon filter is purged repeatedly during normal vehicle operation, stresses on the fuel tank could eventually result in a crack causing a fuel leak.
Correction: Dealers must inspect the charcoal filter vent pipe and, if any cobwebs are found, replace the fuel tank and the check valve on the charcoal filter vent pipe. The powertrain control module must also be reprogrammed with modified software to prevent excessive negative pressure in the fuel tank.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic - 1,215 units recalled in Canada
Description: On some vehicles, the front brake shoes may not have been fitted when the vehicle was assembled. This could increase stopping distances, possibly resulting in a collision causing property damage and/or personal injury.
Correction: Dealers should inspect front brakes and, if necessary, install brake pads in addition to replacing calipers and discs.
Various Nissan models 2004 to 2013 - 10,846 units recalled in Canada
Description: On certain vehicles, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover could detach and become a projectile when the airbag deploys in an accident. The recall applies to certain vehicles where the driver's side front airbag has been replaced.
Correction: Nissan to notify owners by mail. Corrective measures for this recall are still under development.
Volkswagen Golf and Jetta 2002 to 2004 - 108,501 units recalled in Canada
Description: The seat heating element on some vehicles equipped with optional comfort seats may malfunction. If this happens, the person sitting on the seat could feel excessive heat in that area. The heating element could damage the seat or make a small hole in it. If this happens, you'll notice a smell of heated wire or melted object, or the presence of a little smoke. In some cases, the small hole drilled in the seat could damage the clothes of the person sitting on it. On rare occasions, this could result in a minor or superficial injury to the skin.
Correction: Dealers must modify the driver's seat heating system by installing a repair kit (electrical parts) and install a new switch for the passenger's seat heater.
Kia Sportage 2000 - 5,466 units recalled in Canada
Description: Some vehicles do not meet the requirements of Regulation 6 - Declaration of Conformity. The outer border of the National Safety Mark has been omitted, and the vehicle type is not shown in both official languages on the compliance label.
Correction: A valid National Safety Mark must be affixed to the vehicles concerned. A sticker bearing the vehicle type in English and French must be affixed to the permanent compliance label.
Long live Quebec!
