Mazda 3 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint

Model year 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.

Consequence:

Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3819F.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Engine; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Model year 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence:

An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

Model year 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.

Consequence:

A wheel separating from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the front and rear wheel lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3519F.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel; Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices

Model year 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.

Consequence:

Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

Model years 2016–2018

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.

Consequence:

Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System

Model year 2018

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.

Consequence:

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Parking Brake

Model years 2014–2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.

Consequence:

If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Seats

Model years 2010–2011

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.

Consequence:

If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage

Model year 2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.

Consequence:

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the recirculation pipe weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0216I.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

Model years 2014–2016

Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.

Consequence:

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate

Model years 2010–2013

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Consequence:

If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy:

Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

Model years 2015–2016

NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.

Consequence:

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's fuel shut-off valve. As needed, the fuel shut-off valve and the affected fuel tank emissions system components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repairs have been completed. Mazda will provide rental cars until that time. Owners may contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8615J.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator

Model year 2014

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

Consequence:

Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

Model years 2008–2009

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 MAZDA3 and MAZDASPEED3 vehicles manufactured from January 7, 2008, through November 28, 2008. The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during assembly. If this condition exists then over time the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase up to a point that the windshield wipers would not work.

Consequence:

The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before July 15, 2011. Owners may contact Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System

Model years 2007–2009

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 MAZDA3 and MAZDA5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008. These vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.

Consequence:

Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on September 15, 2010. Owners may contact Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Model year 2009

Mazda is recalling 7,100 MY 2009 MAZDA3 vehicles equipped with dynamic stability control for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 126, "electronic stability control system". The yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards.

Consequence:

Improper operation of the electronic stability control.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect and have the unit replaced free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2009. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Electrical System

Model year 2010

Mazda is recalling 25,400 MY 2010 MAZDA3 vehicles. A clearance between the engine harness and the housing of starter motor may be insufficient. Due to this, the covering of the harness may be damaged through vibration during operation possibly causing a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing. A short-circuit can result in engine control malfunction and/or poor shift quality.

Consequence:

The main fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and inability of restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will have the engine harness inspect and add a protector clip on the affected section of the harness. If necessary, the harness will be repaired. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 6, 2009. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

Model year 2005

On two passenger vehicles, a crack in the solder connection attaching the acceleration sensor in the sas unit made contact with the base plate, damaging the solder connection.

Consequence:

The airbag may not deploy when the vehicle is involved in a frontal crash and it can cause serious injuries.

Remedy:

Dealers repaired these vehicles. The two vehicle owners were contacted by telephone on November 22, 2004, and these vehicles have been repaired.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

Model year 2004

On certain passenger vehicles, a crack in the air bag crash zone sensor housing can allow water to enter the sensor, causing a short circuit and illuminating the air bag warning light.

Consequence:

If this problem exists, the air will not deploy as designed in certain types of frontal crashes, increasing the risk of death or serious injury to the driver and front seat passenger.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the crash zone sensor and replace it, if necessary. The recall began on October 28, 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.