42,000 more Mazda cars recalled because of spider problem

Mazda’s web of spider problems is growing.

In one of the stranger recalls in recent memory, Mazda is again recalling some of its cars to fix a problem with spiders getting inside and wreaking havoc.

The latest recall involves 42,000 Mazda6 midsize sedans from the 2010-12 model years, and equipped with the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the spiders can weave a web inside a vent hose connected to the fuel tank. This blockage can cause excessive negative pressure inside the gas tank itself.

“Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire,” NHTSA said in a statement.

There have been no fires, accidents or injuries as a result of this issue, Mazda said.

Mazda dealers will notify owners of the affected cars and will reprogram the cars’ ECU to compensate for the potential effect of the spiders. Dealers will also clean and inspect the vent hose.

The problem is similar to one discovered in 2011 when Mazda had to recall 65,000 of its 6 sedans from the 2009-10 model years. The culprit was found to be the yellow sac spider, a mildly venomous species (their bite is similar to a mosquito bite). At the time, Mazda surmised that the spiders were attracted to the hydrocarbons in the cars.

That recall installed covers on the vent in the fuel tanks to keep the little guys out. Subsequently, Mazda decided to take the additional step of reprogramming the cars’ computers, leading to this latest recall.