Recalls: Mazda J97M BT-50 utility
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 J97M BT-50 utility
- In October 2007, a recall was issued for Mazda BT-50 four-wheel drive utilities with automatic transmissions, and rear-wheel drive BT-50 Hi-Rider utilities due to an incorrect Compliance Plate Approval (CPA) number embossed on the compliance plate (PRA 2007/9615).
- In May 2010, a recall was issued for Mazda BT-50 utilities due to potential breakage of the bonnet striker (PRA 2010/11632).If the vehicle was driven continuously under severe conditions, the safety hook may no longer retain the bonnet and the bonnet cold open while driving. The affected vehicles – identified by VIN – were as follows:
- MMO UNYO** 00613091 to MMO UNYO** 00813977;
- MM8 UNFE93 00601527;
- MM8 UNBE13 00602706; and,
- MM8 UNFE93 00602711.
- In September 2010, a recall was issued for Mazda BT-50 models with automatic transmissions (PRA 2010/11947). In these vehicles, the automatic transmission shift cable bracket could have unnecessary welding and not meet specification – this could cause the bracket to break. As a result, shifting may require greater effort or the gears may not engage when selected. The affected vehicles were in the following VIN ranges:
- MMO UNY0E3 00641775 to MMO UNY0E3 00694613; and,
- MMO UNY0E4 00804848 to MMO UNY0E4 00812666.
- In March 2016, a recall was issued for Mazda J97M BT-50 vehicles because the front passenger air bag inflator may have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. In the event of a collision, the combustion rate of the propellant may increase inside the inflator, causing internal pressure to rise suddenly during airbag deployment. Such deployment could cause the inflator housing to rupture and disperse metal fragments, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant (PRA 2015/14760). The recalled Mazda BT-50 vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- MM0 UNY0E3 00613091 to MM0 UNY0E3 00694613;
- MM0 UNY0E4 00804805 to MM0 UNY0E4 00908724;
- MM0 UNY0W2 00415000 to MM0 UNY0W 200433739;
- MM0 UNY0W3 00613309 to MM0 UNY0W 300694615;
- MM0 UNY0W4 00804803 to MM0 UNY0W 400912110;
- MM0 UNY062 00361395 to MM0 UNY062 00412063; and,
- MM0 UNY0W2 00362122 to MM0 UNY0W2 00433739.
- In July 2016, a recall was issued for Mazda J97M BT-50 vehicles because propellant wafers in the front airbag may absorb moisture over time – this could cause overly aggressive combustion of the airbag on deployment such that the airbag inflator housing could rupture and disperse metal fragments throughout the cabin. These fragments posed a risk of serious of injury (PRA 2016/15522). The recalled Mazda BT-50 vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- MM0UNY0*300613091 to MM0UNY0*300694615; and,
- MM0UNY0*400804803 to MM0UNY0*400912110.
Search online for recalls by VIN
To see if a Mazda vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Mazda Australia website using its VIN.
Problems and faults: Mazda J97M BT-50 utility
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.
Mazda BT-50: 2H, 4H and 4L not engaging
For Mazda BT-50 vehicles, there have been reports of:
- Owners having difficulties engaging the various drive modes (i.e. 2H, 4H and 4L);
- The 4×4 and 4L lights staying on when 2H is actually engaged; and,
- When in 4L, the speedometer providing a reading that is around half of the vehicle’s actual speed.
These symptoms may be caused by:
- Failure of the shift actuator on the transfer case (i.e. the 4WD actuator motor) not working properly;
- Movement of the position sensor within the 4WD actuator motor. For this problem, loosening the three T-15 Torx screws on the actuator motor’s position sensor plate, swivelling/adjusting the plate and re-tightening it may fix the problem. Some owners, however, have found that this only provides a temporary fix and that the shift actuator eventually requires replacement (as above); and,
- In rare cases, corrosion of a relay attached to the transmission loom.
3.0-litre diesel engine: EGR cooler failure and overheating
For Mazda J97M BT-50 vehicles, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler is susceptible to failure and this causes the engine to overheat. If this occurs,
- This cylinder head is likely to crack and the head gasket is likely fail;
- Coolant may leak through the EGR pipe, EGR valve and into cylinder #4; and,
- Coolant can also drip down into the turbocharger and the exhaust.
As a result of this problem, some owners have fitted a coolant sensor in the system so that, if the coolant drops, an alarm sounds to provide a warning and the driver can shut down the engine to prevent serious damage.
Problems and faults: Mazda J97M BT-50 utility
- If the automatic transmissions delays engaging drive or reverse gears when selected, the powertrain control module may require reprogramming.
- Unless the rear brake backing plates are sealed, the brakes will grab due to wet brake linings in wet or humid weather.
- The clutch slave cylinder/release bearing may make a squeaking noise due to a lack of lubrication on the bearing.
- Popping or clunking noises from the front of the vehicle may be due to defective inner tie-rod ends.
