Recalls: Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS
Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS: tailgate may corrode and cause injury
In September 2016, a recall was issued for Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS hatchbacks because an inappropriate type of paint was used on the end-cap of the external body of the Liftgate Stay Dampers (struts). In regions where exposure to salt occurred, surface corrosion may result. If the corrosion was not addressed and continued, the external body may swell such that the end-cap may split and break as the rear liftgate (tailgate) was opened. At worst, people nearby may be at risk of injury from components dislodged by the pressurised gas contained in the Liftgate Stay Damper (PRA 2016/15630).
2009-12 Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS: driver’s seat could move out of position
In February 2017, a recall was issued for Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS vehicles that were available for sale in Australia prior to 28 March 2012. For the driver’s seat of these vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter link could crack or the lifter link retaining nuts could separate. If this occurred, the seat may make an abnormal noise or rattling noise; at worst, however, the lifter link could break and separate from the seat frame, causing the seat to move out of its position. For the VINs of the recalled Mazda BL Mazda3 vehicles, please see PRA 2017/15935.
Problems and faults: Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Mazda3 MPS: VVT ticking noise
In April 2012, Mazda USA issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 01-012/12) for Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS vehicles that were produced before 27 February 2010 and had VINs lower than JM1BL******295247. In these vehicles, there may be a loud ticking noise from the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator when the L3-VDT engine was first started due to:
- The lock pin of the variable valve timing actuator not fully engaging; or
- A worn lock pin hole.
To fix, the cylinder head had to be removed and the VVT actuator replaced. Subsequently, heat treatment was applied to the area around the hole of the variable valve timing rotor lock pin to prevent this from happening.
Mazda3 MPS: stretched timing chain
In April 2012, Mazda USA issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 01-012/12) for Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS vehicles that were produced before 1 May 2009 and had VINs lower than JM1BL******152985. When the engine was warmed up, the Mazda3 MPS may exhibit a knocking/rattling noise from the front timing cover and/or valve (cylinder head) cover at engine speeds below 2000 rpm – this noise was caused by excessive stretching of the timing chain. To fix, the timing chain needed to be replaced. The design of the timing chain was subsequently changed to overcome the problem.
Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS: front-end clunk after take-off
In January 2014, Mazda USA issued service bulletin 04-022/14 for 2009-13 Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS vehicles because some owners experienced a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle during the vehicle’s initial forward movement after starting the engine. As per the service bulletin, this noise was due to a normal ‘Malfunction Detection Function’ being performed by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and did not require repairs.
2009-11 Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS: sticky dashboard
For 2009-11 Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS vehicles, the polymer which the dashboard is made from may degrade due to sunlight/heat and humidity. As a result, the dashboard surface may:
- Become sticky to the touch; and,
- Appear shiny and reflect more light, causing increased glare and impaired visibility.
The driver may also experience a ‘chemical’ smell.
WithinAustralia, there have been cases of Mazda supplying replacement dashboards at not cost as a ‘goodwill’ gesture, though owners have still had to pay labour costs (around $250-$350) to have the replacement dashboard fitted. For examples, see ‘Whirlpool: 2009 Mazda 3 dashboard is melting‘.
Mazda BL Mazda3 MPS: Other problems and faults
Engine overheating and/or a lack of battery charging may be due to a tensioner pulley wearing out; as a result, the tensioner and air conditioning belt require replacement.
