# Service bulletin MT\-012\-18

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

- Type: Service bulletin
- NHTSA id: 10154139
- Published by NHTSA: 2019\-03\-04
- Manufacturer's number: MT\-012\-18
- Manufacturer's date: 2018\-12\-11
- NHTSA component: STRUCTURE:BODY; STEERING

## NHTSA's summary

If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re\-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine. If your dealer does not have a GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine, sublet the vehicle out for repair. To find the location of a GSP9700 near your dealer, visit Hunter?s web site at www.gsp9700.com and click on ?Locate a GSP9700 Road Force Balancer.?

## The document

- [NHTSA's copy of the document (PDF)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10154139-0001.pdf)
- [If that address does not open, try this one](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10154139-9999.pdf)

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it.

## Components

Body and frame, Steering

## Vehicles listed

- 2019 MAZDA \!MX\-5
- 2016 to 2019 MAZDA CX\-3
- 2013 to 2019 MAZDA CX\-5
- 2007 to 2012 MAZDA CX\-7
- 2007 to 2019 MAZDA CX\-9
- 2011 to 2019 MAZDA MAZDA2
- 2004 to 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3
- 2006 to 2015 MAZDA MAZDA5
- 2016 to 2017 MAZDA MAZDA5
- 2003 to 2019 MAZDA MAZDA6
- 2000 to 2005 MAZDA MIATA
- 2000 to 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA
- 2000 to 2006 MAZDA MPV
- 2006 to 2018 MAZDA MX\-5
- 2004 to 2011 MAZDA RX\-8
- 2001 to 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE
- 2008 to 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE
- 2011 MAZDA TRIBUTE HYBRID

## Recalls for the same vehicles and component

- [2019321](/recalls/tc/2019321.md), 2019-06-27: Structure
- [19V496000](/recalls/nhtsa/19V496000.md), 2019-06-27: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
- [2019201](/recalls/tc/2019201.md), 2019-04-25: Structure
- [19V323000](/recalls/nhtsa/19V323000.md), 2019-04-25: STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
- [2018504](/recalls/tc/2018504.md), 2018-09-14: Structure
- [18V631000](/recalls/nhtsa/18V631000.md), 2018-09-14: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM; STRUCTURE
- [17V546000](/recalls/nhtsa/17V546000.md), 2017-08-31: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION; STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; SEATS
- [2016431](/recalls/tc/2016431.md), 2016-09-06: Structure
- [16V644000](/recalls/nhtsa/16V644000.md), 2016-09-06: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
- [16V203000](/recalls/nhtsa/16V203000.md), 2016-04-11: STEERING

## Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component

- [06\-001\-26](/bulletins/11035595.md), 2026-08-04, Service bulletin: STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain that the electric power steering warning light illuminates after engine start and DTC U2011:1C is stored. Zinc\-plated whisker may form inside the EPS motor and trigger the DTC. However, since it is cleared when power is supplied during DTC detection, normal operation can be restored by turning the ignition OFF and then ON. Furthermore, there is no possibility of recurrence. This case may be resolved through a simple inspection or repair without the need for parts replacement, potentially avoiding unnecessary customer waiting time.
- [09\-020\-26](/bulletins/11034437.md), 2026-07-03, Service bulletin: SEATS; STRUCTURE:BODY; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit scratches \(1\) on the rear of the seat back bar garnish \(2\) from contact with the convertible top \(3\). Due to assembly variations, the clearance between the seat back bar garnish and the convertible top is too small on some vehicles. REPAIR PROCEDURE 6. Install the seat back crossmember assembly from the vehicle according to the instructions on MGSS online or the Workshop Manual \(section 09\-10 SEAT BACK CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION\). 7. Reinstall the rear seat back bar garnish while twisting the garnish so that the garnish can be kept closer to the seat back bar and away from the convertible top \(for both left and right sides\).
- [SA\-031\-26](/bulletins/11032104.md), 2026-05-05, Service bulletin: STRUCTURE:BODY; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate \(bulkhead\-mounted and visible through the lower\-left area of the windshield\), contact DAG \(Dealer Assistance Group\) using VIN Plate Request Form available on One Mazda. To obtain a replacement vehicle certification label \(located on the B􀀀pillar or front door\), contact your assigned DSM \(District Service Manager\) to place the order. If DSM contact information is not available, refer to the Dealer \& Field Contact Directory.
- [SA\-021\-26](/bulletins/11032100.md), 2026-05-05, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin\(s\) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA\-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience one or more electrical malfunctions after a vehicle body repair. A newly painted fender stay \(2\) may be causing a poor front harness \(1\) ground connection. The front fender stay \(2\) newly painted surface at ground point \(3\), where attachment bolt \(4\) is seated, may create a poor front harness ground connection. NOTE: DO NOT paint ground point \(3\) attachment bolt \(4\) is seated. NEWLY INSTALLED FRONT FENDER STAY NOTE: CAUTION: If the bolt \(4\) contact area \(3\) is painted when the front fender stay \(2\) is newly replaced, it could cause a malfunction in the PCM. Before painting a newly replaced part, protect the bolt \(4\) contact area \(3\) with masking tape \(5\) as shown in the figure.
- [09\-013\-26](/bulletins/11030603.md), 2026-04-02, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY. DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience one or both of the following symptoms while locking and unlocking the doors works fine using the remote transmitter. Symptom 1: The touch sensor of the front door outer handle does not lock the doors after rain and/or car washing, even though unlocking is possible. Symptom 2: The touch sensor of the front door outer handle does not unlock the doors. Door outer handle touch sensor for locking \(1\) / unlocking \(2\) NOTE: If the concern occurs after specific operation as described below, refer to the TSB 09\-046/22 \(DOOR OUTER HANDLE TOUCH SENSOR DOES NOT LOCK AND UNLOCK AFTER A SPECIFIC OPERATION\). 1. \[MX\-30\] After using cabin preconditioning or hazard warning lights for approx.15 minutes. 2. \[MAZDA3 and CX\-30\] After using hazard warning lights for approx. 15 minutes. 3. \[MAZDA3, CX\-30 and MX\-30\] When both touch sensors are touched at once. Cause 1 \(for Symptom 1\): Water may accumulate around the touch sensor in the outer handle, resulting in temporary lower sensitivity of the capacitive sensor. Also, if car wash foam gets inside the outer handle while washing the vehicle, the foam may disturb the touch sensor detection. Mazda is still working on a mass production change for this concern. Cause 2 \(for Symptom 2\): Improper soldering in the production process may disturb the touch sensor detection. To eliminate this concern, the production process has been modified. Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify customer concern. 2. Repair the vehicle depending on the experienced symptom\(s\). Symptom 1: Follow the "Procedure to waterproof a touch sensor” below to make the touch sensor waterproof. Symptom 2: Replace the front outer handle with a modified one according to the instructions on MGSS. Mazda3 \(FRONT OUTER HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION\) CX\-30 \(FRONT OUTER HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION\) MX\-30 \(FRONT OUTER HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION\) If both symptoms are experienced: Replace the front outer handle with a modified one and follow the “Procedure to waterproof a touch sensor” below to make the touch sensor waterproof. NOTE: DO NOT repair the other front outer handle for the vehicle if it is not experiencing any problems. 3. Verify the repair by checking if the new outer handle locks/unlocks the door correctly.
- [09\-007\-26](/bulletins/11028101.md), 2026-02-03, Service bulletin: STRUCTURE:BODY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit the power window\(s\) not working properly \(window does not move or has fallen into the door\) and/or making an abnormal noise while operating the power window switch. This may be caused by the cable of the power window motor being damaged from water entry through area \(1\) of the front beltline molding. Convertible Top: To eliminate this concern, the shape of the door glass has been modified during mass production to prevent water entry to the power window regulator. Retractable Hardtop: No mass production change is scheduled.
- [09\-045\-25](/bulletins/11026906.md), 2026-01-03, Service bulletin: STRUCTURE:BODY. Some customers may experience that the fuel lid and charge lid do not lock or unlock during door lock/unlock operation. This is caused by: Improper dimensional accuracy of the lid actuator lock mechanism Incomplete control logic in the R\-ESU software To eliminate this concern: The mold design of the lid actuator was modified. The control software of the R\-ESU was revised.
- [SA\-051\-25](/bulletins/11026350.md), 2025-12-05, Service bulletin: STEERING; SUSPENSION; POWER TRAIN; WHEELS. Noise, Vibration, and Harshness \(NVH\) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three primary categories: Noise, Vibration, or Harshness. Many customer complaints may involve overlapping symptoms, such as both noise and vibration, so identifying the dominant characteristic is critical. Once the primary symptom is determined, follow the appropriate diagnostic path. For example, if a concern includes both noise and vibration but is related to vehicle speed, the vibration diagnostic path should be followed. When considering component replacement during the diagnostic process, it is best practice to start with the lowest cost or most accessible part unless diagnostic evidence clearly identifies a more expensive or complex component as the root cause. This approach helps minimize repair costs and avoids unnecessary part replacements. For example, a growling or bearing whine noise may be mistakenly attributed to internal components in the differential, transfer unit, or transmission, when the actual source is a wheel bearing. Misdiagnosis like this can lead to unnecessary repairs, added time and cost. To help prevent this, always follow the guidelines in the repair procedure.
- [09\-042\-25](/bulletins/11026099.md), 2025-12-04, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; STRUCTURE:BODY. Some customers may experience that after the doors are locked and the Fuel Door Lock Delay with MAZDA CONNECT has passed \(default setting is 90 seconds\), the fuel\-filler lid does not lock, but can be opened when pressed. NOTE: The fuel\-filler lid does not lock immediately after the doors are locked, but after the time set in the Fuel Door Lock Delay \(0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds\). Although the root cause has not been identified, the vehicle should be repaired by adjusting the fuel\-filler lid opener cable position when there is a customer complaint.
- [06\-002\-25](/bulletins/11026095.md), 2025-12-04, Service bulletin: STEERING. Some vehicles may exhibit a light resistance and/or an unusual noise when turning the steering wheel in either direction. This concern may be caused by insufficient lubrication between the worm wheel gear and worm shaft. To eliminate this concern, the amount of grease between the worm wheel gear and worm shaft was increased and the housing end cover shape was modified.

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