Vehicle Data Hub

Recall 14V-173

Mazda North American Operations recalled the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 and 1 other model: Electrical system (alternator/generator/regulator).

At a glance

Campaign number
14V-173
Reported
April 3, 2014
Vehicles affected
5,700 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

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.

The risk

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 fix

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-[removed]. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

Notes from the manufacturer

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-[removed] (TTY 1-[removed]), or go to [link removed]

Affected vehicles