Recall 18V403 affects 237 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles for exploding passenger air bag inflators. Do not drive. Free repair at any franchised Mazda dealer.
An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or passengers, causing serious injury or death. Do not drive this RX-8, even for short trips. Call a Mazda dealer and ask how to arrange towing or transport for the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 237 2009-2010 RX-8 vehicles under recall 18V403 because unrepaired passenger frontal air bag inflators from an earlier recall can explode during deployment after long-term humidity and temperature exposure. Do not drive the vehicle until a Mazda dealer completes the free repair; an inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into occupants, causing serious injury or death.
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What's wrong?
The passenger frontal air bag inflator in the 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 is the metal canister inside the passenger air bag module. In a crash that calls for passenger air bag deployment, the inflator burns propellant to create gas, filling the air bag fast enough to cushion the passenger.
On affected RX-8 vehicles, the propellant wafers inside certain Takata inflators degrade after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and temperature cycling. Degraded propellant burns too aggressively when the air bag deploys. That excess pressure can rupture the inflator body, sending metal fragments into the cabin instead of containing the deployment inside the module.
There is no warning sign before failure. The inflator is hidden in the air bag module, and the problem shows up only when a crash triggers the passenger frontal air bag.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2009 and 2010 RX-8, both tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator.
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2010 Mazda RX-8 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 237 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific coupe is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or passengers, causing serious injury or death. Do not drive this RX-8, even for short trips. Call a Mazda dealer and ask how to arrange towing or transport for the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until the front passenger air bag inflator replacement is complete.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free front passenger air bag inflator replacement, which fixes the inflator that can explode during passenger air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V403 and Mazda recall 2618F when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician replaces the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator. This is the passenger frontal air bag module covered by recall 18V403 for unrepaired 2009-2010 RX-8 vehicles from the earlier 18V017 recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. After the repair, the dealer should mark the recall complete for that VIN.
Timeline
| June 15, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 9, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 13, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| August 14, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 8, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 8, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V403?
Recall 18V403 covers 237 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that still need the passenger frontal air bag inflator replacement from the earlier Takata-related recall. The inflator can explode during a crash deployment and send sharp metal fragments into occupants. Do not drive an affected RX-8 until the repair is complete.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific RX-8 is included in recall 18V403. If it is, do not drive the vehicle. Call a franchised Mazda dealer and ask how to complete the passenger air bag inflator replacement without driving it in. Reference recall 18V403 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mazda dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What does "Do not drive" mean for this Mazda RX-8 recall?
Do not drive the vehicle until a Mazda dealer completes the recall repair. The passenger air bag inflator can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into occupants. If the car has to move, ask the dealer about towing or another no-drive service option.
What if I bought my Mazda RX-8 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RX-8 is included, then call a franchised Mazda dealer with recall 18V403. You can also contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V403000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V403 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V403000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →