The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to a programming error, the powertrain control module (PCM) installed can, under certain driving conditions, trigger a shift in air-fuel ratio to an overlean condition.
The risk
This condition can result in an engine stall, which could lead to loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the PCM with the correct engine control logic.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-228 (97V228000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mazda Motor Corp. |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system |
| Report date | December 17, 1997 |
| Owners notified | January 15, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 20,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-228 repair free?
Yes. Mazda dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will reprogram the PCM with the correct engine control logic.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 20,000 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.