**Mazda Recalls Over 150,000 Vehicles: See Affected Models**
Mazda has issued a major **recall affecting more than 150,000 vehicles** in the United States due to a potential safety concern. While recalls are relatively common in the automotive industry, the scale of this particular recall has drawn significant attention from both the media and concerned vehicle owners. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the recall, the affected models, and the potential risks to drivers, as well as what Mazda is doing to resolve the issue.
### **What is a Vehicle Recall?**
A **vehicle recall** is issued when a manufacturer identifies a defect or safety issue that could potentially harm vehicle occupants or others on the road. Recalls can be triggered by a variety of reasons, such as faulty parts, malfunctioning systems, or failures to meet safety regulations. When a recall is issued, vehicle owners are generally notified and instructed to return their vehicles to an authorized dealer for repairs or replacements, often at no cost to the owner.
In the case of recent recall, the automaker has cited a specific safety issue that affects the operation of certain vehicle systems, which could increase the risk of a crash. Vehicle owners are urged to act quickly in response to the recall to mitigate any risks associated with this defect.
### **The Safety Issue: What’s Behind Recall?**
Mazda’s recall affects a **wide range of vehicles** in its U.S. lineup. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and own announcement, the recall centers on a **potential issue with the brake lights**. Specifically, the recall is related to the **brake light switch**, which may fail to operate correctly in some affected vehicles.
In affected cars, the brake light switch could malfunction in a way that prevents the brake lights from illuminating when the driver applies the brakes.
1. **Reduced Visibility to Other Drivers**: The failure of the brake lights to activate can make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate when a vehicle is slowing down or stopping. This is particularly dangerous in low-light conditions or at night when brake lights are a critical indicator for vehicles following behind.
2. **Potential for Accidental Rollaway**: In some cases, the issue with the brake light switch can also affect the vehicle’s ability to shift out of “Park” mode. This could result in the car unintentionally rolling away when the driver attempts to engage the transmission, which can be a serious safety hazard.
3. **Inconsistent Operation of Safety Features**: The failure of the brake light switch can also interfere with other safety systems, such as the **anti-lock braking system (ABS)** or the **traction control system (TCS)**. If these systems fail to operate properly, it could increase the risk of a crash, particularly in emergency braking situations or adverse road conditions.
### **The Affected Models**
The recall affects several of most popular models, which were sold in the United States over the past few years. Specifically, the vehicles impacted by the recall include:
– **2014–2016 Mazda 3**
– **2014–2016 Mazda 6**
– **2014–2016 Mazda CX-5**
– **2014–2016 Mazda CX-9**
– **2014–2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata**
These models, which span several years of production, represent a wide cross-section of fleet, including compact cars, midsize sedans, and crossovers. The issue has been found in both **manual and automatic transmission models**, so it applies to a broad range of vehicle types within the affected production years.
Mazda has worked closely with the NHTSA to investigate the problem and determine the scope of the recall. While the company has indicated that the issue appears to affect vehicles within a specific group of production, the recall is comprehensive and includes more than 150,000 vehicles in total.
### **What Happens Next: Response**
Mazda has taken steps to address the issue with the brake light switch. The company is offering a **free repair** to owners of affected vehicles. The repair typically involves the replacement of the faulty brake light switch or an adjustment to ensure the switch operates properly. Mazda dealers have been instructed to inspect and, if necessary, replace the defective brake light switches in the affected vehicles.
In addition to the repair, is also offering a **reprogramming of the affected vehicle’s system** to ensure that all associated safety features, such as the automatic transmission lock-out feature, are functioning properly.
Mazda owners who are affected by the recall will receive direct notification from the company. The notification will be sent via mail and will include instructions on how to schedule a service appointment at a local dealership. For those who believe they may own an affected vehicle, Mazda’s official website and the NHTSA’s recall database also allow vehicle owners to check if their car is part of the recall by entering their **Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)**.
### **How to Check If Your Vehicle is Affected**
If you own a vehicle and are concerned that it may be part of this recall, you can take the following steps to verify:
1. **Locate Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)**: The VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to each vehicle. It can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance documents, or on the dashboard near the windshield.
2. **Visit the NHTSA’s Recall Website**: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a recall database where you can enter your VIN to see if your car is involved in any active recalls.
3. **Contact Your Mazda Dealer**: If you’re unable to check online, you can also contact your local dealership. Dealerships have access to recall information and can quickly confirm whether your car is affected.
4. **Check Mazda’s Website**: also provides an online tool for checking recalls by entering your VIN. This can be a convenient way to get immediate feedback regarding whether your vehicle is affected by this particular recall.
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