Mazda3 recall coming - airbag sensor

[wongpres]

Many had this last winter - cracked airbag sensor letting dirt in and then malfunctioning with the airbag light coming on (note: this is the airbag light beside the speedo - nothing to do with the pass. airbag disabled light that is beside the lighter).

Here's the article (even though this particular URL is from Canadian newsource - it applies to both US and Canada).

http://www.canada.com/businesscentre/story.html?id=ff87f95b-8592-4a5a-b8d2-57e9c1ff4aa4

 

[Loose]

Thanks Wongpres.

Kinda knew this was coming. Too many people with the same problem. Glad to see they aknowledged it. Got to suck for Mazda though, I mean 42,000 cars...OUCH!

 

[RonH]

It said '04 Mazda3 sedans. I wonder if they should have said sedans and hatchbacks. I have no airbag light problem with my hatch.

 

[wongpres]

It said '04 Mazda3 sedans. I wonder if they should have said sedans and hatchbacks. I have no airbag light problem with my hatch.

No, it applies to both - the article is incorrect about that. Anyways, here's the NHTSA recall notice:

Make : MAZDA Model : MAZDA3 Year : 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V468000 Recall Date : SEP 23, 2004
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 42000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN GET INTO THE SENSOR AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO A CRACK IN THE HOUSING OF THE AIRBAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR. THIS WILL ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT.
Consequence:
UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS REMEDIED, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AS REQUIRED IN A FRONTAL CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF ADDITIONAL INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT. WHILE THE OCCUPANT IS DRIVING AND THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES, IT CAN DISTRACT THE OCCUPANT AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE HOUSING OF THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Notes:
MAZDA RECALL NO. 2304J. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

 

[styles_t]

will we get any notices through mail about this

i have the hatch and never had that problem

 

[MASTERNC]

Any specific build dates that are affected? I bought mine in August and wonder if this only applies to cars built earlier (mine had arrived at the dealer only a few days before I bought it, meaning that it hadn't been sitting for months or anything).

 

[wongpres]

Yes, Mazda will notify affected owners (they haven't started yet).

It's not for all build dates - up to around Jan '04. The interesting thing is that the airbag light has already come up for those cars and have already been fixed (especially those who live in colder climates with snow, salt, etc...).

If applicable to you, Mazda will send you a notice - but if your airbag light comes on then you should goto the delaer anyways.

 

[Airman Jack]

I've got a hatch, already had that problem, and the dealership fixed it no problem. They actually had so many cars in for service for that exact same thing that I had to leave my car with them for a few days and they organized a rental at no cost to me.

 

[Spikey]

What about the cars in the US. Seems we are left out of the recall? Yes, there is a problem with the recall. You must all call the National Highway traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 and file a complaint to EXPAND the VIN numbers in Mazda recall #2504K or NHTSA recall # 04V559. Mazda won't fix our cars until WE are ALL included in the recall. Email me if you need more info.