Mazda Recalls Over 90,000 Mazda3 Vehicles in Europe

Known as the Mazda Axela in Japan, the first generation Mazda3 was introduced in 2004, with a second generation to follow for the 2010 model year - also the current one. The previous generation Mazda3, has been generally well-received by the European market.

However, some of the customers that chose to buy the model might now be affected by a recall announced by Mazda Motor Europe today.

Specifically, the company says it has decided to recall previous-generation Mazda3 and Mazda3 MPS models due to a possible problem with their front windshield wipers. The affected vehicles were produced between January 7, 2008 and December 22, 2008, which translates into a total of 91,588 cars in Europe.

It all started when a Mazda3 model form the US experienced a front wiper failure, which turned out to be a possible defect that occurred during the factory assembly.

“When a first report reached Hiroshima of front wiper failure in a Mazda3 model in the US, the affected vehicle had a film of oxide around the wiper motor’s ground wire contact point, causing a loss of contact. It was found that the ground terminal could possibly be deformed during assembly of the wiper motor, and this was corrected on the parts production line,” a company statement reads.

Mazda decided to initiate this recall campaign despite the fact that the number of similar reports since then has been minimal. Affected owners in Europe will be notified in writing in mid-July, and asked to bring their car to an authorized dealership. The reworking is free of charge, and requires adding a ground wire to the front wiper motor on all affected vehicles.