Estimated 8,000 Mazda cars recall in South Africa

Mazda has announced a global recall of its cars affected by defects in airbags built by Takata.

According to a report by Wheels24, the recall follows an investigation by Mazda into “abnormal deployment or dangerous flaws” in the airbags.

An estimated 8,000 Mazda cars in South Africa will be affected by the recall.

The vehicles affected are Mazda6 and RX-8 models produced from 2003 to 2007, with VIN numbers starting with JM6GG or JMZSE.

“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,” said Mazda SA.

Mazda SA said it will repair airbag inflators as part of the recall, stated the report.

A Power Report from September 2015 warned that “tens of thousands” of local vehicles may be fitted with faulty airbags, with Takata mentioned as a culprit.