Recall wrap: Mazda ramps up Takata fix

Mazda has officially announced the second (beta) stage of Takata airbag replacement for its Mazda6, RX-8 and BT-50 models.

The new recall affects over 70,000 units of Mazda6, more than 49,000 units of the BT-50 and nearly 6400 units of the RX-8. In the case of both the RX-8 sports car and first-generation Mazda6, the importer is contacting owners to have both 'alpha' and 'beta' airbags replaced. Mazda defines 'alpha' airbags as defective units manufactured by Takata, but not to legislated design standards. These are highly dangerous and Mazda recommends vehicle owners refrain from driving the cars unless they're taking the car directly to a Mazda dealer to have the fault rectified.

'Beta' airbags are defective units, but manufactured in accordance with the appropriate design standards. The propellant (ammonium nitrate) degrades over time, discharging with too much force and damaging the inflator housing in the event of a crash. This, in turn, could result in metal fragments (shrapnel) being showered in the face of the passenger or driver.

Mazda is advising owners to contact their nearest dealer or Mazda Australia directly to determine whether their car is one of those affected.

The flurry of renewed recall activity for Takata airbags follows the first fatality in Australia – a driver in a Honda CR-V involved in a crash two months ago.

Subaru has expanded its recall for the Impreza built between 2004 and 2007, to replace the Takata airbags for the front passenger. Only eight more vehicles are affected, however, but the total number of Imprezas recalled for this fault is up to over 33,500. The company is contacting owners by mail.

Mercedes-Benz is also expanding its recall program for the A and B-Class models, but to rectify a connection for the brake vacuum hose. Should the connection break, the vehicle will lose power assistance for the braking system. Mercedes-Benz Australia will contact the nearly 3800 vehicle owners affected by mail.

Volvo is conducting a recall for 2016 and 2017 model years of S90 and XC90 models sold in Australia for an air conditioning drainage hose that may not have been correctly fitted. Left unrepaired the drainage hose may expel water into the cabin, rather than outside the car. This may affect the functionality of the climate control system and could impair the operation of electrical systems in the car. Volvo is calling on owners of vehicles subject to the recall notice to arrange for a repair at an authorised servicing dealer.

Fiat Chrysler Automotive has issued a recall notice for the Chrysler 300 built from 2011 to 2014 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK series from 2012 to 2014 for a possible diode failure in the alternator of cars equipped with electro/hydraulic power steering. The power steering system induces cyclical loads that could cause thermal fatigue in the diodes for 180-Amp and 220-Amp alternators.

In the event the diodes fail, a short circuit could occur, generating heat, smoke and possibly fire. The alternator will cease to recharge the battery. Over 9500 vehicles are subject to the recall and FCA Australia is contacting owners to schedule a service to the matter rectified.