The official notice
Defect
Mazda is recalling certain 2006 B-series vehicles. Mazda requests owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been remedied. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. On January 11, 2018, Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 160 model year 2006 B-Series vehicles built with driver-side air bags. As of February 9, 2018, Mazda is expanding the recall to a total of 2,205 model year 2006 B-Series vehicles built with driver-side air bags. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Safety Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 2218A.