Mazda SUV Airbags Reportedly Deploy Unexpectedly at 87 MPH, Shocking Driver | Carscoops

      This isn't the first instance of airbags in a Mazda reportedly deploying without the vehicle being involved in an accident.

      20 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      A driver of a Mazda CX-60 has reported that the curtain airbags deployed unexpectedly while traveling on the highway.

      The SUV owner claims there were no impacts or bumps that could have triggered the airbags.

      The driver suffered minor burns, but Mazda promptly provided roadside assistance and towing.

      Airbags are intended to be a final safety measure in an accident, not an unexpected danger during a regular drive. Nevertheless, one owner of the Mazda CX-60 in Germany has reported that the side curtain airbags activated suddenly while driving at 87 mph (140 km/h) on the Autobahn. Of all the unexpected experiences one might have while driving, this is undoubtedly among the most alarming.

      Unexpected Deployment

      The incident was detailed by the CX-60 owner on Reddit, who mentioned that during a drive near Bielefeld, the right-side curtain airbags deployed without warning. The SUV had not been in a collision, nor had it encountered a significant bump that could have deceived the sensors.

      After the airbags activated, the driver managed to continue until the next exit, but the Mazda eventually stopped, likely because the safety systems detected an accident and cut off the battery and fuel supply. Thankfully, the front airbags did not deploy, nor did the curtain airbags on the driver’s side activate. If they had, it could have led to a loss of vehicle control.

      The driver reported minor burns from the airbags, but Mazda quickly responded to the emergency call and arranged for towing. The CX-60 involved is only three years old, with about 50,000 km (31,000 miles) on the odometer. As of now, there has been no update from the service center investigating the incident, making it difficult to determine what exactly went wrong in this case.

      Not the First Report

      Interestingly, this does not seem to be the first occasion of Mazda owners reporting unexpected airbag deployments.

      Last year, a CX-50 owner shared on Reddit that their SUV’s curtain airbags deployed while driving on the freeway, although some commenters speculated whether their vehicle had actually been in an accident or if it had hit a curb at highway speed.

      In any event, airbags are meant to protect lives, not elevate stress levels during a simple drive. Mazda's investigation into this CX-60 could reveal whether this incident is an isolated electrical issue or a more concerning trend for owners.