Mazda Mazda6 – Takata airbags

The Mazda Mazda6 model appears in several lists of recalls related to Takata airbags. The following model years are generally mentioned: 2003–2013. However, this is only indicative: for this model, only certain series, factories, or finishes received defective Takata inflators.

Typical inflator configuration

Depending on the version and market, the Mazda Mazda6 can be equipped with:

• a Takata driver-side inflator (PSPI/PSDI family) mounted in the steering wheel;
• and/or a Takata passenger-side inflator (PSPI-L family or similar) mounted in the dashboard;
• sometimes specific inflators for curtain or side airbags.

These inflators use an ammonium nitrate-based propellant. Over time, humidity and temperature cycles can cause this propellant to degrade, causing it to burn more violently than expected and resulting in a sudden increase in pressure. If the metal cartridge is weakened by corrosion or is the wrong size, it can burst and eject metal fragments.