Mazda recalls BT-50 over transmission fault

MAZDA has issued a safety recall for more than 5000 BT-50 automatic utes to check for a sensor fault that, potentially, could cause the ZF-sourced transmission to suddenly select first gear, causing the rear wheels to lock up.

The Mazda recall follows a similar action by Ford Australia in December when it called back more than 10,000 Ranger utes and Territory SUVs that use the same transmission.

The Thai-built BT-50 and Ranger are closely related, not only sharing the same underpinnings but the same diesel engines and transmissions.

Affected vehicles were sold between October 31, 2011 and December 3, 2012 when the BT-50’s current generation was just new.

According to Mazda’s recall notice on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s product safety website, the problem is caused by the transmission output shaft sensor that is prone to intermittent failure, causing “an unintended downshift into first gear”.

“If the failure occurs while the vehicle is in use, it could cause an abrupt wheel speed reduction,” the notice says. “This may cause the rear tyres to slide or lock up until the vehicle speed slows, which could result in a loss of vehicle control.”

A spokesman for Mazda Australia said the company had no reports of the fault happening in this country.

Mazda says it is writing to all affected customers, asking them to take their vehicle to their dealer for inspection and repair.

It is the third safety recall for the BT-50 in nine months. Last September, dual-cab units were recalled to fix a faulty rear seat latch spring that could break and cause the seat to flop forward.

In July last year, the BT-50 was recalled to replace a an airbag inflator that was susceptible to high humidity, causing it to deploy abnormally.