Introduction - This web page provides information on the recall of 2001 and 2002 Mazda Miata cars. Many of these cars could exceed federal emission standards because of inadequate emission control when the vehicle is started cold. EPA discovered the potential emission compliance problem after testing the Miatas at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan. EPA conducts random testing of vehicles in use to assure emission compliance.
Manufacturer:
Mazda Motor Corporation
Models Affected:
2001 and 2002 model year Mazda Miata
Number of Vehicles Sold:
32,018 vehicles, nationwide
Manufacturer:
Mazda Motor Corporation
Emissions Problem:
Many of the vehicles may fail the EPA Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) standard
as discovered in the EPA recall surveillance testing program. NMOG is the sum
of all organic pollutants excluding methane. NMOG is a measure of emissions
that are precursors of ozone. Mazda's analysis of the cause of the failures
concluded that the failures were the result of higher than anticipated emissions
at startup. Because the 2001 and 2002 vehicles are identical, the problem occurs
in both model years.
Indications:
There will be no indication of a problem to the driver or to a service technician.
Remedy:
Mazda is voluntarily recalling all 2001 and 2002 Miata model vehicles and replace
the Central Processing Unit (CPU) with one that incorporates new cold start
calibrations. The new calibrations will affect air-fuel ratio under cold conditions,
idle speed, ignition timing, and valve overlap. The average reduction in NMOG
emissions are expected to be 26%. Mazda says there will be no adverse effect
on vehicle performance and fuel economy. The CPUs removed from the vehicles
will be returned to Mazda and re-calibrated, to be later installed on other
vehicles as part of the fix. Mazda plans to phase in this recall by sending
owner letters by regions over a period of time to assure a ready supply of CPUs.
For more information on the regions and timing, contact Mazda Customer Service
at (800) 222-5500, or e-mail at customerassistance@mazdausa.com.
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Recall Program Background
Vehicle manufacturers are required to design and build their vehicles to meet
emission standards for the useful life of the vehicle specified by law. Under
Section 207 of the Clean Air Act, if EPA determines that a substantial number
of vehicles in a class or category do not meet emission standards in actual
use even though they are properly maintained and used, EPA can require the manufacturer
to recall and fix the affected vehicles.
Most recalls are initiated voluntarily by manufacturers once a potential noncompliance
is discovered. Some voluntary recalls are directly influenced via EPA in discussions
with manufacturers. Some voluntary actions to remedy problems are extended warranty
campaigns (such as the one described below) rather than direct recalls to repair
all vehicles. EPA agrees to extended warranty campaigns when there is a high
likelihood that owners will seek repair based on overt failure indications.