2018 Mazda MAZDA3 Technical Service Bulletins

462 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10145238Sep 14, 2018Electrical system. Some customers may complain about the following: Engine no start. A blurry rear view monitor display. This may be caused by an aftermarket accessory device. Some aftermarket electrical devices (e.g., an accessory cell phone charger, GPS tracker...) may create excessive electrical noise. The noise may interrupt some of the vehicle electrical systems. Below are a few examples of an aftermarket cell phone charger and…
• 10145237Sep 14, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 10145242Sep 6, 2018Engine cooling. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is…
• 10145248Sep 5, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature. The noise is caused by stick/slip between the oil seal at the transaxle and the dust cover of the drive shaft. To correct this issue, the thickness of the dust cover has been…
• 10145245Sep 4, 2018Suspension. Some vehicles may experience a creaking noise from the front shock absorber when going over bumps. Upon inspection, the coil spring is found to be broken at the lower part without any trace of an accident. It may be found during maintenance or service opportunity without customer complaints. Mud and sand caught between the coil spring and the lower spring seat causes paint damage on the coil spring, resulting in…
• 10144333Aug 31, 2018Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10144327Aug 17, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature. The noise is caused by stick/slip between the oil seal at the transaxle and the dust cover of the driveshaft. To correct this issue, the thickness of the dust cover has been increased.
• 10144334Aug 15, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration.
• 10144322Aug 13, 2018Equipment. Dealer Rework (DRW) 13 - Mazda Connect Navigation Concern. As you may know, DRW13 was launched in March of 2018. This notice is to advise all dealers that DRW13 will be ending August 16th 2018 and all claims must be submitted by this date.
• 10144329Aug 2, 2018Body and structure. Some customers may complain that the rear door seaming welt (1) comes off when stepping in and/or out of the vehicle. This is caused by the gripping force of the seaming welt being insufficient for frequent usage of the rear seat (vehicle used for ride sharing). No mass production change is planned.
• 10143982Jul 30, 2018Electrical system. MAZDA MOBILE START (MMS) APP ERROR MESSAGE INSTALLED ON ANDROID DEVICES: Customers may get an error message "Device no longer has access or service." for the MMS APP installed on android devices starting 8/1/18. Inform the customer that all they need to do is update the MMS APP to the latest version to get rid of the error message.
• 10144013Jul 20, 2018Engine, Equipment. ENGINE NO START (KEY NOT DETECTED): Some customers may complain about the following: Intermittent engine no start, Instrument cluster red security indicator light ON, Engine Start/Start Button Amber indicator light flashing.
• 10144012Jul 20, 2018Electrical system, Engine, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). ENGINE NO START AND / OR REAR VIEW MONITOR DISPLAY IS BLURRY DUE TO AFTERMARKET ELECTRICAL DEVICE: Some customers may complain about the following: Engine no start. A blurry rear view monitor display. This may be caused by an aftermarket accessory device. Some aftermarket electrical devices (e.g., an accessory cell phone charger) may create excessive electrical noise. The noise may interrupt some of the vehicle…
• 10144010Jul 20, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. ELECTRICAL CONCERN AND/OR MULTIPLE DTC'S DUE TO AFTERMARKET DEVICE: If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of…
• 10143980Jul 16, 2018Equipment. Mazda connect system frequently asked questions (faq)
• 10143977Jul 13, 2018Seats. Some vehicles may exhibit excessive operating noise when sliding the driver and/or passenger power seat(s) back and forth. The noise may be caused by cable vibration, which transmits power from the motor to the gears. The cable vibrates inside the cable casing due to inadequately wrapped fabric around the cable. To eliminate this concern, the power seat cable has been changed to a type that produces less friction…
• 10143974Jul 13, 2018Suspension. Some vehicles may exhibit a crack on the front shock absorber dust boot (1). This may be caused by the dust boot having insufficient resistance to the cold. The shape and material of the dust boot has been changed to improve its resistance to cold.
• 10143972Jul 13, 2018Suspension. Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following noises from the front suspension. A squeaking noise from the front shock absorber when turning the steering wheel at a vehicle stand still caused by stick-slip between the front strut bearing and the coil spring. A popping noise from the front shock absorber when passing over speed bumps caused by the bump stopper contacting the strut bearing when the shock…
• 10143976Jul 10, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Some customers who drive at elevations higher than 3,300 ft (1,000 m) may complain of a shift shock felt when shifting into 3rd, 5th and/or Reverse with no AT related DTCs stored. The symptom can be temporarily repaired using the AT initial learning procedure, but may recur after multiple driving cycles. Applicable situations: Shifting up: 2-3 or 4-5 Shifting down: 4-3 or 6-5 NOTE: Shifting from 2-3 or 4-3 is more…
• 10143978Jul 6, 2018Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance. Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights ON when they start the vehicle during hot weather. The following DTC is stored in memory: U3000:98 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) stops functioning due to temporary high temperature. The combination of warning lights mentioned by the customer may include: SCBS/SBS LAS/LDWS HBC Master Warning Light Instrument Cluster Multi-Information Display (if equipped)…
• 10143957Jun 27, 2018Equipment. When troubleshooting a radar unit, DO NOT swap it with another vehicle. Radar units are configured to the original vehicle, and if installed in another vehicle, a configuration error will occur. Refer to MGSS (RADAR UNIT INSPECTION) for proper diagnosing.
• 10143965Jun 20, 2018Equipment. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010.Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following…
• 10143963Jun 15, 2018Equipment. Some customers may complain about an unpleasant odor (such as one may notice with a home freezer) coming from the A/C in hot weather (95°F / 35°C or above). This could be caused by improper control logic for the climate control unit that leaves the A/C compressor on too long and results in a frozen evaporator and an unpleasant odor. To correct this issue, the control logic for the climate control unit has been…
• 10143958Jun 8, 2018Engine cooling. We write to inform you that certain vehicles are affected by the concern mentioned below. Vehicles affected by this DRW will be visible, June 9, 2018. VIN lists for the DRW14 will be uploaded to MGSS on June 8, 2018. Parts and Warranty information and inspection/repair procedures are expected next week and will be uploaded as soon as possible. Certain subject Mazda3 vehicles may have a casting flaw in the front…
• 10143964Jun 6, 2018Electrical system. Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 59.00.546 or later). NOTE: For 2016 CX-9 with version earlier than 59.00.441, the tachometer function will be removed from the Active Driving Display as part of Mazda's continuing efforts to improve safety and reduce driver distraction. Please explain this to the customer before updating the…
• 10143955Jun 6, 2018Engine cooling. IMPORTANT: If you encounter an IDS inoperative problem with VCM-II license expiration message, follow the instructions below: 1. CLICK HERE to download the resetting tool to your PC desktop. 2. Reboot your PC, DO NOT start any application after restarting. 3. Run the resetting tool by double clicking the "Reset.bat" file (on your desktop from step 1). 4. Press any key after reading the notifications about the…
• 10142535May 30, 2018Wheels. Some vehicles with accessory installed wheel locks may have had the wrong kit installed using a 21 mm wheel lock key. As of May 01, 2018, Japan produced vehicles use 17 mm hex lug nuts instead of 21 mm on the same size thread. Follow the instructions below to replace the wheel lock kit with a 17 mm wheel lock key. NOTE: The Mazda3 produced in Mexico is not affected
• 10142534May 23, 2018Seat belts, Air bags. Some customers may complain that the passenger seat belt warning light is ON and the PASS AIRBAG OFF indicator light is OFF with no front passenger in the seat. This may be caused by an electrical device (smart phone, tablet, laptop. etc.) placed on the front passenger's seat.
• 10142527May 11, 2018Equipment. Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement.
• 10142517May 11, 2018Engine cooling. Some vehicles may exhibit the check engine light on with DTC P0456 stored in the PCM memory. P0456: EVAP system leak detected (very small leak)The concern is most likely the result of the customer not getting the fuel cap completely closed after fuelingthe vehicle. This causes a small fuel vapor leak and turns DTC P0456 on.
• 10142515May 11, 2018Brakes. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claimsare…
• 10142533May 8, 2018Engine. If a vehicle is driven on extremely short trips most of the time (where the engine never reaches normal operating temperature), the engine oil may become diluted with fuel and the engine oil level will increase. Engine oil dilution with fuel occurring under this specific driving condition is normal with direct injection engines.
• 10142525May 8, 2018Equipment. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit (or a MAZDA CONNECT tuner and amp unit (TAU)) with replacement tuner for any reason, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with active (working SAT radio).
• 10142520May 8, 2018Tires. This service bulletin illustrates the conditions when a TPMS warning light may illuminate, why it illuminated and how to properly initialize the system.The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the tire pressure of all four tires indirectly using the data sent from the ABS wheel speed sensors.
• 10142519May 8, 2018Steering. Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
• 10142516May 8, 2018Engine. Some vehicles may experience the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON with DTC P2610 and P2507 stored inmemory after engine start and room fuse 15A (A) removed. P2610:00: Instrument cluster internal engine off timer performance problem P2507:00: PCM battery voltage low input. As a past malfunction, the customer will not notice it (no warning light illuminated), but the DTC may be found during a vehicle service. P2507 in this…
• 10142518May 7, 2018Tires. Customer complaints have been reported where the TPMS warning light is unnecessarily illuminated because the TPMS initialization was not performed correctly before customer delivery.TPMS INITIALIZATION PROCESS: When any of the services below is performed, BE SURE TO INITIALIZE THE TPMS BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE by pushing and holding the TPMS Set Switch on the dash until the TPMS warning light flashes two times…
• 10142531May 3, 2018Body and structure. Some customers may complain of a lack of power under heavy load without any warning lights or DTCs. This concern may be due to a loose or detached hood weatherstrip, which can cause a blockage or restriction in the air intake system.
• 10142530May 1, 2018Lane departure, Exterior lighting. Some vehicles may have DTC C1001:92 stored in memory. DTC C1001:92 sets as a past record for low visibility of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC). It does not mean there is an actual FSC defect. In some cases the customer may have a concern with the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and/or High Beam Control system (HBC).
• 10136768Apr 30, 2018Electrical system. MAZDA CONNECT SOFTWARE VERSION 59.00.545 AVAILABLE. An update to the MAZDA CONNECT system is now available for download from the Mazda Global Service Support (MGSS) system. The new version number is 59.00.545. Mazda Requests the MAZDA CONNECT system be updated on all new vehicle inventory and CPO vehicles ASAP. For CPO inventory vehicles out of warranty, for this software release only, you may use Dealer Self…
• 10136776Apr 27, 2018Brakes. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
• 10136774Apr 27, 2018Wheels. Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains.
• 10136765Apr 23, 2018Equipment. Some 2018 vehicles built after January 1, 2018 and equipped with Navigation may exhibit one of these concerns after the user inputs an address: A screen pops up that says "House number not found." After the user selects OK, the system finds the address or a nearby address.Instead of finding the correct address number the system adds a digit to the end of the number. Example: You enter 151 and the system comes back…
• 10136782Apr 16, 2018Equipment. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/Cevaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. "Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating" is available to…
• 10136780Apr 16, 2018Engine cooling. Some vehicles may experience the check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light ON with one or more of these DTCs stored in the TCM memory (P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738). P0842:00 - Oil pressure switch No. 1 (oil pressure switch B) stuck on P0847:00 - Oil pressure switch No. 2 (oil pressure switch A) stuck on P0872:00 - Oil pressure switch No. 3 (oil pressure switch A) stuck on P0877:00 - Oil…
• 10136779Apr 12, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Some customers who drive at elevations higher than 3,300 ft (1,000 m) may complain of a shift shock felt when shifting into 3rd, 5th and/or Reverse with no AT related DTCs stored. The symptom can be temporarily repaired using the AT initial learning procedure, but may recur after multiple driving cycles. Applicable situations: Shifting up: 2-3 or 4-5 Shifting down: 4-3 or 6-5 NOTE: Shifting from 2-3 or 4-3 is more…
• 10136788Apr 5, 2018Body and structure. Some vehicles may experience stains appearing on the hood, roof and/or trunk of the vehicle. This concern is most likely to be found in a cold weather areas just after the RAPGARD is removed at PDI. This may be caused by moisture which has been trapped and condensed between the paint and the RAPGARD. These types of stains can be removed with a heat gun or an infrared drier.
• 10136787Apr 5, 2018Equipment. Some vehicles may exhibit BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010. Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following procedure.
• 10136784Apr 5, 2018Air bags. This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
• 10136772Apr 5, 2018Equipment. The vehicles listed above are equipped with a push button start/stop ignition system. Unlike previous Mazdamodels, there is no key cylinder on the steering column. Therefore, the engine cannot be started with theauxiliary key if the room fuse is removed or if the transmitter battery is dead.NOTE: The auxiliary key can only be used to lock or unlock the doors. It cannot be used to start the engine. Two transmitters…

← All problems reported for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3