Recall 17V745 affects 144 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles for an incorrect exhaust valve spring. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 144 2018 MAZDA3 vehicles because an incorrect exhaust valve spring can fail while driving and stall the engine. An engine stall increases crash risk, and Mazda dealers will replace the valve springs free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The exhaust valve spring in the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 sits in the engine cylinder head and helps control an exhaust valve. As the engine runs, that valve opens to let burned gases leave the combustion chamber, then the spring pulls it closed so the next burn happens at the right time.
On affected vehicles, Mazda found that an incorrect exhaust valve spring was installed during cylinder head assembly. The spring had been made for a different manufacturer and was shipped to Mazda by mistake. Because the spring does not match the intended Mazda specification, it can fail while the vehicle is being driven. If that happens, the valve no longer works as designed and the engine can stall.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not identify a dashboard light, noise, vibration, or drivability symptom that owners can count on before the spring fails.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 | Exhaust system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 144 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A stalled engine can cut power unexpectedly and increase the risk of a crash. Because no warning sign is listed, schedule the recall inspection soon and drive with care until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free exhaust valve spring inspection and any needed replacement that addresses the engine stall risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda sent one. If not, reference recall number 17V745 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Pull over safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician inspects the engine for incorrect exhaust valve springs and replaces any incorrect springs. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Because Mazda has a general reimbursement plan on file, owners who already paid for this valve spring repair can ask Mazda customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation for review. Bring repair invoices and payment records if you have them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 21, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 20, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 22, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V745?
Recall 17V745 covers 144 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring that can fail while driving and stall the engine, increasing crash risk. Mazda dealers will inspect the engine and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V745. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the engine inspection and valve spring replacement. Reference recall 17V745 and Mazda recall number 1717K when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mazda dealers will inspect the engine and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs free of charge at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What is the safety risk for this Mazda MAZDA3 recall?
The safety risk is an engine stall while driving. Mazda says the incorrect exhaust valve spring can fail, and an engine stall can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair.
What if I bought my 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific MAZDA3 is included, then call a franchised Mazda dealer and reference recall 17V745.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V745000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V745 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V745000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →