Recall 96V173000: Automatic Shoulder Belt Inoperative

The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly will become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative. In the event of a vehicle collision, the occupant would not be adequately restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Dealers will replace inoperative shoulder belts. Mazda has extended the warranty coverage on the driver and passenger automatic shoulder belt rail and motor for the life of the vehicle.

Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during October 1996.

Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393.