Petrol-sniffing spiders have prompted Mazda to recall 42,000 cars over fears they could clog up fuel tanks, causing fires.

The yellow sac spider is attracted to the smell of petrol and the manufacturer fears it could weave its web inside engines, causing a blockage and build-up of pressure.

This could lead to the fuel tank cracking, leaking petrol and increasing the risk of engine fires.

The recall affects Mazda 6 cars from the 2010 to 2012 model years. Owners will have the fault fixed free of charge.

In a report released on Friday, Mazda said they were not aware of any fires caused by spider web blockages.

In 2011, Mazda recalled 52,000 2009 and 2010 Mazda 6 cars because of the same problem.

Their solution at the time was to install a spring "to inhibit spider intrusion," but the fix was not entirely successful.

The Mirror