Mazda Inflator Module Recall 18V404000 (4,184 Vehicles)

The problem

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

The risk

An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 17V-011.

Contacts

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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 18V404000.
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.

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Grade
2005 Mazda MPV	42	3	C
2006 Mazda MPV	12	2	A
2005 Mazda RX-8	168	6	F
2006 Mazda RX-8	60	5	D
2007 Mazda RX-8	38	5	C
2008 Mazda RX-8	17	5	B
2009 Mazda RX-8	8	4	A

Vehicle

Complaints

Recalls

Grade

168

Questions

Is the 18V404000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. Mazda North American Operations's dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 18V404000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 18V404000 announced?

Mazda North American Operations reported it to NHTSA on June 15, 2018. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Air bags: inflator module Mazda recall