Mazda will be contacting owners of certain 2019-2020 Mazda 3 cars because of a programming error affecting the forward collision avoidance system.

According to the defect report, incorrect programming of the smart braking system (SBS) control software may cause the vehicle to falsely detect an obstacle and apply the brakes to avoid a collision. If the SBS is unexpectedly activated while driving, the risk of a rear end collision from the following vehicle is possible. Drivers will be warned when the defect is occurring through an audible alarm and a warning message displayed on the dash board.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the SBS software. Vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner’s manual. The recall is expected to begin February 17, 2020. Mazda’s number for this recall is 4219L and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-907.