by The Problem with Airbags in Mazda
Mazda has announced a recall of 171,412 Mazda3 and CX-30 model vehicles from the 2024-2025 model years due to a potential airbag malfunction. According to the report, if a driver accidentally leaves the ignition on for more than two hours without starting the engine, it can lead to a complete battery drain. In such a case, the airbag sensor system may fail, rendering the airbags ineffective in an accident.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that drivers will notice the problem by a warning light on the instrument panel that will alert them to an airbag malfunction. Initially, Mazda believed this issue did not pose a serious risk, as it arose from user error, but the company eventually decided to proceed with the recall.
Chronology of Events
The first complaints came in the summer of 2024, when owners reported an airbag malfunction indicator after a battery discharge. Mazda conducted an investigation and updated the sensor software but did not take radical measures. It was only after an inquiry from NHTSA in March 2025, when 15 cases of sensor replacement had been recorded, that the company acknowledged the need for a recall.
Owners will receive recall notices in the coming months. They will be offered a free software update or replacement of the airbag sensors at service centers. There are currently no confirmed cases of injury or death due to this malfunction.
This situation highlights the importance of manufacturers responding promptly to potential hazards, even if they initially seem minor. Drivers should pay attention to warning signals on the instrument panel and not ignore them, especially when it comes to the safety system.
