The problem
The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly will become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle collision, the occupant would not be adequately restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace inoperative shoulder belts. Mazda has extended the warranty coverage on the driver and passenger automatic shoulder belt rail and motor for the life of the vehicle.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin during october 1996. Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy 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 1-800-424-9393.
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 96V173000.
- 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.