Recall 19V272 affects 187,880 2016-2018 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles for a windshield wiper relay defect. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 187,880 2016-2018 MAZDA3 vehicles because a defective windshield wiper relay can make the wipers stop working. Reduced visibility while driving increases crash risk, and Mazda dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper relay on the 2016-2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is an electrical switch inside the front body control module. It sends power to the wiper motor when you turn the wipers on, so the blades sweep the windshield and clear rain, spray, or washer fluid from the driver's view.
On affected MAZDA3 vehicles, the wiper relay has an improper design. The relay can stop sending power through the circuit even when the driver has selected the wipers. When that happens, the windshield wipers become inoperative, and the driver's visibility is reduced in bad weather or when the windshield needs cleaning.
There is no warning sign before failure. The wipers can work normally on one drive and then fail to move the next time they are switched on, so owners should treat any wiper inoperation as a recall-related service concern.
Who's affected?
All three model years are tied to the same wiper system component.
| 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mazda MAZDA3 | wiper system |
| 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 | wiper system |
| Units affected | 187,880 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced visibility while driving leaves less time to see traffic, road hazards, and weather, which can increase the risk of a crash. If the windshield wipers act abnormally, slow down, move out of traffic when safe, and schedule the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free front body control module replacement that fixes the windshield wiper relay defect.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V272 when you call.
- Drive with caution until the repair is complete, especially in rain or low visibility.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician replaces the front body control module with a module that uses an improved windshield wiper relay design. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. This repair addresses the relay defect that can stop the wipers from working and reduce driver visibility. After replacement, the wiper relay function is handled by the updated module.
Timeline
| April 4, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 18, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 18, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 7, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 3, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V272?
Recall 19V272 covers 187,880 2016-2018 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles with a defective windshield wiper relay. The relay can make the windshield wipers stop working. That loss of visibility raises crash risk. Mazda dealers replace the front body control module with an improved wiper relay design for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V272. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the front body control module replacement. Reference recall number 19V272 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mazda dealers will replace the front body control module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included 2016-2018 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles.
Is it safe to drive with this Mazda MAZDA3 wiper recall?
The safety risk is reduced visibility while driving. If the wipers stop working in rain, snow, spray, or dirt, crash risk increases. Mazda has not issued a do-not-drive order for this recall, but included vehicles need the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Mazda MAZDA3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016-2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is included, then call a franchised Mazda dealer and reference recall 19V272.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V272000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V272 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V272000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 →