The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·14V173000·Announced 2014-04-03

Mazda Recalls 2014-2015 Models for Potential Engine Stall Risk

Mazda is recalling 2014-2015 Mazda3 and Mazda6 vehicles because a software error may cause the engine to stall in heavy rain, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a defect that can lead to loss of steering assist and engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the rubric criterion for significant injury risk or structural/functional vehicle defects.

Plain-English summary

Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured between May 20, 2013, and December 18, 2013, and are equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system.

The recall addresses a defect where the alternator belt may slip when driving in heavy rain or deep puddles. This can cause the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume the charging system has failed. Consequently, the vehicle may stop charging, leading to poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, which increases the risk of a crash.

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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
MAZDA MAZDA6, MAZDA3
Brand
MAZDA
Manufacturer
Mazda North American Operations
Category
Vehicle — Passenger Car
Hazard
Affected units
5,700

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • MAZDA6
  • MAZDA3

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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