Mazda CX-3, MX5 Recall R/2018/237: Control Logic Which Monitors The Charging Control Program Fails To Divert Electrical Power…, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 17 Sep 2018
- Launched
- 965
- vehicles in the UK
- AJ042A
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mazda recalled CX-3, MX5 vehicles built between 11 February 2015 and 13 April 2017. The control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert the electrical power away from the capacitor when a fault is detected within the capacitor circuit. The dealer will reprogram the PCM with the correct control logic. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert the electrical power away from the capacitor when a fault is detected within the capacitor circuit. This can cause a short circuit inside the DCDC converter and could cause the engine to stall or overheating of the DCDC converter itself which could cause a fire. The fault is accompanied by the ,i-ELOOP, warning light being illuminated on the instrument cluster along with the ,i-Stop, warning light flashing The engine may in some circumstances stall and fail to restart. In extreme cases the DCDC converter could overheat and cause a fire.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: CONTROL LOGIC WHICH MONITORS THE CHARGING CONTROL PROGRAM FAILS TO DIVERT ELECTRICAL POWER AWAY FROM CAPACITOR IN THE EVENT OF A FAULT Defect: On the subject vehicles the control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert the electrical power away from the capacitor when a fault is detected within the capacitor circuit. This can cause a short circuit inside the DCDC converter and could cause the engine to stall or overheating of the DCDC converter itself which could cause a fire. The fault is accompanied by the �i-ELOOP� warning light being illuminated on the instrument cluster along with the �i-Stop� warning light flashing The engine may in some circumstances stall and fail to restart. In extreme cases the DCDC converter could overheat and cause a fire Remedy: Reprogram the PCM with the correct control logic. If error code �U3000: 49-DCDC� is stored � the DCDC Converter must also be replaced.
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 a short circuit inside the DCDC converter and could cause the engine to stall or overheating of the DCDC converter itself which could cause a fire.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogram the PCM with the correct control logic. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
CX-3, MX5 built between 11 February 2015 and 13 April 2017 may be included. Mazda estimates 965 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 AJ042A or the DVSA reference R/2018/237. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX5Fuel pipe concern | Urgent | R/2025/442 | |
| MX5Traction/Stability light may fail to illuminate | Urgent | R/2025/202 | |
| MX5Parking assist unit reprogramming | Low | R/2025/043 | |
| CX-3, CX-5, MAZDA2, MAZDA3 and 2 moreLow pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed | Urgent | R/2021/435 | |
| MX5Undershield metal bracket may separate from vehicle | Low | R/2019/265 |
This is one of 103 Mazda recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mazda recall launched before it was R/2018/236 on 17 Sep 2018, for vacuum pump may wear prematurely. The one launched after it was R/2018/288 on 17 Sep 2018, for fuel injector software does not control the electric current correctly. You can also see every Mazda recall, the Mazda MX5 recall history, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/237, launched 17 September 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.