New Mazda CX-90 models delivered across the United States will need to head back to dealers after it was revealed that there is an issue with the Approaching Vehicle Audible System Information Sound Box (AVAS ISB).
Regulations in the U.S. required hybrid and electric vehicles to be fitted with an amplifier that emits a sound when the vehicle is driven on electric power at low speeds. In the case of the CX-90 which features a 3.3-liter engine working alongside a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, Mazda has revealed that the warning sound supposed to be emitted when the SUV is in reverse may be activated in any other gear but reverse.
Mazda says the issue has been caused by a missing software program in the AVAS ISB and notes that an “improper AVAS warning can affect the perception of vehicle directional movement and may increase the risk of an accident or injury.” It says the reversing chime could be activated when the vehicle is shifted from Park to Drive, Park to Neutral, and from Drive or Neutral to Park.
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A total of 17,600 examples of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 are involved in the recall. These SUVs were built between December 27, 2022 and July 5, 2023 at the company’s factory in Hofu, Japan. Mazda first discovered two instances of the issue in April and May while vehicles were still at its Japanese assembly plant. The carmaker has not received any field reports of the issue nor is it aware of any accidents or injuries caused by it.
Mazda informed dealerships of the recall before August 9 and will alert owners by mail before October 3. Dealers will resolve the issue by simply reprogramming the software of the AVAS ISB amplifier.
