# Service bulletins for the 2018 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.

462 bulletins from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

- [SA\-041\-26a](/bulletins/11037899.md), 2026-10-03, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern \(e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC\(s\) stored...\), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC\-2 \(battery discharge/DTC stored\) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device \(engine no start/battery discharge\) 4. Dash cam \(DTC stored\) 5. Non\-certified USB cable \(Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect\) 6. Over\-sized wheels/tires \(incorrect GPS location\) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button
- [01\-010\-26](/bulletins/11036688.md), 2026-09-02, Service bulletin: ENGINE. This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin\(s\) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01\-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant \(1\) around the water pipe \(2\). This is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fitting during the manufacturing process. The accumulated coolant is solidified and plugs the gap in high temperature environment and the seepage is stopped and does not progress. This is normal and does not require a part replacement, clean off the dried coolant from around the pipe with a wire brush. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. If the above condition is experienced, remove the accumulated coolant around the pipe \(1\) with a wire brush etc. NOTE: Perform the procedure on the vehicle. No need to remove the water pipe and hoses.
- [SA\-041\-26](/bulletins/11034447.md), 2026-07-03, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. This SA supersedes the previously issued SA\(s\) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA\-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern \(e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC\(s\) stored...\), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC\-2 \(battery discharge/DTC stored\) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device \(engine no start/battery discharge\) 4. Dash cam \(DTC stored\) 5. Non\-certified USB cable \(Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect\) 6. Over\-sized wheels/tires \(incorrect GPS location\) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC\-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC\-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC\-2 female terminals to spread open.
- [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\-029\-26](/bulletins/11032103.md), 2026-05-05, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA\-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle\-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle \-specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual \- Refer to section 00\-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual \- Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure \(Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.\).
- [SA\-026\-26](/bulletins/11032101.md), 2026-05-05, Service bulletin: ENGINE. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M\-Tip\(s\) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT\-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine \(with catastrophic internal mechanical failure\) may rest inside the intake manifold. When the new engine assembly is installed, debris in the intake manifold will be ingested into the new engine and cause internal damage. Clean the intake manifold internally to remove any debris from old engine before installing the new replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold cannot be properly cleaned internally, replace it.
- [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.
- [SA\-023\-26](/bulletins/11032019.md), 2026-05-04, Service bulletin: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M\-Tip\(s\) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT\-003/22 03/02/22 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about a tapping or knocking noise coming from the rear seat after fuel fill. The concern will likely occur if the fuel tank is overfilled \(more fuel is added after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off automatically\) or filled up normally in high ambient temperatures and the fuel expands. No repair is needed. Explain to the customer not to continue filling after nozzle shut off.
- [01\-008\-26](/bulletins/11032003.md), 2026-05-03, Service bulletin: POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin\(s\) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01\-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. This may be caused by insufficient sealing at the drive belt auto tensioner damper when the auto tensioner fully operates under both high ambient temperature and high load conditions. To eliminate this concern, the shape of the drive belt auto tensioner damper has been changed. REPAIR PROCEDURE If the tensioner is found to be "No Good" after completing the Drive Belt Auto Tensioner Inspection, replace it with a modified part according to the instructions on MGSS online:
- [SA\-014\-26](/bulletins/11030636.md), 2026-04-02, Service bulletin: ENGINE. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA\(s\) and TSB\(s\) listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA\-035/24 05/31/24 DESCRIPTION There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This Service Alert is to inform you about the water pump sealing mechanism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not. A mechanical seal \(A\) is used for the water pump. This mechanical seal can seal coolant \(B\) by sliding a mating ring \(C\) against a seal ring \(D\). When the sliding surface temperature of the mechanical seal is more than 248 °F \(120 °C\) while driving, a small amount of steam \(E\) is leaked and bleeds through the bleeding hole \(F\). After drying, the steam leaves a green coolant deposit near the water pump bleed hole \(F\). This is a normal condition and does not require water pump replacement. The water pump should only be replaced if there is an accumulation of crystallized coolant near the bleed hole. When you encounter a water pump with coolant seepage marks, decide to replace it or not based on the following criteria using sample photos. NOTE: During the initial period of use\*, the sliding surfaces of the seals may not yet be fully settled, which can temporarily increase the amount of leakage. Continued use will allow the surfaces to settle, reducing the leakage. Replacing parts that are already settled with new ones will increase the leakage again until the new parts become conditioned. Therefore, replacement should be avoided in this initial period of use. \*As a guideline, this applies to vehicles with less than 1,860 miles \(3000 km\) of mileage.
- [SA\-005\-26](/bulletins/11028133.md), 2026-02-03, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method • B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method 2019 and newer models require a 10\-digit key code to accurately cut keys • 5\-digit codes CANNOT be provided for 2019 and newer vehicles \(the traditional 5\-digit code from the key tag or driver's door lock cylinder is not sufficient and will not be issued for key cutting on these models\). • Only Mazda\-approved key cutting machines can process these 10\-digit codes. • Many older key machines do not support 10\-digit codes and cannot be updated to do so. In these cases, dealers will need to purchase one of the newer Mazda\-approved key cutting machines capable of handling this requirement. • For a list of current Mazda\-approved machines and purchasing options, refer to the Mazda Dealer Equipment Program or view the current Mazda approved key machines below.
- [SA\-001\-26](/bulletins/11028127.md), 2026-02-03, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some customers may report an odor or water in the HVAC system and upon inspection, the cabin air filter may be found to be wet.
- [SA\-061\-25](/bulletins/11026917.md), 2026-01-04, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. If you encounter any type of electrical concern \(e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC\(s\) stored...\), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
- [07\-004\-25a](/bulletins/11026904.md), 2026-01-03, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 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/C evaporator/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.
- [SA\-055\-25](/bulletins/11026353.md), 2025-12-05, Service bulletin: SERVICE BRAKES. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern. NOTE: Before following this Service Alert repair procedure, ensure published TSBs in MGSS have been completed per model year.
- [SA\-052\-25](/bulletins/11026351.md), 2025-12-05, Service bulletin: ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a fluid or oil leak and use the following examples as a guide to determine if it is severe enough to require a repair, or just to clean the area and monitor it at the next service. Examples of residue or seepage that may not be considered a leak and that may not require repair based on splash shield inspection.
- [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.
- [SA\-020\-25a](/bulletins/11026347.md), 2025-12-05, Service bulletin: WHEELS. There have been warranty claims submitted for growling or bearing whine noise in differentials, transfer units and transmissions where the source of the noise was a wheel bearing. This misdiagnosis can lead to multiple repair attempts, warranty debits, and additional inconvenience and/or cost to the customer. To reduce the chance of this occurring, please follow the steps outlined in the repair procedure.
- [SA\-044\-25](/bulletins/11024999.md), 2025-11-05, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all PCM terminals used in SKYACTIV® vehicles and compare suspect terminal drag with a known good terminal. To measure the voltage/resistance avoiding any terminal damage.
- [SA\-043\-25](/bulletins/11023703.md), 2025-10-03, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some vehicles may have one of the following DTCs stored in memory along with a system status notice on the Multi\-information display OR display a system status notice with no DTC: C1001:92 \- Forward sensing camera \(FSC\) poor field of view \[Gen 6 vehicles\] B14F0:92 \- General temporary failure in forward sensing camera \(FSC\) \[Gen 7 vehicles built on or before March 2, 2019\] No DTC \- Warning Message only \[Gen 7 vehicles built after March 2, 2019\] DTC C1001:92 or B14F0:92 set 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.
- [SA\-042\-25](/bulletins/11023702.md), 2025-10-03, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Interior parts made of resin have antistatic coating to prevent dust from sticking on the surfaces, and depending on the conditions of use, the antistatic components may crystallize slightly, giving an appearance of white stains on the surface.
- [SA\-039/25](/bulletins/11022742.md), 2025-09-05, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; STRUCTURE:BODY. Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such \(melted, separating, etc.\) when parked near a glass building or Low\-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim \(see examples\). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.
- [SA\-037\-25](/bulletins/11022728.md), 2025-09-05, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. When replacing the MAZDA CONNECT tuner and amp unit \(TAU\) with a 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 an active SAT radio.
- [CSP13d Dealer Ltr](/bulletins/11021502.md), 2025-08-05, Warranty extension: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. CSP13 \- CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM \- MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION As a result of a Mazda Connect Infotainment Class Action settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to implement a Customer Service Program \(CSP13\). The coverage and terms for vehicles are listed below in this Dealer email and in attached documentation. Only certain vehicles, 2014\-2018 Mazda3, 2016\-2021 Mazda6, 2016\-2021 CX\-3, 2016\-2020 CX\-5, 2016\-2020 CX\-9, 2016\-2023 MX\-5, 2016\-2022 Mazda2\(Puerto Rico Market vehicles\) AND that have “CSP13” listed in Warranty Vehicle Inquiry are covered under this CSP. Please review the attached document titled “Subject Vehicles CSP13” for details on the covered vehicle models, model year and production VIN ranges.
- [SA\-032\-25](/bulletins/11020039.md), 2025-07-02, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris \(leaves, dust, dirt....ect.\) may fall on the blower motor causing a fluttering type noise or odor.

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