Mazda recalls Mazda6, MPV and RX-8 vehicles

Mazda North American Operations is recalling 47,053 model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, model year 2004-2005 MPV, model year 2004 RX-8 and model year 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles.

These vehicles had their passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.

The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

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

What to do

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator with an alternate one free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin December 18, 2019.

Owners may contact Mazda customer service at (800) 222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F.