The 2008 Mazda6 has 3 recalls, all involving frontal airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death.
Both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators are affected by the same underlying problem: moisture can work its way into the inflator over time, and in a crash that triggers deployment, the inflator can explode rather than inflate the bag normally. The passenger side is worth noting separately because prior repair attempts using replacement inflators of the same design did not fully resolve the issue, leaving some vehicles still at risk even after an earlier recall repair was performed. Any occupant in the front of the vehicle, driver or passenger, could be struck by metal shrapnel if an inflator ruptures during a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may rupture due to moisture entering the unit and manufacturing inconsistencies that accumulate over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
