Automaker Recalls 103,000 Mazda3 for Windshield Wiper Problem

WASHINGTON - Mazda Motor Corp. is recalling 103,000 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles over potentially faulty windshield wiper motors.

The Japanese automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it is recalling its 2008-2009 Mazda3 built between January and November 2008. In total, Mazda is recalling 408,782 Mazda3 vehicles sold worldwide to address the issue. Some of the vehicles are sold as the Mazda Axela, reported The Detroit News.

Mazda in a notice posted on NHTSA's website today said the ground terminal of the windshield wiper motors may have been accidentally bent during assembly, which could cause the wipers to fail.

In bad weather, the lack of functioning wipers could raise the risk of a crash.

Mazda said it first received reports of the problem in September and December 2009.

In March 2010, because of an "increasing trend of concern," the automaker reopened its investigation, but opted not to mount a recall because the number of incidents was low.

This month, after more incidents were reported, Mazda opted to conduct a recall.

Mazda spokeswoman Tamara Mlynarczyk said today that there have been no crashes reported related to the issue.

In total, the company has received 132 reports of the problem worldwide through May 30, including 30 in China, 29 in Japan and 20 in North America, she said.

Mazda dealers will install an additional harness on the wiper motor. Mazda plans to begin notifying owners on July 15. The company will reimburse owners who had previously fixed the windshield wiper motor for the problem.