Tokyo, Japan - Mazda is recalling another 1.6 million vehicles equipped with airbags at risk of injuring or killing passengers, bringing its global total to an estimated 2.02 million.
The firm said on Friday its latest recall included 465 000 vehicles in the United States and 76 000 in Japan for the model years 2003 to 2008, but did not disclose where the remaining vehicles were sold - although three of the four models involved were released in South Africa.
The announcement marked the latest chapter in a snowballing crisis for Tokyo-based airbag supplier Takata which agreed in May to double a US recall to a record of nearly 34 million vehicles.
EXPLOSIVE FORCE
The defect - thought to be linked to a chemical propellant that helps inflate the airbags - can cause them to deploy with explosive force, sending metal shrapnel hurtling toward drivers and passengers.
At least six deaths and scores of injuries have been linked to Takata-made airbags in cars made by almost a dozen automakers including Honda, Toyota, General Motors and BMW.
Mazda's expanded US recall covers the Mazda6 for the model years 2003 - 2008, the RX-8 from 2004 - 2008, the Mazdaspeed6 (apparently sold in SA as the Mazda6 MPS) for 2006 and 2007, and Mazda B-series bakkies from 2004 to 2006.
If you own one of the models involved, we suggest you contact your local dealer pronto; Mazda SA is at present compiling a list of exactly which vehicles are affected.