Takata Corporation has informed Mazda Southern Africa that a recall of the first generation Mazda6, which only includes models produced between April 2002 and June 2003 with VIN code GG, is necessary to correct a problem with the passenger side airbag.
The recall has been issued due to an “inappropriate production condition and storage of the propellant in the inflator.” According to Mazda, the density of the propellant may be insufficient for the inflator of the passenger front 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 deloy as designed and may lead to passenger injury.
Fortunately, there have been no incidents recorded on Mazda vehicles globally, but there have been three incidences that were reported from other automotive brand that Takata supplied airbag units to.
Since there is a potential that the same defect may occur on some Mazda vehicles, Mazda Southern Africa will conduct a repair procedure to replace the passenger-side air bag inflator with an improved unit on the possibly affected vehicles.
Mazda SA urges all owners with possibly affected Mazda6 vehicles to contact the Mazda SA Dealer Network or the Mazda SA Customer Care Centre on 0860 069 700 or email [email protected]
