Defect Investigation Detail

MAZDA / 626 / 1996

Components - Details
NHTSA Action Number: PE97006 Vehicale/Equipment Name: MAZDA
Vehicale/Equipment Model: 626 Vehicale/Equipment Year: 1996
Component Name: AIR BAGS Manufacturer's Name: Mazda Motor Corp.
Date Opened: Jan, 30 1997 Date Closed: May, 23 1997
Subject: INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT Summary: In january of 1997, odi opened a pe based on 9 odi complaints.odi is now aware of 51 complaints of alleged inappropriate air bag deployments.typical complaints include air bag deployments after the vehicle hit a pot hole while driving between 20 and 45 mph and air bag deployments while driving at speeds between 20 and 60 mph for no apparent reason.approximately 21 drivers alleged that they did not hit anything prior to the air bag deployment.in four of these incidents the driver claims to have lost control and hit a curb after the air bags deployed.in addition there are four incidents where the driver alleges that the air bags deployed after a tire blowout while driving.less common incidents include allegations of the air bags deploying after parking the vehicle and removing the key, crossing railroad tracks, while being towed, while braking, after hitting a curb, and after hitting a manhole cover.odi is upgrading this investigation to obtain additional information about the reports gathered to date, the sensors used in the vehicles, and to assess the impact that the alleged defect has on highway safety.