2018 Mazda MAZDA3Service bulletins
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.
- 10136778Apr 2, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses "Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ". Only use"ATF-FZ" to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in the SKYACTIV-DRIVE series AT. It is a low viscosity formula with less friction for better fuel economy. NOTE: ATF-FZ is colored blue for easy identification.
- 10136775Apr 2, 2018Engine cooling. Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine. This is a normal operating noise of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Do not attempt any repairs. If you encounter a customer complaint for this concern, explain that the noise comes from the ABS/TCS/DSC "Malfunction…
- 10134945Mar 28, 2018Electrical system. Upgrade your PCs to IDS version 109.00 and 109.01 from the previous version. NOTE: You may see ?Selection not available? on IDS when a selecting ?Programming menu?, 108.07 included a timer extension for Programming menu application that had to be installed before the expiration date of 3/27/18. After the expiration, IDS can?t accept the extension. To correct this, uninstall IDS and re-install IDS 108.00 >IDS 108.07…
- 10134933Mar 28, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery), 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.
- 10134930Mar 26, 2018Suspension. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10134929Mar 26, 2018Electrical system. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10134928Mar 26, 2018Electrical system. This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10134703Mar 26, 2018Equipment. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is…
- 10134702Mar 22, 2018Body and structure. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
- 10134701Mar 22, 2018Exterior lighting. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between…
- 10134700Mar 22, 2018Suspension. Beginning with the CX-5, grip type front and rear stabilizer bushings have been incorporated for noise prevention purposes. If any type of grease or lubrication is applied to the bushings, it may create noise due to bushing slippage.
- 10134699Mar 22, 2018Equipment. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10134698Mar 22, 2018Seats. At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface.
- 10134934Mar 20, 2018Fuel system. The SKYACTIV®-G 2.5T engine requires a unique oil filter (PY8W-14-302) which is NOT interchangeable with other SKYACTIV® oil filters. The unique oil filter can be identified with two white bands as shown below.
- 10134694Mar 19, 2018Electrical system. Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 59.00.504 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…
- 10134938Mar 15, 2018Electrical system. Dealer Rework (DRW) 13 ? Mazda Connect Navigation Concern 2018MY CX-5, CX-3, CX-9, Mazda6, Mazda 3 and MX-5: We write to inform you that certain vehicles are affected by the concern mentioned below. Vehicles affected by this DRW will be visible, March 15th 2018. Parts and Warranty information and VIN lists for the DRW13 will be uploaded to MGSS on March 15, 2018.
- 10134691Mar 9, 2018Engine cooling, Engine. When the engine is started for the first time after parking the vehicle overnight in cold conditions (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius), some vehicles may exhibit a rough idle and/or the check engine light on with any of the following DTC(s) stored in memory. P0300 - Random misfire detected P0301 - Cylinder No.1 misfire detected P0302 - Cylinder No.2 misfire detected P0303 - Cylinder No.3 misfire…
- 10134932Mar 5, 2018Equipment. When installing a navigation SD card, the center display may show error message "Invalid SD Card".
- 10134690Mar 5, 2018Equipment. Some customers may complain that the Voice Recognition system does not recognize "Address" or "New Destination" navigation voice commands. This may be caused by faulty navigation SD card software. TheSD card has been updated to eliminate this concern.
- 10134940Mar 2, 2018Electrical system. 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.
- 10136368Feb 22, 2018Electrical system. Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black during extremely cold temperatures. The concern occurs when the interior of the vehicle is cold and disappears when the interior warms up. This is caused by some SD cards for the MAZDA CONNECT navigation system being manufactured with improper hardware, resulting in a data reading error during extremely cold temperatures. To…
- 10136325Feb 22, 2018Fuel system, Engine cooling. Some vehicles may experience a rough idle with the check engine light on and DTC P0015 / P0524 stored in memory. P0015:00 - Exhaust CMP timing over-retarded P0524:00 - Engine oil pressure too low This is caused by a drop in engine oil pressure due to a piece of foreign object stuck on the oil pump pressure relief valve or oil control valve (OCV). The temporary entry of the foreign object triggers a check engine…
- 10134920Feb 20, 2018Equipment. Some customers may complain about the MAZDA CONNECT center display cracking (spider cracking). The cracks are internal and cannot be felt by touch. This may be caused by a faulty center display.
- 10134925Feb 16, 2018Air bags, Equipment. The Workshop Manual has two-different airbag procedures, one for Standard Deployment and one for Two-Step Deployment. Standard Deployment is for Mexico spec vehicles and Two-Step Deployment is for US and Canadian spec vehicles.
- 10134921Feb 16, 2018Equipment. The navigation SD Card VIN-locks to a vehicle in the following conditions: 1. Vehicle odometer under 62 miles ? VIN-lock occurs with key ON for 3 minutes or longer. 2. Vehicle odometer over 62 miles ? VIN-lock occurs at key ON. Navigation SD Card Map Update Note: Mazda Toolbox navigation SD card map update can only be performed on a navigation SD card that is VIN-locked. See VIN-lock procecure below.
- 10134924Feb 9, 2018Electrical system. Some customers may complain about improper operation of the MAZDA CONNECT system when streaming music with audio source aha/Pandora/Stitcher/Bluetooth® and the same device is also connected to the USB port for charging. The concerns may include: Blank Screen and/or No Audio Sound, Phone will not charge, Blank Screen and/or No Audio Sound
- 10134917Feb 8, 2018Equipment. Some customers may complain about SIRIUSXM satellite radio does not show album art, artist biographies or station logos in the center display. This is a normal condition.
- 10136369Feb 6, 2018Body and structure. Some vehicles may exhibit rust/paint blisters (1) on the surface of the front side sill near the the scuff plates(2). This is likely caused by the driver's or passenger's shoe(s) contacting the side sill when stepping in and/or out of the vehicle since the side sill of the Mazda3 is wider than other models. When this happens, mud/sand stuck to the sole of the shoe scratches the paint surface, which then develops…
- 10129574Jan 29, 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…
- 10129569Jan 16, 2018Electrical system. Some customers may complain that the Voice Recognition system does not recognize "Address" or "New Destination" navigation voice commands. This may be caused by faulty navigation SD card software. The SD card has been updated to eliminate this concern.
- 10129567Jan 10, 2018Electrical system. Some customers may complain that the Voice Recognition system does not recognize "Address" or "NewDestination" navigation voice commands. This may be caused by faulty navigation SD card software. TheSD card has been updated to eliminate this concern.
- 10153226Jan 8, 2018Wheels. As of May 1, 2018, Japan produced vehicles use 17 mm hex lug nuts instead of 21 mm on the same size thread. When installing new lug nuts or the accessory Wheel Lock Set, make sure to use the appropriate part number for the vehicle you are working on. NOTE: The Mazda3 produced in Mexico is not affected.Use the GEPC or the Mazda Accessory web site [MXConnect (dealers.mazdausa.com)] to look up the correct part number…
- 10129565Jan 8, 2018Equipment. Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black during coldtemperatures. The concern occurs when the interior of the vehicle is cold and disappears when the interiorwarms up. This is caused by some for the MAZDA CONNECT navigation system SD cards beingmanufactured with improper hardware, resulting in a data reading error during cold temperatures. To correctthe concern, the SD…
- 10129563Jan 5, 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 standstill 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…
- 10129353Jan 4, 2018Equipment. The MAZDA MOBILE START (MMS) is currently experiencing a system disruption. User web portal and Call center web portal functions are affected. Mazda is working on this issue and will notify dealers when MMS service has been fully restored. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you or your dealer.
- 10129354Jan 2, 2018Electrical system. When installing a navigation SD card, the center display may show error message "Invalid SD Card". This may be caused by: The navigation SD card lock tab is locked.The navigation SD card has a VIN mismatch due to SD card swapping.The navigation SD card has a malfunction.
- 10129351Dec 22, 2017Electrical system. Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights ON when they start the vehicle during hot weather. The following DTCs are stored in memory: U3000:98 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) stops functioning due to temporary high temperature. U3000:04 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) internal malfunction.
- 10129368Dec 5, 2017Equipment, Engine. Some vehicles may experience the Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0171 (Fuel Trim too Lean) and possibly DTCs P030X (Misfire). Vehicles having this concern should use the following Inspection/Repair procedure.
- 10129352Dec 4, 2017Electrical system. If the BSM control module is replaced, Auto Configuration and BSM Radar Test must be performed: 1. Auto Configuration -When the ignition is switched ON, the blind spot monitoring (BSM) reads the vehicle specification information sent via CAN communication from the instrument cluster, and stores the vehicle specification information into the new BSM control module. 2. BSM Radar Test - This test confirms correct BSM…
- 10188488Nov 2, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery), 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.
- 10125469Oct 18, 2017Forward collision avoidance. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system alerts the driver of a possible collision using an indication in the display and a warning sound when the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects a vehicle ahead and determines that a collision with a vehicle ahead is imminent. In addition, the system reduces damage in the event of a collision by operating the brake control when the system determines that a collision is…
- 10123439Oct 6, 2017Back-over prevention (rear camera), Electrical system, Brakes. Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights ON when they start the vehicle during hot weather. The following DTCs are stored in memory: U3000:98 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) stops functioning due to temporary high temperature. U3000:04 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) internal malfunction.
- 10123437Oct 5, 2017Brakes, Transmission 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…
- 10120384Sep 8, 2017Equipment. Some customers may complain about poor heater performance even after the engine reaches normal operating temperature. This may be caused by a clogged heater unit. For Mazda6 and CX-5, the check engine light may illuminate with the DTC P011A:00 stored at the same time. P011A:00 ECT sensor No.1/No.2 performance problem. NOTE: Refer to TSB 01-015/15 if the customer is using a block heater at temperatures below freezing.
- 10118472Aug 23, 2017Electrical system. Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 59.00.502 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…
- 10118480Aug 18, 2017Exterior lighting, Electrical system. Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights on when they start the vehicle during hot weather. The combination of warning lights mentioned by the customer may include: SCBS, LDWS, HBC. Instrument Cluster Multi-Information Display warning messages may include: Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction, Smart Brake System Malfunction, Front Camera Sensor System Malfunction.
- 10118479Aug 10, 2017Equipment. Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns. MAZDA CONNECT Symptom Troubleshooting Table Sections: Audio System, Bluetooth®, Center Display, DTC, i-ACTIVESENSE, Maintenance Monitor, Navigation, Noise, Reboot / Frozen Screen / Slow Response, USB / Aux, Voice Command
- 10118468Aug 9, 2017Body and structure, Electrical system, Exterior lighting. When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the headlamp unit, first determine if all the bulb sockets (including O-ring), seals and covers are present and correctly installed. In most cases you will find that the Bulb Seal No. 1 (A) or HID Bulb Seal No. 1 (B) and Bulb Seal No.
- 10118467Aug 7, 2017Equipment, Electrical system. 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 odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
- 10111043Jul 26, 2017Equipment. Some customers may complain about the following MAZDA CONNECT Temperature Warning message: Display is too Hot. Screen performance may be decreased until it cools. The warning message displays when the MAZDA CONNECT screen temperature is above 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius).
← All problems reported for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.