Recall 19V907 affects 35,390 2019-2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles because false Smart Brake System detection can trigger sudden braking. Free repair at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 35,390 2019-2020 MAZDA3 vehicles because the Smart Brake System can falsely detect an obstacle while driving and activate automatic emergency braking. An unexpected stop increases the risk of a crash, and Mazda dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Smart Brake Support system on the 2019-2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is an automatic emergency braking feature. It uses front obstacle detection and control software to decide when the car is closing on something ahead. When it works correctly, the system warns the driver and applies the brakes only when braking intervention is needed to help avoid or reduce a collision.
On affected MAZDA3 vehicles, the SBS control software in the body control module has programming errors. The body control module is an electronic controller that helps coordinate vehicle functions, and that includes SBS commands. Because of the software error, the system can falsely detect an obstacle in front of the vehicle while driving. It can then activate automatic emergency braking even when no collision is imminent. The vehicle can stop suddenly.
When the defect occurs, owners get a warning alarm sound and a warning message in the multi-information display and active driving display. Those warnings happen as the false braking event occurs, not as an advance notice before the software makes the wrong decision.
Who's affected?
Covers one model across the 2019 and 2020 model years, with the same automatic emergency braking component for both.
| 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 | Automatic emergency braking |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 | Automatic emergency braking |
| Units affected | 35,390 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected stop increases crash risk, especially when traffic behind you has little time to react. If the warning alarm sounds or a warning message appears in the multi-information or active driving display, treat it as a sign the defect is active and contact a Mazda dealer promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free SBS software update that fixes false obstacle detection and sudden automatic braking.
- Ask the dealer whether your vehicle also needs the instrument cluster software update or replacement and the owner's manual replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda sent one. If not, reference recall number 19V907 and Mazda recall 4219L when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and be ready for unexpected braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician updates the Smart Brake System software so it does not falsely detect an obstacle and activate automatic emergency braking. For vehicles built on the covered production dates, the dealer also updates or replaces the instrument cluster software and provides a replacement owner's manual. The recall repairs are free. If you've already paid for a repair tied to this defect, Mazda's standard reimbursement plan covers repair costs incurred before Mazda filed the safety recall. Bring invoices, receipts, or payment documentation to the service desk or contact Mazda customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 20, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 20, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 14, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 17, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V907?
Recall 19V907 covers 35,390 2019-2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vehicles with Smart Brake System software that can falsely detect an obstacle while driving. That false detection can activate automatic emergency braking and suddenly stop the vehicle, increasing crash risk. Mazda dealers update the SBS software for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific MAZDA3 is included in recall 19V907. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the SBS software update. Reference recall number 19V907 when you call. 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's remedy says dealers will perform these repairs free of charge. The repair includes the SBS software update and, for certain production dates, instrument cluster software work or replacement plus a replacement owner's manual.
Is it safe to drive my Mazda MAZDA3 before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect is a real crash risk. The Smart Brake System can falsely detect an obstacle and stop the vehicle unexpectedly. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair as soon as you have an appointment.
What if I bought my Mazda MAZDA3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. If you never received Mazda's owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific MAZDA3 is included, then call a franchised Mazda dealer with recall number 19V907.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V907000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V907 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V907000 |
Source documents
-
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →