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Mazda extends defective airbag recall: 19 000 SA cars could be affected

Johannesburg - In 2015, many Japanese automakers, including Mazda South Africa, recalled local models fitted with defective Takata airbags.

In July 2017, Mazda has extended its recall following an investigation.

Takata saga continues

According to the automaker:"Mazda has announced a global recall covering a wider manufacturing period in order to place the highest priority on the safety of Mazda customers.

"This recall follows investigative recalls by Mazda in Japan and North America for three different types of Takata Corporation manufactured inflators and although no cases of abnormal deployment or dangerous flaws have been found in any Mazda vehicles in the course of the investigative recall; the concern had deemed an extended formal recall campaign necessary."

Which models are affected?

Mazda SA: "To date it has been recorded that an additional estimated 19 000 units are affected in South Africa." Affected units are Mazda2, Mazda6 and RX-8 vehicles produced from 2003 with VIN numbers starting with MM6DE, JM6GG and JMZSE. These include Mazda2, Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8 vehicles equipped with the “PSDI-4” driver-side air bag inflator, the “SDI-160” driver side air bag inflator, or the “SPI”, “SDI-230” and the “PSPI” passenger-side air bag inflators." 

Image: Quickpic/Mazda2 (2007)

What is the issue regarding airbags?

Mazda SA: "The recall is due to an inappropriate production condition and storage of the propellant in the inflator. The density of the propellant may be insufficient in the inflator. This might cause the propellant to ignite abnormally at the time of airbag deployment and potentially result in extremely high inner pressure of the inflator causing a rupture of the inflator case.  In a case of a rupture, the airbag might not deploy as designed and may lead to injury." 

Image: Quickpic/Mazda RX-8 (2005)

Image: Quickpic/Mazda6 (2006)

For affected owners:
Mazda SA says its is conducting repairs to replace the driver-side air bag and/or passenger-side air-bag inflator with, the automaker says, "an improved unit on the possibly affected vehicles". 

Mazda SA: "Although the number of affected vehicles will be subject to further review and may change, Mazda SA urges all owners with possibly affected Mazda2, Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8 vehicles to contact the Mazda SA Dealer Network or the Mazda SA Customer Care Centre on 0860 069 700 or email." 

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