Nearly 200,000 Mazda vehicles are being recalled due to two serious safety concerns involving airbag deployment and stability control indicators.
According to the US Sun, the recalls affect select 2024 and 2025 models, including the Mazda MX-5, Mazda3, and CX-30, and may increase the risk of crashes or injuries if not addressed.
The first issue stems from a software malfunction in the stability system of approximately 12,244 Mazda MX-5 vehicles from the 2024 and 2025 model years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) indicator lights may fail to illuminate when needed, due to a programming flaw in the software.
This malfunction can occur when the vehicle detects unusual yaw rate characteristics—key indicators of potential skidding or instability. If the dashboard indicator light fails to activate as designed, drivers who rely on it may remain unaware of stability system faults. The agency warned that this increases the risk of accidents or injuries, especially in hazardous driving conditions.
“The Traction Control System (TCS)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may not illuminate when abnormal yaw rate characteristics are detected due to a software diagnostic programming error,” the official report stated. “As a result, the driver may be unaware of the malfunction, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury.”
Mazda plans to replace the DSC unit in all affected MX-5 vehicles with upgraded components. Authorized dealerships will carry out the replacements at no cost to the owners. The company announced that it will send notification letters about the stability system issue to owners by July 21, 2025.
The second recall affects the 2024–2025 Mazda3 and CX-30 models, which may experience airbag deployment failures due to faulty crash sensors. This issue began with consumer reports submitted in June 2024, when drivers reported unexpected activation of their airbag warning lights.
Engineers identified the root cause as a misinterpreted error code in the airbag’s electronic system, which can be triggered by low battery voltage. In certain conditions, the sensor may wrongly detect a fault and disable the airbag system during a collision.
Mazda produced the affected vehicles between May 2023 and January 2025 at its facilities in Mexico and Japan. Although the company has not released an exact number of impacted cars, the recall includes a broad range of models across both production years.
To address the airbag issue, Mazda will either install updated software on the affected sensors or replace the faulty hardware entirely. Dealerships will perform these services at no cost to the vehicle owner. Since every affected vehicle remains under full manufacturer warranty, Mazda will not offer a reimbursement program.
The company has already uploaded the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for both recalls to the NHTSA's VIN lookup portal. Mazda encourages drivers to use this tool to check whether their vehicle is subject to either recall.
Owners of Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles eligible for the airbag fix can expect to receive formal notification letters by July 28, 2025. In the meantime, Mazda advises affected individuals to remain vigilant and consult with a dealership if warning lights appear abnormally.
Despite the broad scope of the recalls, Mazda continues to report strong business performance. In January 2025, the automaker recorded a 22.6% year-over-year increase in domestic production, attributing the surge to higher demand for passenger vehicles.
Export volume for Mazda vehicles also rose 14.3% in the same period, driven largely by increased shipments to North America. This growth came even as the company faced uncertainties surrounding global vehicle tariffs.
Headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda operates manufacturing facilities not only in its home country but also in Mexico and the United States. These locations contribute to Mazda’s diverse production network that supports both its domestic and global sales strategies.
In response to the recalls, Mazda emphasizes transparency and proactive outreach. By providing free solutions through dealerships and utilizing official safety tools like the NHTSA’s VIN lookup, the company aims to reduce potential harm and maintain public trust.
Mazda advises concerned customers not to ignore dashboard warnings and to schedule service as soon as possible if their cars appear on the recall list. Dealerships stand ready to complete the repairs quickly and safely.
Since both repairs fall under existing warranties and come at no cost, Mazda is aligning its response with industry standards while addressing potentially overlooked defects. The company’s swift action may help prevent more serious issues and preserve its momentum in the increasingly competitive auto market.
