Mazda Recalls Proteges: Mazda Motor Corp. said...

Mazda Recalls Proteges: Mazda Motor Corp. said Friday that it has recalled 5,760 of its 1995 Protege sedans equipped with the 1.5-liter engine for inspection and possible replacement of engine valve springs.

Mazda said about 700 of the affected cars are in customer hands. The rest are in ports, distribution and dealer facilities.

The company said its dealers will replace the faulty valve springs at no cost.

Because of a manufacturing defect, Mazda said, some of the valve springs in the 1.5-liter engine may break at very low mileage levels, leading to engine chatter and possibly the loss of engine power.

The company said it is not aware of any injuries or accidents resulting from the defect.