Mazda and Stellantis have issued recalls for over 93,000 of their MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 Spider roadsters due to a potential defect in the airbag control module. The defect could lead to the incorrect deployment of dual-stage front airbags during certain crashes, potentially increasing the risk of injury to drivers and passengers.
The recall affects MX-5 Miata models from model years 2016 to 2023 and Fiat 124 Spider models manufactured between March 1, 2016, and August 31, 2020. According to the automakers, the issue stems from a design error in the accelerometer voltage specifications within the airbag control module. This error can cause the module to mistakenly command the deployment of a dual-stage airbag instead of a single-stage airbag in certain low-speed front-impact collisions.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require that only a single-stage front airbag should deploy in such collisions to minimize the risk of neck injury. However, the dual-stage airbag deployment may not meet these safety standards, potentially increasing the risk of injury.
Both Mazda and Stellantis have stated that they are not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect. However, the recall is being issued as a precautionary measure to address the potential safety hazard.
Dealerships will reprogram the airbag control module to correct the issue. No hardware changes will be required. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and can contact their local dealership to schedule a service appointment.
The recall highlights the importance of ongoing safety monitoring and timely recalls to address potential defects in vehicles. By addressing this issue, Mazda and Stellantis are taking steps to ensure the safety of their customers.