Mazda has been forced to issue a voluntary recall notice in the United States after spiders began setting up home in a number of its cars.
The problem has been caused by the yellow sac spider, which is attracted to the car’s engine bay by the smell of petrol and subsequently weaves its web inside.
Mazda is concerned that blockages and pressure build-up as a result of webs inside components could increase the risk of fire.
It has issued a software update, which monitors pressure levels and warns drivers of any irregularities.
"A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line, potentially causing a restriction in the line." – Mazda
The recall is largely a precautionary measure, with the Japanese manufacturer stating that it was unaware of any actual fires occurring as a result of the problem.
The company has had issues with spider infestation in its models since 2009. This latest recall affects Mazda 6 models built between 2010-12, of which there are around 42,000 on US roads.
In documents filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mazda stated: "A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line, potentially causing a restriction in the line.
"If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapours from the canister.
"As the canister is purged repeatedly during normal operation, the stress on the fuel tank may eventually result in a crack, potentially leading to fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire."
The software fix is to be applied free of charge, the company continued.
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