Mazda Recalls Several Models for Air Bag Inflator

Mazda North America Operations is recalling several models for an air bag inflator defect that could lead to an explosion during a crash.

Specifically, the automaker is recalling 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin islands or “Zone A.”

In addition, unless covered in “Zone A,” Mazda is recalling 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, or “Zone B.”

Finally, unless covered in “Zone A” or “Zone B,” Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or “Zone C.”

These vehicles are outfitted with specific air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a collision necessitating the deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators could potentially explode due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion can cause injury or even fatalities as it may lead to sharp metal fragments striking the driver or vehicle passengers.

To fix the problem, Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a new one, at no cost to owners.

The recall begins November 12. Owners can reach Mazda customer service at (800) 222-5500, Option 4. Mazda’s number for this recall is 1317F.