Mazda/automatic shoulder belt rail
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front seat automatic shoulder belts. the rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly can become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
Safety Consequence
A seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the passive shoulder belt assembly with a modified one (with additional dust lip) in vehicles which have experienced a problem. in vehicles in which the automatic shoulder belt functions properly, the rails will be inspected and replaced with modified rails if they exceed the inspection criteria.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Mazda North American Operations or involving Seat Belts.
FAQ: Recall 97V211000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 97V211000?
NHTSA recall 97V211000 was issued by Mazda North American Operations on November 18, 1997. It addresses: Mazda/automatic shoulder belt rail. The recall affects approximately 134,000 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 97V211000 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.