Mazda/automatic shoulder belt
Defect Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
In the event of a vehicle collision, the occupant would not be adequately restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Mazda North American Operations or involving Seat Belts.
FAQ: Recall 96V173000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 96V173000?
NHTSA recall 96V173000 was issued by Mazda North American Operations on September 16, 1996. It addresses: Mazda/automatic shoulder belt. The recall affects approximately 17,800 vehicles, with the defect involving the Seat Belts component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Mazda North American Operations dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 96V173000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.