Recall 21V494 affects 260,915 2004-2007 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles because the steering-wheel air-bag emblem can shatter. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 260,915 2004-2007 MAZDA3 vehicles because the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag cover can shatter during air bag deployment. Fragments can hit occupants and increase injury risk, so Mazda dealers will replace the air bag module cover free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The steering wheel air bag module cover on the 2004-2007 Mazda MAZDA3 sits at the center of the steering wheel and covers the frontal air bag. During a crash deployment, the air bag opens through that cover while the cover and its emblem are supposed to stay together and out of the occupant space.
On affected MAZDA3 vehicles, the plastic Mazda emblem was made with an improper material specification. Over time, that plastic logo becomes brittle. During a normal air bag deployment, the brittle emblem shatters instead of staying intact, sending plastic fragments into the vehicle.
Mazda says the remedy cover uses an improved logo material that does not contain polyurethane, so it is not subject to the same deterioration. There is no warning sign before failure. The emblem can look normal until the air bag deploys, so an owner should not expect an advance symptom.
Who's affected?
All listed model years use the same front air bag component.
| 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 | front air bag |
| 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 | front air bag |
| 2007 Mazda MAZDA3 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 260,915 |
The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
During air bag deployment, plastic fragments can strike occupants and increase the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before this defect shows up, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2007 Mazda MAZDA3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free air bag module cover replacement, which addresses the steering wheel emblem defect linked to plastic fragments during air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V494 when you call.
- Call Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 with questions about the repair.
- Keep all occupants properly belted until the repair is complete; this recall involves plastic fragments during air bag deployment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician replaces the steering wheel air bag module cover covered by recall 21V494. The new cover addresses the plastic emblem area that can break apart during air bag deployment. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free. If you paid for the same cover repair before the recall, Mazda does not offer reimbursement for this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| July 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 7, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 7, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 25, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V494?
Recall 21V494 covers 260,915 2004-2007 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles with a steering wheel air bag cover emblem that can shatter during air bag deployment. Plastic fragments can hit occupants and raise injury risk. Mazda dealers will replace the air bag module cover for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2007 Mazda MAZDA3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V494. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the air bag module cover replacement. Reference recall number 21V494 or Mazda recall number 4921G when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mazda's remedy for recall 21V494 says dealers will replace the air bag module cover free of charge at a franchised Mazda dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V494?
The safety risk is injury from plastic fragments during an air bag deployment. Per NHTSA campaign 21V494, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover can shatter and project fragments into the vehicle.
What if I bought my Mazda MAZDA3 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or the dealer that sold the vehicle. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mazda dealer and reference recall 21V494 if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V494000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V494 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V494000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →