Mazda CX-3, MAZDA2, MAZDA3 Recall R/2018/087: Software Error Can Cause Engine To Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 2 Apr 2018
- Launched
- 4,858
- vehicles in the UK
- AJ004A
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mazda recalled CX-3, MAZDA2, MAZDA3 vehicles built between 30 April 2015 and 4 November 2017. The engine protection logic does not work properly. The recall notice describes the fix as: re-program the engine protection software within the PCM. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The engine protection logic does not work properly. When the engine speed reaches maximum with no engine load present , the software is unable to cut the engine. This could in extreme cases cause catastrophic engine failure. Immediate and catastrophic engine damage may result.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SOFTWARE ERROR CAN CAUSE ENGINE TO FAIL Defect: On the subject vehicles the engine protection logic does not work properly. When the engine speed reaches maximum with no engine load present � the software is unable to cut the engine. This could in extreme cases cause catastrophic engine failure. Immediate and catastrophic engine damage may result. Remedy: Re-program the engine protection software within the PCM.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause eNGINE TO FAIL.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: re-program the engine protection software within the PCM. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
CX-3, MAZDA2, MAZDA3 built between 30 April 2015 and 4 November 2017 may be included. Mazda estimates 4,858 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mazda, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mazda.
- Book with any franchised Mazda dealer, quoting the campaign code AJ004A or the DVSA reference R/2018/087. See how to get a Mazda recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30, MAZDA3On affected vehicles the images from the rear view / 360 cameras may not display | Low | R/2023/312 | |
| CX-3, CX-5, MAZDA2, MAZDA3 and 2 moreLow pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed | Urgent | R/2021/435 | |
| MAZDA3The plastic logo on the steering wheel centre may shatter and project fragments into the vehicle interior during an air bag deployment | Urgent | R/2021/273 | |
| MAZDA3The engine may stall or fail to restart in some driving situations | Urgent | R/2020/010 | |
| CX-30, MAZDA3Vehicles may unexpectedly stop due to inadvertent activation of the automated smart brake support (sbs) system | Urgent | R/2020/009 |
This is one of 103 Mazda recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mazda recall launched before it was R/2018/015 on 31 Jan 2018, for front lower suspension arm ball joint casting may crack / break. The one launched after it was R/2018/184 on 30 Jul 2018, for airbag inflators may not operate as intended. You can also see every Mazda recall, the Mazda MAZDA2 recall history, all recalls launched in 2018 and software recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/087, launched 2 April 2018. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.