Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 recalled over belt issue

Almost 850 dual-cab versions of the new Isuzu D-MAX and the related Mazda BT-50 are being recalled due to a potential problem with the rear seat belt pretensioner.

These vehicles may have a defective locking tab on the rear seat belt pretensioner, in which case it will not tension properly.

“If the pretensioner wiring harness connector incorrectly locks, this can prevent it from fully tensioning the seat belt in the event of an accident,” Isuzu said in the recall notice.

“This could increase the risk of injury or, in the case of a serious accident, increase the risk of death to vehicle occupants.”

The recall affects 690 examples of the MY21 Isuzu D-MAX Crew Cab built between June 22 and August 16, 2020.

Mazda Australia has advised that the Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab, which is based on the Isuzu D-MAX, will also be subject to a comparable recall, with 158 vehicles impacted.

A VIN list of impacted Isuzu D-MAX vehicles can be found here. A list of relevant Mazda BT-50 vehicles should be published soon, with more information to be found on the federal government’s Product Safety Australia website.

The two car-makers will contact all known owners of affected vehicles to arrange for a free inspection and repair.

The Isuzu D-MAX and the Mazda BT-50 have each earned a maximum five-star ANCAP rating, making them among the safest utes available on the market.

Both new models have also prompted a strong uptick in sales, with the D-MAX in particular helping Isuzu UTE to 10th position overall last month among the top-selling brands, its 2943 sales in November made up of 2095 examples of the D-MAX.

The balance went to the only other model in the brand’s stable, the Isuzu MU-X large SUV on 848.