Mazda recalls another 1.6 million vehicles due to airbag defects.

Japanese automaker Mazda announced on June 5th that it will recall an additional 1.6 million vehicles equipped with airbags that could potentially cause passenger injury or death, bringing the total number of vehicles recalled globally to approximately 2.02 million.

A Mazda 6 model at an exhibition in the US - Photo: AFP

According to AFP, Mazda said the latest recall includes 465,000 vehicles in the US and 76,000 in Japan, all manufactured between 2003 and 2008, but did not disclose where the remaining vehicles were sold.

The announcement marks the latest chapter in a worsening crisis for airbag supplier Takata, which last month doubled its recall in the U.S. to nearly 34 million vehicles.

This defect is believed to be related to a propellant chemical used to inflate airbags, which could cause the airbags to explode, sending metal fragments flying into the driver and passengers.

At least six deaths and dozens of injuries are linked to faulty airbags manufactured by Takata and installed in vehicles from major brands such as Honda, Toyota, General Motors, and BMW.

Mazda's expanded recall in the U.S. includes the Mazda6, RX-8, Mazdaspeed6, and Mazda B-series models.

According to Thanh Nien Online