Subject: ** UPDATE** - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. The extended warranty was a result of the Takata airbag inflator class action settlement. Mazda will provide supplemental warranty coverage for all repairs and replacements (including parts and labor) to correct any defects in the materials or workmanship of Takata airbag inflators and the replacement inflators installed pursuant to the Takata airbag recalls. The program covers defects in the Inflator only and does not cover other items in the airbag system. Additionally, the program
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Mazda Mazda6 airbags problems
critical 95 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
95
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
12crashes
1fire
9injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 95 airbags complaints filed for the 2007 Mazda Mazda6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of Mazda Mazda6 we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 95.
Airbags accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The Workshop Manual has two-different airbag procedures, one for Standard Deployment and one for Two-Step Deployment. Standard Deployment is for Mexico spec vehicles and Two-Step Deployment is for US and Canadian spec vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗STOPPER PLATES FOR AIR BAG MODULE CONNECTORS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AS NEW SERVICE PARTS. When removing the connector (1) to the air bag module (2), make sure to first lift the stopper plate (3) carefully using a flathead screwdriver (but do not remove it), and then pull out the connector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Mazda6 is engulfed in the Takata airbag inflator recall spanning multiple NHTSA campaigns (14V344000, 15V345000, 15V382000, 15V869000, 16V354000, 17V474000) for units that can explode and scatter metal fragments on deployment. Owners received recall letters starting in February 2015, but replacement parts became unavailable for months or years. Dealers consistently told owners they had no idea when parts would arrive, with some saying "maybe 2016" in August 2015. One owner waited nearly two years without resolution. Mazda offered no interim solutions—no loaner cars, no rental subsidies, no vehicle buybacks—leaving owners choosing between driving unsafe cars or financing replacements.
In one alarming case, an airbag caught fire and burned the vehicle interior after a minor fender bender deployment, suggesting the defect extends beyond slow inflation risk.
Separate from the recall, owners reported multiple crashes where airbags simply failed to deploy: a side-impact collision in 2007, another side-impact in 2009 that injured the driver, a frontal crash at 45 mph into a brick wall, and a rollover with head-on bus collision where only the driver airbag deployed. Manufacturers and shops refused to investigate whether these were system failures. One owner also documented a clock spring (steering wheel electrical contact) that failed and recurred after replacement.
Buyers need to check for open recalls before purchase and demand documentation that all recall work is complete—not pending parts.
Same Mazda Mazda6 airbags reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Inflator Defect - Explosion Risk
Owners report receiving recall notices (campaigns 14V344000, 15V345000, 15V382000, 15V869000, 16V354000, 17V474000) for Takata airbag inflators that pose risk of metal fragmentation or explosion during deployment. One case documents an airbag catching fire and burning the vehicle interior after a fender bender deployment.
When: Recalls issued starting February 2015 and continuing through 2017; defect applies to original equipment on 2007 model year
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated on dashboard; Recalled airbag inflators identified by manufacturer; Airbag caught fire during normal fender-bender deployment; Metal fragments or shrapnel risk during deployment
Codes mentioned: 15V345000, 15V382000, 15V869000, 14V344000, 16V354000, 17V474000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall required replacement of defective Takata inflators with safe units. Owners reported costs over $1,000 when warranty expired and Mazda refused coverage. Many dealers unable to provide parts for months or years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recalls 14V344000, 15V345000, 15V382000, 15V869000, 16V354000, 17V474000 for defective Takata airbag inflators. Mazda issued multiple recall letters requesting vehicles be brought in, but parts distribution delays stretched years. Some owners reported Mazda suggesting airbag disablement rather than replacement when parts unavailable.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Crashes
Owners report multiple incidents where airbags failed to deploy during frontal, side-impact, and rollover collisions that appeared to meet deployment threshold. One owner experienced two side-impact crashes (2007 and 2009) with no airbag deployment; another crashed at 45 mph into a brick wall with front passenger side impact and no deployment; a third hit a public bus head-on after rolling, with only driver frontal airbag deploying despite significant trauma.
When: Incidents documented July 2007, July 2009, 35 mph crash during severe weather, 45 mph frontal crash, multi-vehicle collision at speed
Symptoms owners cite: Side-impact crash with no airbag deployment; Frontal crash at moderate-to-high speed with no airbag deployment; Vehicle rollover with selective or no airbag deployment; Occupant injuries (head, back, ribs, neck, shoulder) occurring without airbag cushioning
Repairs/costs cited: Body shops and manufacturer unable or unwilling to determine if airbags should have deployed or if malfunction occurred. No repairs or investigations documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated could not provide information to determine whether airbags should have deployed or if malfunction existed.
Clock Spring Failure
Airbag warning light illuminated, diagnosed as failed clock spring (component that maintains electrical contact to airbag system as steering wheel rotates). Failure recurred after initial replacement.
When: Failure first occurred at 61,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated continuously; Failure recurred after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replaced but failure recurred; no further repairs documented.
Airbag Sensor Failure
Airbag warning light illuminated; independent technician diagnosed failed airbag sensors (front driver and passenger side) requiring replacement.
When: Failure occurred at 69,000 miles; current mileage 76,000 at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Front driver and passenger side airbag sensors diagnosed as failed and requiring replacement.
Rear Side Airbag Deactivation
Owner reports rear side airbag repeatedly triggered on-board lamp indicating airbag deactivated. Vehicle taken to dealer 11 times starting May 2008 without resolution. Dealer declined to charge for service but refused to pursue lemon law buyback.
When: First occurrence discovered May 2008; complaint filed with vehicle at 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: On-board lamp stating rear side airbag deactivated; Recurring deactivation events
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer serviced vehicle 11 times with no resolution; no charges applied but safety defect not corrected.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and Mazda refused lemon law buyback or replacement despite 11 service visits.
Takata Recall Parts Distribution Failure
Owners received multiple recall notices for defective Takata inflators but dealers and manufacturer could not provide parts or schedule repairs for months or years. Many owners reported being told to wait indefinitely with no estimated timeframe. One owner waited nearly two years (February 2015 to early 2017) without parts becoming available. Dealers unable to order parts for specific VINs despite recall notices.
When: Recalls initiated February 2015 and continuing; some owners reporting delays through 2016-2017
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received but no available parts; Dealer unable to provide part availability date; Manufacturer unable to provide estimated timeline; Multiple follow-up calls to dealer and manufacturer with no updates
Codes mentioned: 15V345000, 15V382000, 15V869000, 14V344000, 16V354000, 17V474000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement inflators unavailable through dealership network for extended periods. Some owners reported Mazda suggesting airbag disablement as interim solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda issued recall notices but failed to ensure adequate parts supply. Suggested consumers disable or remove airbag rather than repair when parts unavailable. Offered no alternative solutions (loaner cars, rental subsidies, vehicle buyback).
Synthesized from 95 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mazda 6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v382000 (air bags) and 16v354000 (air bags). The parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning indicator illuminated. The failure mileage…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 Mazda 6. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 16v354000 (air bags), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was…
Takata recall trying for 4 yrs now always told no part for it or call Mazda
Takata recall, same as driver side. Told they don't have the parts call Mazda it's been years now. Still driving/with kids!
Takata recall I received a letter from Mazda almost 3 years ago in feb 2014. I keep getting letter after letter for 2 years now saying that they don't have the parts. This is unacceptable as this recall can cause serve injuries or even death.
Takata recall I believe- received feb 2015 driver bag inflator replacement-safety recall-no parts available received july 2015 driver air bag inflator interim repair-no parts available 5+ months is excessive time to wait for parts
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 Mazda mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v345000 (air bags) and 15v382000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 Mazda 6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v345000 (air bags) and 15v869000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mazda 6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v345000 (air bags) and 15v382000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool…
I had taken my car to the dealership three times in 2012 because the airbag icon had come on. The 3rd time I had it in was in march of 2012 just before the warranty expired. At no time were they able to find the problem. With the more recent recall because of airbag problems, I asked if I could bring my car in again to be checked as the airbag icon had remained on most of the time. I took it…
Had airbags trouble with your 2007 Mazda Mazda6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2007 Mazda Mazda6?
It's a serious issue. 95 complaints have been filed, including 12 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 61,500 and 135,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,500; a quarter make it past 135,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Mazda/Mazda6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.