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

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Bulletins, newest first
04-003-18-34552018-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine. This is a normal operating noise of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Do not attempt any repairs. If you encounter a customer complaint for this concern, explain that the noise comes from the ABS/TCS/DSC "Malfunction Detection Function" initial check and that there is no problem. This initial check is a necessary function to ensure the normal operation of the ABS/TCS/DSC system. It occurs when the vehicles first moves forward under the following conditions. NOTE: Some customers may describe that the noise does not occur all the time. It does occur all the time, but the sound is more likely to be heard on a slow start and not on a quick start (quick acceleration) when engine noise is louder.
02-008-18-34672018-05-14. Service bulletin. WHEELS. Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains.
01-011-18-34562018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. The vehicles listed above are equipped with a push button start/stop ignition system. Unlike previous Mazdamodels, there is no key cylinder on the steering column. Therefore, the engine cannot be started with theauxiliary key if the room fuse is removed or if the transmitter battery is dead.NOTE: The auxiliary key can only be used to lock or unlock the doors. It cannot be used to start the engine. Two transmitters are placed in a vinyl bag and stored in the center console cup holder. Since the room fuse is not installed during vehicle assembly, a new procedure is required to start the engine. Refer to "Engine Start Procedure" below.
SA-021-182018-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. MAZDA CONNECT SOFTWARE VERSION 59.00.545 AVAILABLE. An update to the MAZDA CONNECT system is now available for download from the Mazda Global Service Support (MGSS) system. The new version number is 59.00.545. Mazda Requests the MAZDA CONNECT system be updated on all new vehicle inventory and CPO vehicles ASAP. For CPO inventory vehicles out of warranty, for this software release only, you may use Dealer Self Authorization or DSM goodwill. Click on "Infotainment", then "MAZDA CONNECT Updates" to download it and update your USB drives. Also make sure to select "All Files" for "Save as type:". If left as "Compressed (zipped) Folder," the file will be saved as a ".zip" no matter what you use as an extension. DO NOT shut off the ignition or let it shut off at any time during the entire MAZDA CONNECT update process (both Failsafe and Reinstall), otherwise the CMU may be damaged and need to be replaced.
SA-012-182018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Some 2018 vehicles built after January 1, 2018 and equipped with Navigation may exhibit one of these concerns after the user inputs an address: A screen pops up that says "House number not found." After the user selects OK, the system finds the address or a nearby address.Instead of finding the correct address number the system adds a digit to the end of the number. Example: You enter 151 and the system comes back with 1510, 1511, 1515, 1516, etc. This only occurs with MAZDA CONNECT software version 59.00.532 or 59.00.540, which started being installed into vehicles in January 2018. The concern can be eliminated by installing MAZDA CONNECT software version 59.00.545 now available on MGSS.
09-006-18-34092018-05-07. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY. Some vehicles may exhibit rust/paint blisters (1) on the surface of the front side sill near the the scuff plates(2). This is likely caused by the driver's or passenger's shoe(s) contacting the side sill when stepping in and/or out of the vehicle since the side sill of the Mazda3 is wider than other models. When this happens, mud/sand stuck to the sole of the shoe scratches the paint surface, which then develops into rust/paint blisters. When you receive a customer complaint on this concern, use the following repair procedure.
09-001-18-3387a2018-05-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black during extremely cold temperatures. The concern occurs when the interior of the vehicle is cold and disappears when the interior warms up. This is caused by some SD cards for the MAZDA CONNECT navigation system being manufactured with improper hardware, resulting in a data reading error during extremely cold temperatures. To correct the concern, the SD card hardware has been changed.
01-005-18-34152018-05-07. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Some vehicles may experience a rough idle with the check engine light on and DTC P0015 / P0524 stored in memory. P0015:00 - Exhaust CMP timing over-retarded P0524:00 - Engine oil pressure too low This is caused by a drop in engine oil pressure due to a piece of foreign object stuck on the oil pump pressure relief valve or oil control valve (OCV). The temporary entry of the foreign object triggers a check engine light on, but rough idle will not be produced until a later time.
SA-017-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Upgrade your PCs to IDS version 109.00 and 109.01 from the previous version. NOTE: You may see ?Selection not available? on IDS when a selecting ?Programming menu?, 108.07 included a timer extension for Programming menu application that had to be installed before the expiration date of 3/27/18. After the expiration, IDS can?t accept the extension. To correct this, uninstall IDS and re-install IDS 108.00 >IDS 108.07 up-date. Select "Remove Mazda data files and settings" as shown below.
SA-012-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2018 vehicles built after January 1, 2018 and equipped with Navigation may exhibit one of these concerns after the user inputs an address: A screen pops up that says "House number not found." After the user selects OK, the system finds the address or a nearby address.Instead of finding the correct address number the system adds a digit to the end of the number. Example: You enter 151 and the system comes back with 1510, 1511, 1515, 1516, etc.This only occurs with MAZDA CONNECT software version 59.00.540, which started being installed into vehicles in January 2018. The concern can be eliminated by installing MAZDA CONNECT software version 59.00.504.
DRW132018-04-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Dealer Rework (DRW) 13 ? Mazda Connect Navigation Concern 2018MY CX-5, CX-3, CX-9, Mazda6, Mazda 3 and MX-5: We write to inform you that certain vehicles are affected by the concern mentioned below. Vehicles affected by this DRW will be visible, March 15th 2018. Parts and Warranty information and VIN lists for the DRW13 will be uploaded to MGSS on March 15, 2018. On the Mazda Connect Navigation system, when the destination is selected by entering an address, there may be a concern when entering the ?House/Business Number? as described below. a) A ?House number not found? pop-up is displayed, although the house number and selected location is correctly shown on the map. b) A ?House number not found? pop-up is displayed, but the house number displayed is different from the number inputted although the selected location is correctly shown on the map. c) The house number cannot be set up correctly. The Navigation results of house number search doesn?t match with the number inputted. Causal factor: Inappropriate software of connectivity master unit (CMU)
RF-16-03R12018-04-23. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER. The SKYACTIV®-G 2.5T engine requires a unique oil filter (PY8W-14-302) which is NOT interchangeable with other SKYACTIV® oil filters. The unique oil filter can be identified with two white bands as shown below.
MT-004-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
MT-001-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. When installing a navigation SD card, the center display may show error message "Invalid SD Card".
02-006-18-34492018-04-23. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER; SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
01-009-18-34522018-04-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
01-008-18-34512018-04-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
MT-003-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; AIR BAGS. The Workshop Manual has two-different airbag procedures, one for Standard Deployment and one for Two-Step Deployment. Standard Deployment is for Mexico spec vehicles and Two-Step Deployment is for US and Canadian spec vehicles.
MT-002-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some customers may complain about improper operation of the MAZDA CONNECT system when streaming music with audio source aha/Pandora/Stitcher/Bluetooth® and the same device is also connected to the USB port for charging. The concerns may include: Blank Screen and/or No Audio Sound, Phone will not charge, Blank Screen and/or No Audio Sound
SA-009-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The navigation SD Card VIN-locks to a vehicle in the following conditions: 1. Vehicle odometer under 62 miles ? VIN-lock occurs with key ON for 3 minutes or longer. 2. Vehicle odometer over 62 miles ? VIN-lock occurs at key ON. Navigation SD Card Map Update Note: Mazda Toolbox navigation SD card map update can only be performed on a navigation SD card that is VIN-locked. See VIN-lock procecure below.
SA-008-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some customers may complain about the MAZDA CONNECT center display cracking (spider cracking). The cracks are internal and cannot be felt by touch. This may be caused by a faulty center display.
SA-005-182018-04-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Some customers may complain about SIRIUSXM satellite radio does not show album art, artist biographies or station logos in the center display. This is a normal condition.
09-019-18-34502018-04-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is stacked one on top of another. Use these points at your dealership to protect our mutual operations and to help ensure our customers' safety.
09-014-18-34432018-04-23. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
09-011-18-34482018-04-23. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the light housing. It is normal for very small water drops to appear incertain locations on the light units where the air is stagnant (condensation), making the lens look whitish (fog). This happens mostly in the corners and narrow spaces, and will typically clear during warmer ambient temperatures, or when the lights have been on for some time.

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