Mazda is taking action to fix the problem with the 1.9-liter BT-50, a month and a half after Isuzu did the same to his mechanically identical D-Max.
The Japanese automaker has launched what it calls a “dealer rework” for BT-50 Car models are equipped with a 1.9-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine.
Mazda doesn’t call it a discontinuation because “there are no safety concerns associated with this symptom,” but it does not allow sale of affected vehicles that already exist until they are rectified.
This follows Isuzu cease-and-desist order issued in February 2022 for those closely related Isuzu D-Max with the same 1.9 liter engine.
At the time, a spokesperson for Mazda Australia said the input level of BT-50 XS was not subject to a cease-and-desist order but was not immediately available for comment.
Regarding the roughly six-week difference between Isuzu and Mazda in terms of action, an Australian spokesperson confirmed Mazda headquarters took the time to conduct its own investigation into the matter prior to taking action.
The cause of this problem in both the D-Max and BT-50 was a faulty engine sensor fitted to the 1.9-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
A spokesperson for Mazda Australia said around 800 BT-50 models are currently affected by the issue, about 240 of which have already been delivered to customers.
There is a “simple software update” that needs to be completed at a Mazda dealer to fix the problem. It will be “done free of charge to the customer”.
A spokesperson for Mazda Australia said “dealers will begin contacting customers with reservations shortly”.
The BT-50 and D-Max only received the new 1.9-liter base engine locally in January 2022.
In the D-Max, it’s only available in the SX 4×2 single cab chassis system, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
It is available on more variants in the BT-50 range. In addition to the 4×2 single-cab chassis, it is available with a dual-cabin body in both rear- and four-wheel drive housings. However, it is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.9-litre engine makes 110kW and 350Nm of torque and slots under the more widely known 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder making 140kW and 450Nm.
THAN: Everything Mazda BT-50
