Recall 14V173 covers 5,700 Mazda vehicles: 2014 MAZDA3 and 2014-2015 MAZDA6, for alternator-belt slip that can stop charging. Free PCM reprogramming at franchised Mazda dealers.
Mazda is recalling 5,700 2014-2015 MAZDA6 and MAZDA3 vehicles with 2.5L engines and regenerative engine braking because heavy rain or deep puddles can make the alternator belt slip. If the power control module stops charging the vehicle, acceleration, steering assist, wipers, and engine operation can be affected, increasing crash risk; the Mazda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The alternator belt in the affected 2014-2015 Mazda MAZDA6 and MAZDA3 vehicles is a rubber drive belt tied to the charging system. On these cars, the belt turns the alternator, and the power control module reads the charging system so it can manage electrical output and the regenerative engine braking system on the 2.5L engine.
The problem shows up when water reaches the belt during heavy rain or when the vehicle is driven through deep puddles. A wet belt can slip on the alternator pulley instead of turning it steadily. When that happens, the power control module reads the slip as a charging system failure, even though the issue starts with the belt losing grip.
There is no warning sign before failure. The condition is tied to wet driving conditions, so an owner would not have a separate dashboard cue before the belt slips and the module reacts to the false charging-system fault.
Who's affected?
Covers MAZDA6 across 2014 and 2015, plus MAZDA3 for 2014, all tied to the same electrical system component.
| 2014 Mazda MAZDA6 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 | electrical system |
| 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 5,700 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the PCM wrongly treats the charging system as failed, the vehicle stops charging. That can cause poor acceleration, loss of steering assist, loss of windshield wiper operation, and engine stall, increasing crash risk. Schedule the software update soon and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Mazda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2014-2015 Mazda MAZDA6 or MAZDA3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer and ask whether the PCM software update for recall number 14V173 is open for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer to reprogram the PCM with updated software so the charging-system fault logic is corrected.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 14V173 when you call.
- Avoid driving through heavy rain or deep puddles until the PCM software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician reprograms the PCM with updated software. The update addresses the charging-system logic tied to alternator belt slip in heavy rain or deep puddles. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Mazda. The recall began on May 19, 2014, so ask a Mazda dealer to confirm the campaign status for your VIN and complete the PCM software update if the vehicle is included.
Timeline
| April 3, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 19, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V173?
Recall 14V173 covers 5,700 Mazda vehicles: 2014 MAZDA3 and 2014-2015 MAZDA6 models with the 2.5L engine and regenerative engine braking system. In heavy rain or deep puddles, the alternator belt can slip and trigger incorrect charging-system failure logic. Mazda dealers reprogram the PCM for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Mazda MAZDA6 or MAZDA3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Mazda is included in recall 14V173. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer and ask for the PCM software reprogramming under recall 7314D. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mazda dealers reprogram the power control module with updated software free of charge. This recall repair began on May 19, 2014.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of normal vehicle support systems after the PCM incorrectly decides the charging system has failed. The vehicle can stop charging, accelerate poorly, lose steering assist, lose windshield wiper operation, or stall, which increases crash risk.
What if I bought this Mazda used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific MAZDA6 or MAZDA3 is included, then call a franchised Mazda dealer and reference recall 14V173 or Mazda recall 7314D.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V173000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V173 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V173000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →