Vina Mazda, a member of the local Truong Hai Automobile Company (THACO), has recalled over 16,000 Mazda3 1.5L and 2.0L Sedans and Hatchbacks using SkyActiv technology engine for side air-bag control faults.

Thaco said in a statement that all Mazda3 cars produced in the Quang Nam-based Vina Mazda plant between December 9^th, 2014 and November 1^st, 2016 will receive free software updates to fix incorrect operations over past two years.

Experts from Mazda Japan company confirmed that the side air-bag control fault does not affect the car’s operation.

Earlier, Vina Mazda had informed the Viet Nam Register for the Mazda3 recall programme.

The local car maker said it needs only 10 minutes to complete the software correction.

Vina Mazda also reconfirmed that it has not recorded any accidents or incidents related to the Mazda3’s incorrect operation of the side air-bag control system.

Last year, Vina Mazda also recalled 170 Mazda3 1.5L car models--out of 4,000 vehicles in the country--for repairs to the Check-Engine signal appearing on the car’s warning light.

Last month, Vina Mazda also recalled 4,809 Mazda2 (produced from August 24, 2015 to September 26, 2016) cars to fix a fault related to the check-engine light.

In June, VinaMazda recalled more than 10,000 Mazda3 cars for a similar fault.

Thaco plans to produce over 112,000 cars in 2016, with expected revenue of US$3 billion.

Earlier this year, Thaco began operation of a new production line of trailers and special purpose vehicles in the Truong Hai-Chu Lai Mechanical Automobile Industrial Zone, and start construction of a new Mazda plant, two new truck and bus plants and other supportive industries for several car models.

Thaco, the largest automobile maker in Viet Nam, has produced and distributed vehicles for three manufacturers including Kia from South Korea, Mazda from Japan and French giant Peugeot. — VNS