Mazda recalls more than 193,000 SUVs to fix front suspension

DETROIT (AP) — Mazda is recalling its biggest SUV to fix suspension parts that can rust and come loose, causing a loss of steering control.

The recall covers more than 193,000 CX-9 SUVs in the U.S. from the 2007 through 2014 model years.

The company said in documents posted today by U.S. safety regulators that front ball joints can rust from water leaks and separate from the suspension. Ball joints allow the wheels to pivot when the steering wheel is turned.

Owners will be notified by letter starting in September. Dealers will replace suspension parts on both sides.

When parts become available, CX-9s registered in states where salt is used to clear roads in the winter will be repaired first. Those states are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.

The recall comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the problem in June. Mazda said it has no reports of crashes or injuries from the problem.