Spider Infestations Trigger Mazda Recall

Toxic spiders found dwelling in fuel lines
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 4, 2011 1:21 AM CST
Mazda Recall Ordered After Spider Infestation
"Perhaps yellow sac spiders like to go zoom-zoom?" a Mazda spokesman quipped.   (AP Photo/Mazda North America Operations)

If you're not already an arachnophobe, a bizarre recall from Mazda might be enough to turn you into one. The Japanese automaker is recalling 65,000 vehicles in North America because of infestations of poisonous spiders, the BBC reports. The yellow sac spider—which has a mildly toxic bite—has been building webs in hoses leading to the fuel tank of the Mazda6, a problem which could cause cracks and fuel leaks.

Mazda says the webs have been found in some 20 vehicles so far, but no accidents have been caused by the spiders, and no technicians fixing the problem have been bitten. The company has no idea why the spiders have chosen the Mazda6. "We really don't know how they're getting in," a Mazda spokesman tells the Los Angeles Times. "I'd think it would be pretty tricky, but spiders are resourceful." Owners of affected vehicles will be notified and told to take their car to their local dealer for spider-proofing. (More Mazda stories.)

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