Mazda Recalls 357 Pickups for Fuel Line Check

IRVINE — Mazda Corp.’s North American unit said it is recalling 357 of its new 1998-model B4000 pickup trucks because of a possible fuel line problem. Owners who are notified of the voluntary recall will be asked to bring their trucks to a Mazda dealer for inspection and, if necessary, installation of a retaining clip on the flexible fuel line that runs along the frame to the engine.

The Irvine-based importer and distributor of Mazda vehicles said the fuel line on the affected trucks might have been routed too close to the exhaust manifold. Heat from the manifold could damage the fuel line, resulting in leakage and, potentially, a fire.

Mazda has sold about 7,000 of the 1998 pickups, which it buys from Ford Motor Co. and restyles. Earlier this week, Ford issued a recall for 3,100 of its 1998 Ranger pickups for the same reason.