Mazda has announced a recall on almost 49,000 of its 2009 and 2019 Mazda6 Sedans due to a suspension component that may rust to the point that it breaks.  Broken parts results in drivers losing control of their vehicles.  Because this component is more likely to rust if it is exposed to rod salt,  the recall is limited to vehicles that were sold or registered in “salt states” where weather is typically colder.

This includes Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

There have been no crashes or injuries related to the issue according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  One way to tell if your vehicle is affected is to plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number into the NHTSA’s website.

The Details:

Vehicles recalled: Certain Mazda6 sedans manufactured in Flat Rock, Mich., from Feb. 4, 2008 through Oct. 1, 2010.

The problem: Mazda says it didn’t apply enough paint to a part of the vehicle’s suspension, so rust may occur if the car is exposed to road salt. A rusted component could break and the driver may lose control, which could lead to a crash.

The fix: Mazda says its dealers will inspect affected vehicles and either fix or replace the faulty component.

How to contact the manufacturer: The recall is expected to begin on Nov. 12, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at (800) 222-5500.

NHTSA campaign number: 18V631. Mazda’s own number for this recall is 2818I.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.