If you have a Mazda RX-8 parked outside that’s around a decade old, you’ll need to go to your nearest dealership soon: cars from model years 2004 through 2008, about 70,000 of which are still on the road, have been recalled because their fuel pump sealing rings may weaken over time and cause leaks, which in turn is a fire hazard.
While Mazda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced the recall, the parts to actually repair vehicles aren’t available yet, and Mazda will contact car owners to schedule a repair when they are.
The defective seals may deteriorate when they’re near a source of heat: say, an engine or an exhaust pipe. That’s what makes the vehicles a fire hazard, not just a smelly-gasoline-leak hazard, since a fire could result if ignited.
RX-8 owners with any questions can contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Cite the company’s recall number for this specific problem, which is 0516J.
RECALL Subject : Fuel Pump Sealing Rings may Leak Fuel [NHTSA] (via Reuters)
by Laura Northrup via Consumerist