2018 Mazda CX-5 Recall Notice: What Drivers Need to Know

Understanding the Recall: What Owners Need to Know

Mazda has issued an important safety recall for certain 2018 CX-5 compact SUVs due to a potentially life-threatening defect in the side curtain airbag system. This safety-critical component, designed to protect occupants during side-impact collisions or rollover accidents, may fail to deploy properly when needed most.

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Key Recall Information

Affected Vehicles: Approximately 680 model-year 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUVs
Safety Risk: Improper airbag deployment during side impacts or rollovers
Potential Consequences: Increased risk of head and neck injuries in collisions
Repair Solution: Complete replacement of curtain airbag assemblies

The Technical Problem Explained

Automotive safety engineers have identified a manufacturing defect in the affected airbag modules that may prevent the side curtain airbags from unfolding correctly during deployment. Unlike traditional airbags that inflate, curtain airbags must unfurl properly along the vehicle's side windows to create a protective barrier.

Industry research shows that properly functioning side curtain airbags reduce driver fatalities in side-impact crashes by up to 45% according to IIHS studies. This makes the current recall particularly concerning for affected vehicle owners.

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What Mazda Owners Should Do Immediately

If you own a 2018 Mazda CX-5, follow these steps to ensure your vehicle's safety:

Step 1: Verify Your Vehicle's Status

Check if your specific vehicle is included in this recall by:

Using MotorVero's free VIN lookup tool
Visiting the NHTSA recall website
Calling Mazda customer service at 800-222-5500

Step 2: Schedule Your Free Repair

All recall repairs will be performed at no cost to owners. Contact your local Mazda dealership to schedule an appointment for:

Complete replacement of both side curtain airbag assemblies
Thorough inspection of related safety systems
Updated software if required

Step 3: Stay Informed

Register your vehicle with Mazda to receive direct notifications about future recalls. You can also sign up for email alerts from the NHTSA about all vehicle recalls.

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Finding Authorized Mazda Recall Service

MotorVero makes it easy to locate certified Mazda service centers equipped to perform this recall repair:

Use our interactive dealer map to find the nearest facility
Filter for service centers with recall repair availability
Read verified customer reviews of local dealership service departments

Important: While the repair is free, some dealers may try to sell additional services. You are not required to purchase anything to receive your recall repair.

Understanding Your Rights Regarding Vehicle Recalls

As a vehicle owner, you should be aware of several important consumer protections:

No-cost repairs: All safety recall repairs must be performed free of charge
Timeframe: There is no expiration date on safety recalls
Rental vehicles: Some manufacturers provide loaner cars for extensive repairs
Lemon law protections: Multiple unresolved recalls may qualify for buyback programs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains comprehensive resources about vehicle owner rights and responsibilities regarding recalls.

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Additional Safety Considerations for CX-5 Owners

While addressing this recall is critical, Mazda CX-5 owners should also be aware of:

Why This Recall Matters: The Bigger Safety Picture

This recall highlights several important aspects of automotive safety that all vehicle owners should understand:

Airbag Evolution and Importance

Modern vehicles contain an average of 8-10 airbags, with side curtain airbags being among the most important for preventing head injuries. Unlike frontal airbags that deploy in milliseconds, curtain airbags must deploy downward and remain inflated longer to protect during rollovers.

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The Recall Process Explained

Automakers must follow strict NHTSA guidelines when issuing recalls, including:

Detailed defect reporting requirements
Specific timelines for owner notification
Mandatory free repair provisions
Regular progress reporting to regulators

MotorVero's Commitment to Automotive Safety

As an independent automotive information resource, MotorVero maintains strict editorial policies to ensure unbiased safety reporting:

No acceptance of gifts or incentives from automakers
Separation between editorial and advertising departments
Commitment to timely recall reporting
Use of multiple verification sources for all safety information

Our team of automotive safety experts continuously monitors recall announcements from manufacturers and regulatory agencies to keep our readers informed.

Home > News & Blogs > 2018 Mazda CX-5 Recall Notice: What Drivers Need to Know

2018 Mazda CX-5 Recall Notice: What Drivers Need to Know

2018 Mazda CX-5 Recall Alert: Critical Side Curtain Airbag Safety Issue

Safety Notice: Approximately 680 model-year 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUVs affected by potentially defective side curtain airbags that may not deploy correctly during collisions.