So i guess i really could get my clogged up cat replaced for free?
 

Found this in the glovebox of my 42,000 mile 83 GSL :) a recall is a recall right? Saw a 85 Toyota camper truck at the TOYOTA dealer get the head gasket replaced from an old recall.

But I guess this is Mazda lol sure there's a loop hole to it. Ha ha. Going be fun take car in there for that.

Ha ha. So anybody think the Mazda dealer will honor this recall?

Try spraying GUNK engine cleaner inside the cat and let it side for a few hours then flush with a garden hose and brake parts cleaner. You can also heat it up with a torch and dip it in Purple Power several times. Wont be good as new but it will un clog it.

Interesting question... Looks like the recall reach-back timeframe went from 10 years to 8 years (a time boundary that defines what model years a recall applies to), but I really found nothing on the limitation on an open recall except for availability of parts for old recalls on older cars, and of course, a dealer's willingness to honor them on older cars. I suggest putting on your best shoes, hiking up your skirt, and flirting with the service manager. :naughty:

After a quick google search:

From an NHTSA website:
Motor Vehicle Defects and Safety Recalls: What Every Vehicle Owner Should Know | Safercar.gov | NHTSA

Are there any limitations on my right to have a recalled vehicle remedied at no charge?

Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and eliminate unnecessary safety risks.

Also, if the manufacturer challenges the agency’s final decision of a safety defect, there is no obligation for the manufacturer to remedy the defect while the case is in court. If you decide to have your vehicle remedied at your own expense while the case is pending and the court upholds NHTSA’s final decision, you may be entitled to reimbursement. (Be sure to save all receipts and paperwork so that you can prove the repairs were made.) However, if the court ultimately rules the defect is not safety related, Federal law does not require that the manufacturer reimburse you for the repair work


As I read that, they only have to honor the recall if the age of the car was originally sold within 10 years of the date of the recall. If your recall was issued no later 1992, then your car would "qualify" for the recall, according to the information above.

However, that doesn't really speak to the length of time a recall can remain outstanding without being remedied IF the car qualified for the recall based on date of first sale and date of recall issue.

So, from the KBB website: Automotive Tools Tips Advice - Kelley Blue Book

Regardless of whether you are the original owner or not, you still qualify for any recalls, including those that have occurred before you bought the car. The statute of limitations for all no-charge recalls is 8 years from the original sale date of the vehicle. After that time, you may be required to pay if you wish to have the part or parts replaced or corrected. Unfortunately, if you paid to correct the problem before the recall was issued, the manufacturer is under no obligation to compensate you for the cost of that repair. Again, you will want to visit the NHTSA Web site and thoroughly read through all the sections. You can also learn about TSBs (technical service bulletins) for you car at ALLDATA - OEM Auto Repair Information for Professionals. TSBs are sent to the dealerships to help mechanics in troubleshooting problems that may be annoying, but do not merit a national recall.

Looks like the auto manufacturer lobbyists got Congress to change the 10 year requirement to an 8 year requirement, AND that the recall only applies if the car is not more than 8 years old.

Again, I'd try it. Someone once told me "If you don't ask, you won't get. You may get told 'no', but you might get told 'yes'".

it depends, it might have been done already, or or may have expired

The letter was post marked March 3rd 1987. The car was purchased August 1983 I think. I still have the sticker for the car! Damn it was expensive then. Lol I'd say either way it goes Mazda don't have to do anything to it legally. Ive already replaced both cats with Eastern catalytic converters. I did save the old ones however. Clean out the cat? What's all those little BB looking things falling out of it? Lol I've ran a lot of rotary engines without a cat and these frigging cars stink BAD. HA Ha. Runs pretty good with theses higher flow replacements anyway. And the exhaust smells a lot lot better.

if its an emissions recall there's no limit to it so you should be able to get it done