Car's electrical system will cut out without warning. This has happened on the interstate. The radio shuts down, the ability to accelerate is lost, and power steering goes. Several sensor lights come on. I have to fight to get the car to the side of the road and then turn the car off. When restarted the check engine light stays on but the car works fine. This will also happen when the car is idling with the same loss of power. I turn the car off and then back on and it works okay again. This happened in a very mountainous pass recently and there were no shoulders to pull over on and I had no power steering or acceleration. I've taken to several mechanics and they cannot find the issue.
2013 Mazda MAZDA3 electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 32 of 32, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mazda 3. While driving at any speed at night, the headlights flickered and flashed when the brake pedal was applied. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to maxon hyundai mazda (2329 us 22, union, nj 07083). The contact was informed that the failure was a known issue, but there was no recall and the warranty expired. The vehicle was also taken to crystal mazda (220 rte 22 west, greenbrookee, nj 08812) where it was also stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Pcm does not regulate alternator output correctly causing the headlights to flash/strobe and horn tone to fluctuate while braking in motion. The headlights flashing could lead other drivers to believe you are signaling them, and lack of power to horn reduces the audibility and may not be heard by other drivers. Dealership/mazda is aware of the issue and has provided a "software update" to fix the issue, but has not issued a recall, thus requiring consumers to pay $60-$100 usd for the update if out of warranty. On november 22th 2017 I was approaching an intersection and was braking coming to the red light when a vehicle on a side street waved at me and pulled out in front of me I used my horn of which fluctuated with power, I was able to avoid the crash but it was a close call. I suspect the other vehicle thought my flashing headlights were signaling them to "go ahead". I believe this needs to be a recall as this issue has the potential to cause serious injury or loss of life.
When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip, causing the power control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system. Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash."
I have a 2013 mazda 3i 5-door hatchback with approximately 61,000 miles, 90% highway driving to and from work. After having the battery replaced (original) earlier this year, I then noticed that my headlights would flash intermittently, at that time. As the year progressed, the headlight flashing, which presents itself only upon braking or deceleration, became markedly increased and brighter, including the dashboard information systems window inside. I went to an authorized mechanic, who first put my car on diagnostic, which showed that the alternator was very weak/worn. Since I had extended warranty, through a private company, but only until 60,000/5 years, I rushed to make time for the mechanic to receive authorization and replace the alternator, which he did, and my car runs great. There remains, though, the problem with the headlights flashing. Since the mechanic did reset the computer, we were stumped. Then my husband found a service bulletin from mazda dealing with this specific issue, stating that the car must go to the dealer because only the dealer can reset all the parts of the computer. I then contacted mazda, but have yet to receive a response. I do not feel that I should be made to pay for this adjustment/repair since mazda apparently is well aware of this problem with this model car. Just google it, there are alot of m3 owners out there with similar problems, most got resolved because they were still under warranty. Great for them, but that doesn't help me. Not only is this a problem for me since I drive nearly 40 miles each way to/from work each night, but I am tired of other drivers flashing their lights at me, honking, or yelling. It is most annoying, not to mention a safety hazard, since I am a night-time/early morning driver, predominantly driving in the dark. Please advise.
When braking, the headlights pulse. When braking, the car rides bumpy. The stability control light will come on at random times. These have been happening for the past couple years, and all mechanics have said that everything looks fine on the vehicle.
When the brakes are applied and the headlights are on, the headlights will pulse. The flashing headlights are very noticeable when following behind another car. This problem has been happening for weeks.
When decelerating with headlights on while in motion, headlights flicker until pressure is released from brake pedal. Brought to dealership and was charged $26.38 for PCM reprogramming.
Whenever I'm driving and using my headlights and then I step on my brakes my headlights flicker as if I were flashing somebody and I have had my battery tested and alternator and changed my headlights but the problem still occurs I have also looked on youtube to see if anyone else was having problems like this and they were the only thing I haven't tried was contacting the dealer about it. The lights are normal when the vehicle is stationary and I step on the brakes.
When braking or decelerating, the headlights pulse. It looks like we're signaling other drivers at night (although who knows what we're supposedly saying) and it is a serious hazard. This was particularly a problem heading down a mountain at night during a winter storm to have our visibility go in and out. There is already a notice out according to our mechanic, but we received nothing from mazda and are being charged to reprogram the computer that is supposedly causing the problem.
When breaking my headlights flicker on and off. It only occurs when breaking. Second issue: when backing up from reverse gear and putting car into drive the transmission hesitates to engage and the car surges forward like it is not in gear. It will also make a metal on metal sound when foot is not on the brake pedal. Third issue: at 55 MPH the vehicle shakes. Dealer said they cannot duplicate it but it happens always at 55mph.
Headlights pulse, like others have stated when decelerating, as in coming down a hill while gently braking. I am putting the latest date of occurrence, but its been going on since about summer of 2015. Would like this resolved.
When the car decelerators, or more noticeably, when I'm breaking, the headlights flicker, almost pulsing. It has not gotten me into any trouble yet, I've heard of near hits because other drivers thought they were allowing them to merge in front of them. I'm most afraid that someone will think I'm threatening them by flashing my lights at them. As if I'm angry they cut me off and flashing my lights in anger, for example. It's very rare for this not to happen when it is dark. My boyfriend is also afraid that the lights are going to go out spontaneously, leaving me in the dark.
When decelerating (braking) headlights flicker. This makes night time driving dangerous & difficult.
While driving the car engine suddenly turns off. Radio and headlights remain on, but power steering stops functioning. This has happened 5 times, 4 times on surface streets and once merging onto the highway. Local mazda dealership could not find anything wrong the two times I have taken it in. There is no code being displayed.
Horn gradually failed, became weaker and weaker, eventually totally silent. Looked on google to find location (it is very tight in there!) discovered numerous complaints of failed horns for this exact make and model. Horn is made by fiamm (italy). Examined horn, the adjustment screw is sealed. Failure is internal. Vehicle is two years old, has 39,000 miles. Replaced horn with $10 aftermarket item, all ok now. Took me about 45 minutes to do, and I am an experienced mechanic (cause is absolutely miserable access, only had to remove one nut and one wire, the trick is getting to it), I fix everything from wristwatches to airplane engines. No accidents, no injuries, but you must have a working horn . . . This is my wife's car, and I want her to be safe.
Noticed flickering of headlights during night driving while braking. This headlight flicker was repeatable while night driving and braking at moderate to highway speeds.
A few weeks ago, the low battery indicator came on indicating that I needed to replace my key fob battery. My car has a keyless ignition/ push-button start. I replaced the battery in each of my key fobs about a week later. After an additional week, my car will not start with either key fob. The dashboard states that the key is not found, even though I replaced both key fob batteries. I had to take the ignition cover off and insert the key to start the car. Mazda is charging me $100 just to get this looked at.
The headlights flicker or pulsate when I brake or decelerated my 2013 mazda 3 hatchback with the 2.0 l engine. Night driving is dangerous.
When I started driving and put on my headlights. Everytime I put on the brakes the headlights dim as the brake light is pushed.
Driving 60mph on major freeway during rush hour, light rain. Check engine light came on and stayed on. A few minutes later, every warning light came on and I lost the power steering. I pulled to the side of the highway and turned the car of, waited 10 minutes and started the car. Check engine light remained on and all other warning lights were off. Started driving and 10 minutes later all the warning lights came on again and lost power steering again. Left vehicle in garage over night with hood up thinking it was due to rain/moisture/computer problem. Car started fine in morning, no warning lights. Took it to dealership and they said it was a lose battery cable. I am thinking it was more than that. I have noted my concern and will await the next heavy rain.
I drove the car on friday, 4/26/13, for about 120 miles. On 4/29/13, I found the battery died. This was the second time for this brand new car about a month. It's not a reliable product. The service lady in maita mazda sacramento told me that I should drive the car everyday to keep the battery working. Why didn't they told me before I brought it.
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