Mazda Lower Arm Recall 17V355000 (35K Vehicles)

The problem

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004 Mazda RX-8 vehicles. The ball joint socket on the front suspension lower control arm may crack and the ball joint may separate from the socket.

The risk

If the ball joint separates, steering control may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1117E.

Contacts

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

What to do

Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
Call a dealer. Any authorized Mazda dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 17V355000.
Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Grade
2004 Mazda RX-8	515	10	F

Vehicle

Complaints

Recalls

Grade

2004 Mazda RX-8

515

Questions

Is the 17V355000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. Mazda North American Operations's dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 17V355000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 17V355000 announced?

Mazda North American Operations reported it to NHTSA on June 1, 2017. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Suspension: lower arm Mazda recall