Mazda is recalling 171,412 of its CX-30 crossovers and Mazda3 sedans and wagons. Why? Because the airbags may fail after the battery has died once. Even once the battery is fully recharged and all other systems are working. As eye-catching as this airbag recall is, the real story may be how Mazda fumbled the situation. Here are the models affected:

• 2024–2025 Mazda CX-30 SUVs
• 2024–2025 Mazda Mazda3 sedans
• 2024–2025 Mazda Mazda3 hatchbacks

Automotive recalls are part of life. But we may be spoiled by the graceful way many automakers handle recalls. From Toyota voluntarily repairing frames and engines it might not have to to maintain its reputation for reliability to Ford auditing its own dealerships’ recalled software installs for better quality control. The way Mazda handled its recent airbag failures is disappointing. But perhaps not entirely surprising for a corporation structured to put its bottom line above all else. Including customer safety.

In the summer of 2024, Mazda first received a report that a customer’s airbag had stopped working. The customer had left the ignition on and drained the battery. And obviously, there’s no way or reason for an airbag to work when the battery’s dead. But here’s the kicker: Once they recharged the car it started fine. But its airbag no longer worked. Luckily, the customer discovered the problem through a dashboard warning light–not during a crash.

Mazda didn’t issue an airbag recall. Instead, it classified the issue as “customer usage and/or error” and ignored the complaint.

The government wanted a recall for Mazda’s airbag issue

By March 2025, the NHTSA had compiled 15 more reports of Mazda airbag issues. After a “low battery condition” customers got an airbag warning light. At wits end they replaced the entire “Sophisticated Airbag Sensor” control computer. That part will set you back $90+. Suffice it to say, the NHTSA wasn’t thrilled with Mazda.

So what did the automaker do? It insisted “the issue does not constitute an unreasonable safety risk, as it arises from customer usage and/or error.”

Usually, automakers voluntarily recall vehicles whenever the NHTSA opens a safety investigation. That’s not to say the NHTSA never takes further action. During its recent battle with Tesla over its “full self driving” driver-aid software causing crashes, the DOJ got involved. But the situation is rare.

On Friday, June 6th, Mazda finally blinked. The automaker issued a voluntary recall in the U.S. and Canada. Automakers often announce recalls on Friday afternoons, possibly to minimize damage to stock prices. Mazda announced a recall for Miata warning lights at the same time.

Mazda admitted the recalled SAS can “store an internal fault” after the battery dies, which keeps the airbags from working. Technicians will attempt to reprogram the SAS in all 171,412 vehicles. But Mazda’s reportedly prepared to replace these units if necessary.