Dealer's words - Recall for Rear Heater Pipe coming

[VelvetSmack]

TB 07-003/04

Just like many of you have experienced this problem. I had my 2001 van towed into the dealership with coolant leak from the back.

Rusted and cracked Heater pipes. Cost $500 replacement. Discussed this with the dealer manager who then mentions that this is SOON TO BE RECALLED.

They suggested they plug the back till the time when the recall has been announced and can be properly fixed (meaning no heat in the back..not a big deal).

Total cost - $50 for labour.

I hope this is correct. And I hope that other will read and either 1) get their money back if they've already paid for the work, 2) Stop trying to buy the parts and do the fix themselves, or 3) stop worrying that something might go wrong because help is on it's way!.

If in fact this is true (will be announced in a months time apparently) ..then I like to thank those who wrote in to Mazda (Canada or US) and/or APA concerning the problem and help get this thing recognized.

As I do not have solid proof that this is to happen , I suggest you take this news with a grain of salt. I really hope this helps a lot of people save some money, time, and worry.

If this has already been stated somewhere else in the forums (I searched!) sorry to waste your time with this post!

....and on another note..Michelin Harmony tires work very well on this van!

VS

[atam]

I drive a 2003 van and I pressure wash the area every spring and spray it with rust check coat&protect.

[Kiwimpv]

VS - that sounds like good news, there have been a lot of heater pipe replacements due to salt on winter roads in the northern half of US and Canada. Copper does not like salt or any chlorine derivative!! If you lose engine coolant, your engine loses power very quickly and then it can become a safety issue... not to mention the huge repair bill!!

Good luck and I hope they come through with it!! It becomes a serious issue to admit a design fault and the huge cost to replace due to a Recall. Good on you Mazda!! (That's if it is true...)

Kiwi

[Olyts]

I really hope this will be a recall item. I've complaint about it... I'll try to give Mazda Canada a call to very if this will be the case.

[mding]

I do hope there's a recall for this. I just had my car taken to Mazda dealer and have the coolant pipe leak fixed ($590Cdn).

If the recall do happen, can someone please add the recall part here?

[VelvetSmack]

Update:

I called Mazda Canada do get some information concerning the possibility of a recall on this problem. Unfortunately, they were not able to help (Asked for my VIN number to which I did not have on me at the time).
I will be calling tomorrow with it and see what could be produced.

The major reason I'm doing this is I honestly feel that, if not recalled for safety reasons, Mazda should at least subsidize those who live in northern climates where they are exposed to winter driving and consequently salt contamination. It should have been known this was to occur.
From my knowledge..a lot of people have been hit with this problem - my engine almost blew a gasket!.

My 2001 MPV, just out of warranty, and with only 66k on it, might incur a $600 charge...due to Mazda's oversight...I'd like to avoid that charge.

I'd ask that for those who have already experienced, or possibly will experience, this problem..call Mazda USA, or Mazda Canada (1-800-263-4680) and inquire about this issue..put a bit of pressure on them!

I'll update again when I hear more.

[mazda-fla]

If you have some ability to do basic auto repair yourself, and wish to do so. You can buy the heater hose plugs at any local autoparts store for about $2. Wouldn't be much harder than the complexity to do an oil change.

The install the plugs yourself and save that labor charge.

[Olyts]

[VelvetSmack]

If possible...I would be all for performing the fix myself. However..consider this..The TSB states 1.7 hours for a qualified tech....so a multiple of 3 (sound good?) for non-tech would be 5 hours approx (at most). Another assumption would be the tools needed are readily available (non-specific for the job). I do not have a workshop manual for the job, would weither have to purchase or borrow (if possible). Wondering if a lift would be needed for this job as well. All this, plus the cost of the actual part(s).

Anyways...recall sounds better to my ears atm.

[dagmando]

Where do I look under the van to see this pipe? If someone has a picture, that would be ideal.

[Olyts]

dagmando,

Have a look at the following thread, it includes pictures and info about the problem. http://forum.mpvclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=5836

[Dave]

What would a recall mean for the poor SOBs that repaired it out of pocket?

Do they get a refund, or have legal recourse?

[mazda-fla]

[pipedoctor]

Hi guys! I've been reading all the posts with regards to the rear heater lines and I'm starting to get a little worried. No problem so far, but I intend to check it out in the spring when I remove my winter tires, unless a recall happens first. I noticed the two lines entering the wheel well at the front of the rear wheel going in under the plastic shroud in the wheel well. They look like they have foam insulation on them at the point where I can see them. I hope I'm looking at the right lines( garage is too wet from snow and ice melting to get under and have a good look). Is this insulation helping or hindering the problem? I notice in the TSB that they are also removing the plastic shroud in the wheel well. In some of the pictures I've looked at those lines looked almost brazed in. When they change to aluminum do they also replace the heater core attached to these lines, or how do they attach new tubing? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I think I'll pitch in and give Mazda Canada a call and fuel the recall push!

[Olyts]