The problem
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The owner's manuals do not indicate which seating positions are equipped with child restraint anchorages. Also, the manuals do not explain the markings in the vehicles that locate the lower anchorages.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The fix
Owners will be provided with revised owner manuals.
Contacts
Owner notification began december 15, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Mazda dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 00V323000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.