Mazda Recalls 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 For Stability Control Reflash

With stability control mandatory for all cars by model year 2012, manufacturers are also required by the government to ramp up the stability-control content of their fleets in the intervening years. The rule for 2009 is that 55% of the cars produced by each automaker must have standard stability control. But not just any stability-control system will do -- each model's system must pass a federal test by negotiating an emergency avoidance maneuver within certain parameters.

As Mazda's volume-selling four-door, the 2009 MAZDA3 was supposed to count toward that 55% figure, but the 3's stability control didn't pass the test. That's why 7,100 2009 MAZDA3 units are being recalled for an ECU reflash. It's not a big deal -- your Mazda dealer will simply upload the revised stability-control software to your 3, and you're done.

The recall is designated number 5509E. Owners can call Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 to see if their cars are eligible for the reflash.

Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor

Posted by

Josh Sadlier June 3, 2009, 10:50 AM

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Car Safety, Mazda