Recall: 2008 Mazda3 - Windshield wiper issue

Consumer Reports News: June 16, 2011 04:23 PM

Mazda announced yesterday the recall of 494,500 of its 2008 Mazda3/Axela cars due to an electronic glitch that could prevent the windshield wipers from working.

The recall affects about 157,700 vehicles in North America, according to Reuters. The recall covers cars and related parts shipped between January 2008 and July 2010. Mazda did not disclose the cost of the recall.

Motor Trend reported that Mazda discovered that an oxide film can develop around the wiper motor's ground wire contact point, ultimately causing a loss of contact for the ground wire.

Mazda will be sending out letters notifying customers this summer, and will install new ground wire free of charge, according to Motor Trend.

Sources:
Recall roundup: 2008 Mazda3 windshield wiper issue [Motor Trend]
Mazda recalls 494,500 Mazda3/Axela cars globally [Reuters]

—Evan MacDonald