Rahul Somvanshi
Mazda has launched a major recall affecting more than 170,000 vehicles across North America due to a potentially dangerous airbag defect. The recall covers 2024-2025 models of both the Mazda3 sedans and hatchbacks, as well as the CX-30 SUVs.
The problem stems from a glitch in the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) system. If a car’s battery completely drains while the ignition is left in the “ON” position for two hours or more without the engine running, the airbag sensors can store an internal fault. Even after recharging the battery and restarting the car, this fault remains. This causes the airbag warning light to illuminate on the dashboard and, more critically, prevents the airbags from deploying in a crash.
This safety issue could leave drivers and passengers without a crucial safety feature during accidents. Mazda first became aware of the problem in June 2024 when it received an initial report about an illuminated airbag warning light following a battery drain.
Initially, Mazda didn’t consider this a safety issue. The company blamed the problem on “customer usage and/or error” – specifically, drivers leaving the ignition on without the engine running. However, after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looked into 15 incident reports of airbag sensors being replaced due to warning lights, Mazda changed course and issued the recall in May 2025.
Despite the serious nature of the defect, Mazda states that as of May 23, 2025, they know of no accidents or injuries related to this airbag issue.
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The fix will be free for affected vehicle owners. Mazda dealers will either update the software in the airbag sensor unit or replace the entire unit if necessary. The company plans to notify owners by mail by July 28, 2025.
This isn’t Mazda’s only recent recall. The company has also recalled about 12,244 of its 2024-2025 MX-5 models for a separate issue with indicator lights. In those vehicles, a warning light may fail to illuminate when there’s a problem with the traction control or dynamic stability control systems, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Combined, these two recalls affect over 183,000 Mazda vehicles. The airbag recall is identified by Mazda recall number 7525E and NHTSA recall number 25V357000, while the indicator light recall is identified as Mazda recall number 7425E and NHTSA recall number 25V336000.
Owners with questions or concerns can contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. They can also check if their vehicle is included in any recall by visiting the NHTSA website (www.nhtsa.gov) and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
