Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 are recalled due to an airbag problem

A software error can cause the airbags to deploy with too much force in minor collisions

Mazda MX-5 Miata

By Keith Barry

Mazda and Fiat are recalling more than 93,000 vehicles because their front airbags can deploy with too much force in a minor crash, which could increase the risk of neck injuries or cause injuries to occupants who are not wearing their seat belts. As a result, these airbags do not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The recalled vehicles are the 2016 through 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2017 through 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. Both vehicles are based on a similar design and use many of the same parts.

To resolve the problem, Mazda and Fiat dealers will perform a free software update that will change the airbag’s performance. The airbags themselves are not defective.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, Mazda engineers discovered that a calibration tool had been misconfigured and, as a result, some airbags were not properly calibrated. There have been no accidents or injuries related to the problem.

Details of the Mazda and Fiat recall

Vehicles Recalled
• Mazda MX-5 Miata vehicles manufactured between April 20, 2015 and November 2, 2023.
• Fiat 124 Spider vehicles produced between March 1, 2016 and August 31, 2020.

The problem: A calibration error means that the airbag control unit may deploy the front airbags with too much force.

The solution: Dealers will reprogram the airbag software for free.

Contact the manufacturer: Mazda owners can call Mazda at 800-222-5500. Fiat owners can call Fiat at 800-853-1403.

NHTSA Campaign Number: For Mazda vehicles the number is 24V695; Mazda’s own number is 6924I. For Fiat vehicles the number is 21V694; Fiat’s own number is A3B.

Check if there is an open recall for your vehicle: You can see if your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed on the NHTSA website.

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