As a result of tests performed on the 2000-model MPV by an independent testing facility, Mazda found that the front bumper, despite meeting Federal passenger car bumper standards, did not perform up to expectations in a low-speed impact. Mazda has redesigned the front bumper system, and MPVs with the redesigned and upgraded bumper system should begin arriving in Mazda showrooms by the end of April.

Mazda asks owners of all 2000-model MPV minivans to bring the vehicles to an authorized Mazda dealer for the installation of front bumper reinforcement plates. The reinforcement plates will enhance front bumper performance and will be added at no charge to the consumer. The repairs should take less than one hour.

Owners with questions should contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.

September 2000

2000 MPV
Front Bumper Reinforcement
[Special Service Program-SSP43]

To:	All Mazda Dealers
Attention:	All General Managers, Service Managers, and Parts Managers
Subject:	Special Service Program-SSP43 2000 MPV Front Bumper Reinforcement

Dear Mazda Dealer:

Mazda Motor Corporation is conducting a Special Service Program on 2000 MPV vehicles built from March 31, 1999 through March 13, 2000.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted its own low speed front bumper crash test on 2000 MPV and found this type of impact could result in high repair costs. To improve the front bumper performance, installation of modified front bumper reinforcement plates will be necessary.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail on October 5, 2000. advising them to contact a Mazda dealership for an appointment to have the reinforcement plates installed on their vehicle. Detailed information regarding this special service program is provided in Attachment I. The repair procedure is identified in Attachment II, and the letter sent to the owners of the subject vehicles is included in Attachment III.

Please make certain that the appropriate personnel in your dealership are familiar with the details of this campaign for responding to customer inquiries. Should you have any questions, please contact the Warranty Hotline at (800) 662-6779.

Please complete the necessary repairs for any of the subject vehicles in your inventory.

We apologize for any inconvenience this program may cause you and your personnel. Your understanding and support in carrying out this campaign is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

CONDITION OF CONCERN

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted its own low speed front bumper crash test on 2000 MPV and found this type of impact could result in high repair costs To improve the front bumper performance, installation of modified front bumper reinforcement plates will be necessary.

SUBJECT VEHICLES

Model Year & Model	Production Range	Build Date Range
2000 MPV	JM3LW28G*Y0100001 - JM3LW28G*Y0149215	03-31-99 to 03-31-00

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail on October 5, 2000.

PARTS REQUIRED

Part Description	Part Number	Quantity
Plate Set	LCY2-50-1C0	1
Campaign Label	9999-95-065A-00	1

Replacement parts will be drop-shipped to dealers one week prior to owner notification. The quantity shipped to each dealer will be based on the number of vehicles registered in each dealer's area.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Front Bumper Reinforcement	Installation
Warranty Type Code	R
Customer Comment Code	99
Damage Code	99
Part Number Main Cause	LCY2-50-1C0
Quantity	1
Process Number	A0227H
Labor Operations Number	XX203XRX
Labor Hours	0.8

REPAIR PROCEDURES

Please refer to Attachment II

A. VEHICLE INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1. Verify the vehicle is within both of the following ranges:

   VIN: JM3LW28G*Y0 100001-149215 Build Date: before March 13, 2000

   • If vehicle is within the above ranges, proceed to STEP 2.
   • If vehicle is not within the above ranges, return it to customer or inventory.
2. Perform a Vehicle Status Inquiry using your MDCS System and inspect vehicle for an Authorized Modification Label SSP43 attached to the drivers side door or under hood. Refer to illustration:
   

   Note: Be sure to verify recall number as the vehicle may have multiple recalls.

   • If MDCS displays SSP43 N and an Authorized Modification Label is not present, the SSP has not been performed. Proceed to "B. REPAIR PROCEDURE."
   • If MDCS displays SSP43 N and an Authorized Modification Label is present, contact the Warranty Department at (800) 662-6779. They will update the vehicle history.
   • If MDCS displays SSP43 D and an Authorized Modification Label is not present, proceed to "C. AUTHORIZED MODIFICATION LABEL INSTALLATION."
   • If MDCS displays SSP43 D and an Authorization Modification Label is present, the SSP has already been completed. Return the vehicle to the customer or inventory.
   • If MDCS does not display SSP43 N or SSP43 D, this SSP does not apply to the vehicle. Return vehicle to the customer or inventory. 

B. REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Remove both front combination light assemblies as follows:
   1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
   2. Remove screw as shown:
      
      
       
   3. Using a fiber stick, slide assembly forward from body.
   4. Rotate and remove light socket from assembly.
   5. Perform above steps on other light assembly.
2. Remove two (2) Phillips head screws and two (2) plastic fasteners securing grille:
   
   
   Note: Do not remove any other fasteners. The grille is to be removed with the bumper as an assembly.
    
3. Remove the eighteen (18) fasteners that secure the bumper to the vehicle in the order shown in the illustration:
   
   
   Note: Be sure to remove fog light connectors if applicable.
    
4. Remove the bumper and grille as an assembly from the vehicle.
5. Remove the six (6) mounting nuts from the front plastic bumper reinforcement:
   
   
    
6. Inspect the back of the reinforcement for two molded ribs located inward approximately sixteen inches (16") from each end of the bumper:
   
   
    
   
   • If no ribs are on the reinforcement, proceed to next step.
   • If there are ribs on the reinforcement, a factory modified part has already been installed. Re-install all components in reverse order and proceed to "C. AUTHORIZED MODIFICATION LABEL INSTALLATION."
7. Bend template as shown:
   
   
    
8. Insert template into 5th slot inward from flange as shown:
   
   
    
9. Remove adhesive protector from metal plate and position it into the slot of the template. Be sure to apply sufficient pressure to plate to ensure that it stays in the correct position. Using the holes of the template as a reference, drill four 6 mm holes into the bumper reinforcement:
   
   
    
10. Assemble the components shown in the illustration. Use a 5 mm hex wrench (140 mm {5?"} or longer):
    
    
     
11. Tighten the nuts to the proper torque. Tightening torque: 65-75 kgf·cm {57 - 65 in·lbf}:
    
    
     
12. Repeat STEPS 7-11 on the other side of the bumper reinforcement.
13. Re-install all components in reverse order.

C. AUTHORIZED MODIFICATION LABEL INSTALLATION

Complete an "Authorized Modification Label" with the SSP number written on the sticker and affix it to the underside of the hood. Refer back to the illustration under "A. VEHICLE INSPECTION PROCEDURE."

September 2000

2000 MPV
Front Bumper Reinforcement
[Special Service Program-SSP43]

Dear Mazda Owner:

Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program on 2000 MPV vehicles built from March 31, 1999 through March 13, 2000. If you are the recipient of this notice, your vehicle is included in this campaign.

What is the problem?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted its own low speed front bumper crash test on 2000 MPV and found this type of impact could result in high repair costs. To improve the front bumper performance, installation of modified front bumper reinforcement plates will be necessary.

What will Mazda do?

Your Mazda dealer will install reinforcement plates to the front bumper at no cost to you. This repair should take approximately one (1) hour, however, it may take longer depending on the service workload at your dealership.

What should you do?

Please make an appointment with any authorized Mazda dealer to have the reinforcement plates installed. You do not need to bring this notice to the dealer, however, it may assist in the check-in process.

Where is the closest Mazda Dealer?

To locate your nearest authorized Mazda dealer, visit our Internet dealer locator at www.mazdausa.com/dealers or consult your local yellow pages.

Moved or no longer own this vehicle?

If you have moved or no longer own your Mazda vehicle, it is customary for the current owner of record to be responsible for completing the enclosed "Change of Address/Ownership" prepaid postcard, so that we may update our records. Your cooperation and timely response would be greatly appreciated.

If you are the lessor of a subject Mazda vehicle, we strongly encourage you to forward this recall notification to the lessee, as it is critical that the current driver of the vehicle is notified of the recall program.

Still have questions?

If you have read all of the information in this letter and still have questions regarding this campaign, please contact our Customer Assistance Center at (800) 222-5500.

If Mazda or its dealers do not repair the defect free of charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may notify the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C. 20590. You may also call their toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Your safety is a priority for Mazda. We actively work to improve our products and search for solutions to improve your ownership experience. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this program may have caused you.

Sincerely,

Mazda North American Operations