Mazda recalls 72,000 cars over fuel pump defect

Japan's Mazda Motor Co. said Thursday it will recall 72,000 cars in the domestic market and overseas to correct a fuel pump defect that may cause their engines to stall.

The recall includes 44,000 Premacy or Mazda5 models being driven in North America, Europe and China, besides 28,238 cars covered in Japan. The cars left the assembly line in Japan between June 2009, and April 2010.

Mazda said it will replace fuel pump parts that may corrode because of moisture being accidentally trapped inside the pump during factory tightness inspections. In the worst cases. the problem can lead to engine failure.