Mazda Mazda3 recall: Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator
Official safety recall 14V173000 published by NHTSA.
High risk
Contact an authorised dealer of the maker. Recall repairs are free of charge.
Affected vehicles
| Vehicle | Model year | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda6 | 2014 | United States |
| Mazda Mazda6 | 2015 | United States |
| Mazda Mazda3 | 2014 | United States |
The problem
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.
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.
The official 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.