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Service bulletins for the 2012 Mazda MX-5

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.

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

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Bulletins, newest first
09-020-18-3458b2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; 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.
09-014-18-3443a2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; 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). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
00-003-18-3480a2018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; EQUIPMENT. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment 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 claims are subject to denial or debit.
00-001-18-3446a2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT. 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.
01-016-18-35222018-10-09. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system. When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur to oxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
MT-004-182018-10-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; EQUIPMENT. 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 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.
09-034-18-34302018-09-10. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
MT-004-182018-08-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. ELECTRICAL CONCERN AND/OR MULTIPLE DTC'S DUE TO AFTERMARKET DEVICE: 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 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.
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.
09-025-18-34792018-07-02. 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).
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.
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.
09-020-18-34582018-05-14. 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.
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.
05-001-18-34532018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN. Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission. NOTE: ATF M-V (TYPE M5) IS NOT THE SAME FLUID AS MERCON®V OR MERCON®LV ATF. ATF M-V (TYPE M5) HAS A GREATER VISCOSITY THAN MERCON®V AND MERCON®LV ATF IN LOW TEMPERATURES. ATF M-V (TYPE M5) HAS A GREATER ANTI-JUDDER SPECIFICATION THAN MERCON®V AND MERCON®LV ATF. TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSHING SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED WHEN INSTRUCTED BY THE WORKSHOP MANUAL OR ANY OTHER MAZDA PUBLICATION.
04-004-18-34682018-05-14. 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.
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.
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.
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.

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