Mazda3 Recall: 35,000 Vehicles Potentially Affected By Sudden Braking

Mazda has announced a recall of over 35,000 of its 2019 and 2020 Mazda3 vehicles, including sedans and hatchbacks, for a defect in the automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. According to the recall, these systems have been found to unexpectedly engage, forcing vehicles to brake suddenly and presenting a potential hazard on the road.

Mazda has claimed that this defect has not at this time resulted in any “accidents resulting in death or injury nor any fires related to this recall.” However, Consumer Reports found that evidence of at least one injury and one accident caused by a Mazda3 braking defect could be found in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) complaint database.

Mazda has set that it intends to remedy this defect with an update to the AEB system’s software. Dealers can perform this update for consumers with an affected Mazda3 free of charge. Owners can expect to receive notice of the recall in the mail no later than Feb. 17. Any questions can be directed to the Mazda customer service line at (800) 222-5500.

The NHTSA has said that they are currently investigating a similar defect in Nissan Rogue models from 2017 and 2018. So far, 87 complaints about unintentional braking have been submitted.