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Service bulletins for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3

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.

667 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
09-005-18-3414a2018-08-20. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some vehicles may exhibit excessive operating noise when sliding the driver and/or passenger power seat(s) back and forth. The noise may be caused by cable vibration, which transmits power from the motor to the gears. The cable vibrates inside the cable casing due to inadequately wrapped fabric around the cable. To eliminate this concern, the power seat cable has been changed to a type that produces less friction and noise.
02-013-18-34912018-08-20. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Some vehicles may exhibit a crack on the front shock absorber dust boot (1). This may be caused by the dust boot having insufficient resistance to the cold. The shape and material of the dust boot has been changed to improve its resistance to cold.
02-003-18-35012018-08-20. Service bulletin. WHEELS. Some vehicles may have aluminum alloy type wheel(s) with one of the following paint damage conditions shown in the sample photos below. The damage extends to the front surface of the aluminum wheel partly or entirely.
02-001-18-3486a2018-08-20. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following noises from the front suspension. A squeaking noise from the front shock absorber when turning the steering wheel at a vehicle stand still caused by stick-slip between the front strut bearing and the coil spring. A popping noise from the front shock absorber when passing over speed bumps caused by the bump stopper contacting the strut bearing when the shock absorber is compressed. A creaking noise from the lower arm when driving over road bumps at 20-40 km/h caused by stick- slip of the front lower arm bushing. The noise occurs when the road surface is wet or after a car washing, and becomes more noticeable as the speed bump gets higher. To correct these problems, the following changes have been made. For the squeaking and popping noise, the shape of the bump stopper has been modified and a protector has been installed onto the coil spring. For the creaking noise, the friction of the lower arm bushing has been reduced by adding a dry coating.
09-020-18-3458a2018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010.Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following procedure.
09-010-18-3440a2018-08-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 59.00.546 or later). NOTE: For 2016 CX-9 with version earlier than 59.00.441, the tachometer function will be removed from the Active Driving Display as part of Mazda's continuing efforts to improve safety and reduce driver distraction. Please explain this to the customer before updating the software. If the customer agrees, turn off the tachometer display on the AD-Display tab in MAZDA CONNECT Settings before performing the update. NOTE: If the customer has customized MAZDA CONNECT with something like a different background using unauthorized software, make sure they know the following information before updating MAZDACONNECT to avoid any issues later on. Updating MAZDA CONNECT to the latest version will erase any customization created by unauthorized software. Unauthorized customization software will not work on the latest version of MAZDA CONNECT software. The latest version of MAZDA CONNECT software cannot be rolled back to an earlier version. Mazda does not recommend unauthorized customization of MAZDA CONNECT due to the possibility of unexpected problems. Any issues related to this will not be covered under Mazda warranty policy.
SA-031-182018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. When troubleshooting a radar unit, DO NOT swap it with another vehicle. Radar units are configured to the original vehicle, and if installed in another vehicle, a configuration error will occur. Refer to MGSS (RADAR UNIT INSPECTION) for proper diagnosing.
SA-029-182018-08-20. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. IMPORTANT: If you encounter an IDS inoperative problem with VCM-II license expiration message, follow the instructions below: 1. CLICK HERE to download the resetting tool to your PC desktop. 2. Reboot your PC, DO NOT start any application after restarting. 3. Run the resetting tool by double clicking the "Reset.bat" file (on your desktop from step 1). 4. Press any key after reading the notifications about the resetting tool.
SA-026-182018-07-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. If a vehicle is driven on extremely short trips most of the time (where the engine never reaches normal operating temperature), the engine oil may become diluted with fuel and the engine oil level will increase. Engine oil dilution with fuel occurring under this specific driving condition is normal with direct injection engines. If the vehicle is driven on a longer trip after a lot of short trips (where the engine reaches normal operating temperature), the Check Engine Light may turn ON with DTC P0172:00 (Fuel system too rich).
SA-024-182018-07-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD. Some customers may complain of a lack of power under heavy load without any warning lights or DTCs. This concern may be due to a loose or detached hood weatherstrip, which can cause a blockage or restriction in the air intake system.
SA-023-182018-07-02. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH. Some vehicles may have DTC C1001:92 stored in memory. DTC C1001:92 sets as a past record for low visibility of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC). It does not mean there is an actual FSC defect. In some cases the customer may have a concern with the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and/or High Beam Control system (HBC). In other cases this DTC might be found without a related customer concern.NOTE: Instrument Cluster Multi-Information Display Warning Messages vary depending on vehicle year/model. See the Owner's Manual for details.
09-025-18-34792018-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement. NOTE: Always check for a TSB that may modify or eliminate prior authorization for a specific symptom for a given component.
09-023-18-34752018-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit (or a MAZDA CONNECT tuner and amp unit (TAU)) with replacement tuner for any reason, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with active (working SAT radio).
06-001-18-34812018-07-02. Service bulletin. STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. Some vehicles may exhibit an unusual noise (clacking) from under the front of the vehicle. This noise only occurs when starting to move the vehicle while the steering wheel is fully turned to the driver-side (left side for LHD vehicle and right side for RHD vehicle). NOTE: The noise will not occur if the steering wheel is in the center or to the full passenger-side position. The noise is caused when the edge (A) of the inner ball joint (B) gets stuck with the steering gear housing (C). To eliminate the noise, a spacer (A) has been installed between the inner ball joint (B) and the steering gear housing (C) (both sides) to prevent direct contact.
02-011-18-34762018-07-02. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. This service bulletin illustrates the conditions when a TPMS warning light may illuminate, why it illuminated and how to properly initialize the system.The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the tire pressure of all four tires indirectly using the data sent from the ABS wheel speed sensors. If the air pressure of one or more tires is too low compared with the specified value (the initial value learned by the system), the system warns the driver with the TPMS warning light in the instrument cluster and a beep sound. To allow the TPMS to operate correctly, it is essential that the TPMS be initialized to learn new conditions whenever a tire related service is performed.
02-010-18-34772018-07-02. Service bulletin. STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
02-009-18-34722018-07-02. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. Customer complaints have been reported where the TPMS warning light is unnecessarily illuminated because the TPMS initialization was not performed correctly before customer delivery.TPMS INITIALIZATION PROCESS: When any of the services below is performed, BE SURE TO INITIALIZE THE TPMS BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE by pushing and holding the TPMS Set Switch on the dash until the TPMS warning light flashes two times and the warning beep sounds once. The TPMS must be initialized in the following cases: 1. Tire pressures have been adjusted in one or more tires. 2. Tires have been rotated. 3. Tires or wheels have been replaced. 4. The vehicle's battery cable has been disconnected for any reason. 5. The vehicle's battery has been discharged. 6. The DSC HU/CM connector has been disconnected for any reason.
01-013-18-34782018-07-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit the check engine light on with DTC P0456 stored in the PCM memory. P0456: EVAP system leak detected (very small leak)The concern is most likely the result of the customer not getting the fuel cap completely closed after fuelingthe vehicle. This causes a small fuel vapor leak and turns DTC P0456 on.
01-012-18-34742018-07-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Some vehicles may experience the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON with DTC P2610 and P2507 stored inmemory after engine start and room fuse 15A (A) removed. P2610:00: Instrument cluster internal engine off timer performance problem P2507:00: PCM battery voltage low input. As a past malfunction, the customer will not notice it (no warning light illuminated), but the DTC may be found during a vehicle service. P2507 in this situation is only applicable on 2016 and later models. This is caused by the engine being started 3 or more times after a short duration of engine off (less than 15 seconds) with the room fused removed. NOTE: The odometer will display "F0-002" during transport mode (room fuse 15A removed). Transport mode is canceled when room fuse 15A is installed or the vehicle odometer is more than 12.4mi (20km). Vehicles in dealer inventory with this concern should be repaired using the following repair procedure.
00-003-18-34802018-07-02. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claimsare subject to denial or debit.
09-021-18-34592018-05-14. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID; STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS; STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD. Some vehicles may experience stains appearing on the hood, roof and/or trunk of the vehicle. This concern is most likely to be found in a cold weather areas just after the RAPGARD is removed at PDI. This may be caused by moisture which has been trapped and condensed between the paint and the RAPGARD. These types of stains can be removed with a heat gun or an infrared drier. If you encounter this concern during PDI, use a heat gun or an infrared drier to apply heat to the affected area to remove the stain(s).
09-020-18-34582018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some vehicles may exhibit BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010. Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following procedure.
09-008-18-3416a2018-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit the active driving display opening/closing improperly as described below: It does not open or close when the ignition is turned ON or OFF. The display operation does not fully open/close. It closes and then opens by itself while the vehicle is moving. This concern may be caused by voltage fluctuation to the active driving display which activates pinching detection.
08-001-18-34572018-05-14. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
07-002-18-34322018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/Cevaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. "Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating" is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers. This treatment provides a durable coating that will aid to prevent biological reactions that lead to odorconcerns. It is applied to the evaporator in a misted form that is introduced by way of the cabin air filter, the re-circulate door, the blower motor resistor access, or the blower motor air intake. Proper application requires the evaporator surface to be: Relatively clean and free of leaves, dust build-up and debris. Thoroughly dried, and the product cured onto it after application. NOTE: Keep the cooling unit dry by leaving the blower fan ON (at least on low), even if the A/C is not being used. In low humidity (dry) conditions, keep the ventilation system in the "FRESH" mode all the time, or as much as possible. In high humidity conditions, or if the air has a lot of dust or pollen, keep the system in the "RECIRCULATION" mode. A few minutes before reaching a destination, turn the A/C OFF, but leave the blower fan ON. This stops the accumulation of condensation on the evaporator/cooling unit, and it helps dry the inside of the cooling unit. A/C odor is not unique to Mazda vehicles as it will occur in other makes and models. To minimize A/C odor, suggest the following to the customers.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.