Mazda Recall 14V-173: Alternator/generator/regulator

Affected: 2014 Mazda Mazda3, 2014–2015 Mazda Mazda6. Filed with NHTSA on April 3, 2014, covering about 5,700 vehicles.

The problem

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

The risk

Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign14V-173 (14V173000)
Manufacturer number7314D
ManufacturerMazda Motor Corp.
ComponentElectrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Report dateApril 3, 2014
Owners notifiedMay 19, 2014
Vehicles affected5,700
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the electrical system

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 14V-173 repair free?

Yes. Mazda dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 5,700 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.