This month hasn’t been a good one for the Mazda 3 MPS in Australia. The fastest Mazda on sale downunder has been the subject of two safety recalls in the past 30 days about drivetrain mounting problems that are potentially fatal if uncorrected. The recalls affect 1160 cars.

The first recall concerns a bolt that could loosen over time and cause a driveshaft to fall out, while the second recall states that vigorous driving may cause an engine mounting bolt to fall out, which would in turn enable the entire engine/transaxle assembly to drop down!

Compounding matters, Mazda say the catastrophic failure of the bolt is likely to be caused by “rapid acceleration/racing starts,” which is precisely what many MPS 3s are subjected to on a regular basis. While it may look cool to have a fountain of sparks erupt from beneath your Mazda as your sump contacts the tarmac at 180kph, JPCN recommends that owners of affected cars visit their local dealer pronto. Full details of both recalls are below:

Make & Model: Mazda - Mazda 3 MPS

Number of vehicles affected: 1160

Model Years From: 22 May 2006 to 14 May 2007

Campaign Number: R200702

VIN Range: JM0BK103200300010-JM0BK103200358229

Whats wrong: A bolt securing the engine and transmission assembly to one of its mounting points may loosen over time. In the worst case scenario, if the bolt comes out or breaks, the engine and transmission assembly may drop. This may detach the driveshaft, resulting in the vehicle being unable to be driven.

What should you do?: Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by mail. For further information, contact any authorised Mazda Dealer or free-call 1800 034 411 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Eastern Standard Time Mon-Fri) to speak to a Mazda Customer Service Representative. The recall will commence around 24 July 2007

Make and Model: Mazda3 MPS

Number of Vehicles Effected: 1160

Model Years From: 22 May 2006 - 29 March 2007

Campaign Number: R200702

VIN Range: JM0BK103200300010 ~ JM0BK103200358229

Whats Wrong? Under certain conditions (rapid acceleration/racing starts) the No. 4 engine mount securing bolt may loosen. If the vehicle is driven when this concern is present, the No. 4 engine mount securing bolt may come out or break, allowing the engine and transmission assembly to drop down.

What Should You Do? Contact your nearest Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Further information is available on Freecall 1800 034 411 or mazda.com.au.

Update!

Want to see what’ll happen if you don’t get your engine mounts looked at? The Mazda 3 Forums have pics of the mayhem that results here.

[Source: Mazda, via Australian Car Advice]
[Photo courtesy of Mazda Australia]