Mazda drivers urged to check models as UAE recall issued

More than 1,800 vehicles thought to be at fault

A range of Mazda models have been recalled due to a fault with the rear hatch door. Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP

More than 1,800 Mazda vehicles are being recalled in the UAE over a possible fault that could result in injuries.

Galadari Automobiles, Mazda's distributor in the UAE, said a limited number of Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-3, Mazde3 BL, Masda6 GH and Mazda6 GJ models manufactured between 2008 – 2015 could be affected.

An "insufficient rustproof coating" was applied to the ends of the external cylinders of the rear liftgate gas stay dampers (lift supports) that hold up the rear cargo door. If water containing road salt enters, it can cause corrosion and may eventually cause it to break over time.

“We regret to say, on gas filling type liftgate stay dampers, rustproof coating, which is applied to the caulking part at the end portion of external cylinder, may not be appropriate,” said the UAE distributor.

“It is possible that the water containing road salt used in salt regions may penetrate into the resin end cover, allowing the end portion of external cylinder to be corroded.

“If the vehicle continues to be used with such stay damper, the corrosion may progress over time, allowing the thickness of cylinder wall to decrease.”

The rear liftgate may drop suddenly, and cause injury.

“In the worst case, the external cylinder may break off due to internal gas pressure, causing injury to people around the vehicle."

More than 575,000 vehicles were affected in the United States.

But there have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result.

The UAE distributor urged owners of the vehicles to contact the customer care centre to arrange for repairs which will be free of charge.

For further clarification, customers can contact the Galadari Automobiles Customer Care Centre on 800MAZDA (800-62932) from 8am – 5pm Sunday to Thursday