Approximately 8000 Mazda6 and RX-8 units (produced between 2003 to 2007) in South Africa are affected by Mazda's airbag recall campaign

Mazda has issued a formal global recall following investigative recalls by Mazda in Japan and North America for three different types of Takata Corporation manufactured airbag inflators. During the investigative recalls, no cases of abnormal deployment or dangerous flaws were found in any Mazda vehicles, but the concern has resulted in a formal recall campaign.

Some 8000 units are affected in South Africa and the recall is limited to Mazda6 and RX-8 models produced from 2003 to 2007 with VIN numbers starting with JM6GG or JMZSE. The recall includes Mazda6 and RX-8 models fitted with the PSDI-4driver-side airbag inflator, the SDI-160driver-side airbag inflator and the SPIpassenger-side airbag inflator.

Mazda Southern Africa stated: “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 on the inflator for the passenger-side airbag. 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 passenger injury.”

Mazda Southern Africa will initiate a repair procedure to replace the driver-side airbag and the passenger-side airbag inflator with an improved unit on the affected vehicles. Mazda also states that the number of affected vehicles is subject to further review and may change.

Mazda Southern Africa urges all owners with possibly-affected Mazda6 and RX-8 vehicles to make contact with the Mazda SA Dealer Network or call the Mazda SA Customer Care Centre on 0860 069700 or email [email protected]