- Affected models may deploy a dual-stage airbag instead of the necessary single-stage deployment.
- The problem impacts more than 77,000 MX-5 Miatas and 15,000 Fiat and Abarth 124 Spiders.
- Dealerships have been instructed to reprogram the airbag control module to resolve the defect.
An issue with the airbags in certain MX-5 Miata vehicles from model years 2016 to 2023 has forced Mazda to recall over 77,000 roadsters across the United States. Given that the MX-5 is a sister model to the Fiat and Abarth 124 Spiders, it’s hardly surprising that Stellantis is also recalling more than 15,000 units for the same defect.
The automakers have disclosed that certain roadsters were built with airbag control module software that might incorrectly command a dual-stage front airbag deployment instead of a single-stage deployment during specific crashes. This oversight is more than a minor inconvenience; it poses a significant risk to drivers and passengers alike.
Read: 1.16 Million Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, And Ram Models Recalled For Reverse Camera Fails
As part of 16 mph front impact testing, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require certain performance related to neck injury criteria, meaning only the single-stage front airbag should deploy. However, 124 Spider and MX-5 models embroiled in this recall may deploy the dual-stage, meaning they do not meet the neck injury criteria, thus increasing the risk of injury. Fiat and Mazda blamed the fault on a design issue where accelerometer voltage specifications were set incorrectly.
A total of 15,835 124 Spiders, all of which were manufactured between March 1, 2016, and August 31, 2020, as well as 77,670 MX-5s built between April 20, 2015 and November 2, 2023 are involved in the recall. The two automakers haven’t said if they’re aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect.
Stellantis stated that it first became aware of the defect when Mazda, which manufactured both roadsters at its Hiroshima plant in Japan, informed them of a potential issue with the airbag control module in early July. Stellantis Europe and Mazda reviewed vehicle records from July through September, ultimately deciding to issue a recall on September 11.
FCA U.S. dealers were notified of the recall on September 26, with owners set to receive communication by November 7. Meanwhile, Mazda dealers were alerted on September 23, and owners will be notified by November 17. In both cases, dealerships will reprogram the airbag control module to resolve the issue without requiring any hardware changes.
