Mazda Recalls Cars and SUVs to Replace Defective Takata Airbags

Mazda is recalling about 117,000 vehicles from the 2003-2012 model years to replace passenger-side airbags previously installed as a temporary fix to the deadly risk posed by defective Takata airbags. According to Consumer Reports, this action follows a phased rollout planned with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), now providing owners with a permanent fix. The recall includes some Mazda6 sedans, MPV minivans, CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs and RX-8 sports cars.

Details of the Recall

Mazda has previously recalled a number of these models for Takata airbags that had the potential to explode with excessive force and send shrapnel flying into the passenger compartment. The Japanese automaker had previously replaced those airbags. But, as it turned out, the replacement airbags did not have the moisture-preventing desiccant that inflators would need for them to be effective over the years.

The most recent announcement is for two specific recalls. Owners are encouraged to follow through with these recalls even if they’ve had the airbags replaced previously. Mazda will begin sending recall notifications to owners via mail. But, as with older cars, it is possible that Mazda may not have all vehicle owners’ accurate addresses.

If you are not sure if your vehicle is part of the recall, contact Mazda or your local dealership to see if your specific car needs this work done. When the recall begins, the dealership will replace the airbag inflator with the improved part at no charge. You can also check if your car is part of the recall by visiting NHTSA’s website and plugging in your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle information number (VIN).

Auto Product Liability Issues

This month marks five years since the Takata airbag recall was launched. But, five years later, millions of drivers still don’t seem to know if their car is part of the biggest recall in U.S. history. Several vehicles including those manufactured by Mazda, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and Toyota have been recalled for these faulty airbags. So far, there have been 16 deaths in the United States as well as 24 fatalities and 300 injuries linked to the Takata airbag defects.

If your vehicle is part of this massive recall, please make sure you pay the dealership a visit to get the repairs done. If you are in the market for a used car, run the VIN number through NHTSA’s website to make sure you are not buying a recalled vehicle that has not been repaired. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective Takata airbag, please contact an experienced auto defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/mazda-recalls-cars-suvs-for-airbag-replacement/