Recall 17V082 affects 173,859 2010-2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3, MAZDA3, and MAZDA2 vehicles for seat-lifter links that can break. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 173,859 2010-2011 MAZDA3, MAZDASPEED3, and MAZDA2 vehicles with manual seat lifters because the height-adjustment links can break or detach from the seat frame. If the seat angle shifts, the driver can lose a proper driving position, which increases crash risk; Mazda dealers will repair the seat lifter free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The manual seat lifter is the height-adjustment mechanism built into the driver's seat. In the 2010-2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3, MAZDA3, and MAZDA2, that mechanism lets the driver raise or lower the seat to set a stable driving position. It depends on small lifter links staying attached to the seat frame so the cushion angle stays where the driver set it.
On affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links can break or detach from the seat frame. When that happens, the seat angle can incline instead of holding its set position. The driver is then left sitting at the wrong angle, which interferes with maintaining a proper driving position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the seat changing angle or no longer holding the selected height.
Who's affected?
The MAZDASPEED3, MAZDA3, and MAZDA2 are grouped under the same seat assembly component across the 2010 and 2011 model years.
| 2010 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 | seat assembly |
| 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 | seat assembly |
| 2011 Mazda MAZDA2 | seat assembly |
| 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 173,859 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged seat adjuster or lifter link can keep the driver from holding the proper driving position, increasing crash risk. Schedule the repair soon. If the seat will not stay positioned securely, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3, MAZDA3, or MAZDA2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free seat-lifter inspection and reinforcement, or seat-adjuster replacement if the manual height adjuster links are damaged.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda sent one. If not, reference recall number 17V082 when you call.
- Avoid driving if the seat angle changes or the driver seat feels loose. Have the dealer inspect it before regular use.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician inspects the manual seat lifter links. The repair is free under the recall. Depending on what the inspection finds, the technician installs reinforcement brackets on the lifter links or replaces the entire seat adjuster unit. Mazda's general reimbursement plan is on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a related manual seat lifter repair before the recall notice, ask Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 9, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 15, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 31, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 7, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V082?
Recall 17V082 covers 173,859 2010-2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3, MAZDA3, and MAZDA2 vehicles with manual seat lifters. The seat height adjustment lifter links can break or detach from the seat frame, changing the seat angle and making it hard for the driver to keep a proper driving position.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3, MAZDA3, or MAZDA2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V082. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the seat lifter inspection and repair. Reference recall number 17V082 or Mazda recall number 0917B when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Mazda dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and either install reinforcement brackets or replace the seat adjuster unit free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of a proper driving position. If the seat lifter links break or detach, the seat angle can change and interfere with the driver's ability to stay positioned for normal control, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought this Mazda used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific MAZDASPEED3, MAZDA3, or MAZDA2 is included, then contact a franchised Mazda dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V082000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V082 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V082000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →