My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30 mph during these events. At one point in 2024, the vehicle went into limp mode on the freeway, creating a safety hazard. These failures are intermittent but repeatable. Diagnostic scans from 2023–2025 show multiple U-codes for lost communication between control modules; two later became permanent. The issue appears unrelated to any one component and affects many systems at once. The vehicle has been to every Mazda dealership in the North Texas region (Mesquite, Freeman, Hiley, Norm Reeves, Town North). All performed only basic scans; none completed a full CAN-bus or wiring-harness diagnostic. Town North kept the vehicle for six weeks (Sept–Oct 2025), replaced a coil and spark plugs, performed a camera calibration and a TCM update, but the network failures returned within 38 miles. We sought independent inspection only after dealerships repeatedly refused diagnosis whenever the warning lights were not on at the moment of arrival. In November 2025, a technician found significant internal corrosion inside the negative battery cable; touching the cable reproduced the full failure immediately. The corrosion extends deep into the wire sheathing. This appears to be an electrical defect affecting CAN communication and power/ground integrity. When the fault occurs, multiple safety systems disable at once and the vehicle behaves unpredictably. Mazda Corporate has declined further assistance, and the defect remains unresolved. I am filing this report because this is a recurring safety issue that may affect other vehicles of the same model and year.
Mazda MAZDA3 abs comes on
76 of the 2,994 owner complaints about the Mazda MAZDA3 describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2010 model year.
- owner complaints
- 76
- worst model year
- 2010
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,456
- typical mileage
- 73,243
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 7Spongy pedal 6Check engine light 6Power steering loss 5Loss of power 5Jerking 3Premature wear 2Airbag light 2
Trouble codes mentioned
C0020 4U0140 3U0415 2U3003 1U0428 1U0425 1
What owners say
On August 15, 2025, my 2010 Mazda 3 began displaying the ABS warning light intermittently while driving. The ABS system is a critical safety feature, and when the light comes on, I am unsure if the braking system will function properly in an emergency. I scanned the vehicle using a Foxwell diagnostic tool and retrieved the following ABS-related fault codes: C0020:1C-2B – ABS Pump Motor Control Circuit U0425:62-60 – Invalid Data Received from IPC/ABS Control Module U0140:00-28 – Lost Communication with Body Control Module These issues are consistent with Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 04-002/13 (July 17, 2013), which documents ABS pump motor failures caused by poor motor brush contact. This is a serious safety concern because the ABS system fails without warning, leaving the driver and passengers at risk of brake loss in critical conditions. Why this should be investigated: The defect occurs intermittently, making it difficult to predict or reproduce. It matches a known documented defect acknowledged by Mazda in TSB 04-002/13. Other owners have reported similar ABS pump failures in Mazda vehicles of this generation. The failure compromises safe braking and should be treated as a safety defect warranting investigation and possible recall. Action Requested: I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this recurring ABS pump/motor failure in 2010 Mazda 3 vehicles and determine whether a recall should be issued to address this known defect.
January 10, 2025, at low city speed, I struck a small pothole. The entire car felt like it had been in an accident—a violent jolt—followed by immediate vibration and a pull. Inspection showed one OEM 18" rim was bent. I contacted Mazda after diagnosing and was offered a slight discount on the replacement rim, not a warranty repair or full diagnosis. I have the bent rim in my possession. July 2025, at low speed, I barely contacted another small pothole and immediately felt the same drivability issues. A second rim was found damaged. This was only 4,500 miles after the first incident. I called the dealership manager; he said he would get back to me but never did. I later sent a letter that went unanswered. My subsequent research shows innumerable similar owner complaints for 2020–2025 Mazda 3s experiencing rim deformation from ordinary road irregularities. Why this is a safety issue (technical points): Bead-seat deformation & air loss: A bent alloy rim can distort the bead seat, causing slow leaks or sudden deflation, especially after heat cycles—creating a loss-of-control risk. Dynamic instability: A rim that’s even slightly out-of-round produces high-frequency vibration, steering pull, and reduced traction in turns or under braking; it can trigger ABS/ESC interventions and increase stopping distance. Load path & suspension stress: The 18" low-profile package leaves little sidewall cushion. On normal bumps/potholes, impact energy transfers directly to the wheel. Repeated “bottom-out” events may damage shocks/struts, alignment, and tires, compounding instability. Repeatability & foreseeability: Two events under ordinary use within a short interval indicate a systemic integrity problem, not random abuse. Requested resolution: A no-cost remedy: (1) replace all rims/tires with more durable parts and inspect/repair suspension; or (2) provide comprehensive wheel/tire protection and repair damaged rim; or (3) exchange he vehicle for a comparable model with no issue
The brake pedal is soft and sometimes unresponsive unless it is pumped repeatedly. There have been several times where I have been concerned if I would come to a complete stop. I have had both sets of brake pads replaced in the last year, and have on driven 9,000 miles. Two independent service centers diagnosed the problem as a faulty master cylinder. However, upon replacing the master cylinder and doing three brake flushes, and inspecting my brake pads and calipers, the problem persisted and is unresolved. They directed me to order a new ABS module, believing that that is the only other part that could be causing the cars brake problems. This part (BFY1437AZCO) is on backorder until November 2025.
The Brake Pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). The master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty ABS control unit (which, when Mazda was contacted, said that part was on backorder until September). If the manufacturer knows this is an issue and can't supply the part due to so many replacements needed in their vehicle, why is there no recall? There is no warning to the driver on the dashboard of this issue and has causes repeated issues while breaking.
Brake pedal sinks to the ground d after abs is turned on due to hard braking or after hitting a dip
The contact owns a 2022 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated unexpectedly. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and bumped his head. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated. The vehicle stopped independently while the contact was driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to four dealers and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and twelve complaints had been filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,287.
Weak braking and spongy brake pedal created near accidents at highway speeds. Brake pedal needs to be pumped to get firmness. But the check engine warning light did not come on, either. So I had mechanics replace front rotors, front disc pads, and bleed/refill system with fresh brake fluid and inspect system for leaks. But spongy brake pedal problem was not fixed. So when I researched the problem on the internet, it appears that it's a systemic, long-time (10 model years or more) safety issue with Mazda that they failed to recall nationwide. Totally irresponsible. Among Mazda owners, after replacing all other brake system components and not solving the spongy brake pedal issue, it turned out to be a faulty ABS System Module, a $2,000 to $3,000 repair at Mazda dealerships.
ABS or the ABS computer malfunction or wasn't working correctly and almost cause an accident.
ABS module malfunction all four wheel speed sensor not read in the same time and powersteering cut off cause by unready wheel speed check engine light ABS light and Steering Light on.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
- Risk
- Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
Recall number 20V346000 · Recall details
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
- Risk
- If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
Recall number 17V393000 · Recall details
Questions about the Mazda MAZDA3 abs
Why does the abs come on in the Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, soft or spongy brake pedal and check engine light, and the codes they mention most are C0020, U0140 and U0415.
Which Mazda MAZDA3 years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2010 (29 complaints), 2008 (13 complaints) and 2012 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,456 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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