Mazda is taking action to fix a problem with its 1.9-litre BT-50 ute, a month and a half after Isuzu did the same with its mechanically-identical D-Max.
The Japanese automaker has issued what it’s calling a “dealer rework” for BT-50 ute models fitted with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.
Mazda isn’t calling it a stop-sale because “there is no safety concern related to the symptom”, but it’s not allowing the affected vehicles already in stock to be sold until they’re fixed.
This follows the stop-sale order Isuzu issued in February 2022 for the closely related Isuzu D-Max with the same 1.9-litre engine.
At the time, a Mazda Australia spokesperson said its entry-level BT-50 XS wasn’t subject to a stop-sale order but offered no further comment.
In regard to the roughly six-week discrepancy between Isuzu and Mazda taking action, an Australian spokesperson confirmed Mazda headquarters took the time to conduct its own investigation into the issue before taking action.
Causing this issue in both the D-Max and BT-50 is a faulty engine sensor fitted to the 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
The Mazda Australia spokesperson said roughly 800 BT-50 models are currently affected by this issue, approximately 240 of which have been delivered to customers.
There’s a “simple software update” that needs to be completed at a Mazda dealer to fix the problem. It’ll be “undertaken at no cost to the customer”.
The Mazda Australia spokesperson said “dealers will begin contacting customers to book in shortly”.
The BT-50 and D-Max only received the new base 1.9-litre engine locally in January 2022.
In the D-Max, it’s only available in the single cab-chassis SX 4×2, with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.
It’s available across more variants in the BT-50 range. In addition to the 4×2 single cab-chassis, it’s available with the dual-cab ute body in both rear- and four-wheel drive guise. However, it’s only available with a six-speed automatic.
The 1.9-litre produces 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque and slots under the more widely-known 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which puts out 140kW and 450Nm.
MORE: Everything Mazda BT-50
