The problem
Vehicle description: if the vehicle is operated in a hot, humid environment with the window open and air conditioner running, it is possible for condensation to enter the audio unit and cause a short circuit.
The risk
If the short circuit occurs at one specific set of terminals, the speaker can overheat and in some cases, catch fire.
The fix
Dealers will affix aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-243 (98V243000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mazda Motor Corp. |
| Component | Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. |
| Report date | October 2, 1998 |
| Owners notified | December 3, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 73,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the equipment & accessories
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-243 repair free?
Yes. Mazda dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will affix aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 73,000 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.