2021 Mazda CX-3 Backup Camera Recall (23V487)

Recall 23V487 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021 Mazda CX-3 in recall 23V487?

The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.

Is it safe to drive a 2021 CX-3 with recall 23V487?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the camera.

Which vehicles are included in recall 23V487?

Recall 23V487 covers 236,100 vehicles: 2021 Mazda CX-3.

NHTSA lists 236,100 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the CX-3 backup camera recall?

Yes. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary.

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

When was recall 23V487 announced?

Mazda Motor Corp. reported recall 23V487 to NHTSA on July 14, 2023.

This recall was filed 39 months ago. If your CX-3 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my CX-3 is part of recall 23V487?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 23V487 is open on your CX-3, it will be listed there.

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. It shows any open safety recall on your vehicle, including 23V487000. Your VIN is on the registration card, the insurance card, and the driver side of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. Recent recalls can take a few days to appear in the lookup.

What should CX-3 owners do about recall 23V487?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 23V487000 applies to your CX-3.
2. Call a Mazda dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Get a repair order for every visit, even if the dealer only inspects the vehicle. Read it before you leave and make sure your complaint is written the way you described it.
4. Keep a simple log of any camera symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are CX-3 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 0 of them about the rearview camera.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the rearview camera have been filed since recall 23V487 was reported (0) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 4 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 0 of them involve the rearview camera. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 Mazda CX-3: 4 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera

Can recall 23V487 make my CX-3 a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Recall 23V487000 does not automatically make your CX-3 a lemon. California's Song-Beverly Act asks two questions: does a warranty defect substantially impair the vehicle's use, value or safety, and did the manufacturer fail to fix it in a reasonable number of tries (Civ. Code 1793.2(d))?

A rearview camera that blanks out or freezes is a safety issue because federal rules require a working backup image. Camera problems are often software related, and many owners see them come back after an update.

A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021 Mazda CX-3 has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the CX-3 went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 23V487