Mazda initiates recall for Mazda3, CX-3 vehicles due to rearview camera defect

Mazda defect recall overview: 

• Who: Mazda has recalled more than 227,000 Mazda3 and CX-3 vehicles.
• Why: The rearview camera image may not display properly, instead showing a flickering or distorted image.
• Where: The Mazda defect recall is active in the United States.
• What are my options: CarShield provides vehicle protection plans for Mazda and other vehicles.

Mazda has announced a recall of more than 227,000 Mazda3 and CX-3 vehicles, as the rearview camera may have a defect that may cause the image to not display properly, instead showing a flickering or distorted image.

The recall was published on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website July 14. 

It applies to 227,335 of Mazda’s 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. About 3% of the recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect, the automaker says.

Due to improper design, the rearview camera wiring harness fastener may become damaged from vibrations during normal vehicle use or while closing the liftgate, according to the recall.

This causes the connector pins to wear out, in turn causing high electrical resistance, resulting in image distortion or flickering, Mazda says.

“A distorted or flickering rearview camera image while reversing could affect driver judgment, increasing the risk of a crash,” the recall states.

Since 2015, Mazda has received nine field reports of the issue with no injuries or fatalities; however, one minor property damage claim was reported, it said.

The company is not facing legal action over the recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

Defect will be repaired free of charge

Affected owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicles to an authorized Mazda dealer.  

The dealers will inspect the vehicles, and if they find no concern with the rearview camera image, a wiring harness fastening seal will be added to prevent harness movement.  

If they find image distortion or flickering during the inspection, the rearview camera will be replaced with a new part and a wiring harness fastening seal will be added.  

There will be no charge for this service to vehicle owners, the recall states, and a customer reimbursement program will be offered on some vehicles.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by Sept. 12, 2023.

Meanwhile, a Mazda class action lawsuit filed in February alleges certain vehicles have defective valve stem seals that allow oil leakage that can cause “voluminous” oil consumption, putting the vehicle at an increased risk of engine failure.

Are you affected by this Mazda recall? Let us know in the comments.

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