Mazda MX-5 Miata, Fiat 124 recalled for excessive airbag force

More than 90,000 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 convertible roadsters have been recalled for front airbags that can deploy with excessive force, putting front seat occupants in a kind of danger airbags are designed to prevent. Front-seat occupants are the only possible occupants in the two-seat convertibles. 

The recall covers 77,670 current generation Miata’s from model years 2016-2023, and 15,835 Fiat 124 Spiders from the 2017-2020 model years, the NHTSA disclosed Monday. That covers every Fiat 124 made in the U.S. in its limited four-year run and most of the fourth-generation MX-5 Miata. 

The 2024 MX-5 Miata is not included in the recall because it has a software update. The issue stems from a software error in the airbag control module that can cause the front airbags to deploy with “excessive force” during a minor crash, according to the NHTSA filing. The fix will require a trip to the dealer, where technicians will update the airbag sensor control module at no change to owners. 

The risk of injury from too much force in a minor crash is exacerbated if occupants aren’t wearing their seatbelts.

Mazda, who built the 124 Spider in partnership with Fiat, uncovered the issue when developing new airbag sensors subsequently used in the 2024 model. Those models built after Nov. 2, 2023, are not included in the recall. 

Owners can expect notification by mail as early as Nov. 17. The notice will include the repair info as well as reimbursement options for owners who paid to fix the airbag issue. For more info, contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 or visit Mazda’s recall hub here.