Mazda "Vehicle System Inspection Required" - Why Do I See This?

As you drive your Mazda one day, a message suddenly pops up - ''Vehicle System Inspection Required''. But what does this mean? To make things even worse, your dashboard decides to cosplay as a Christmas tree. Should you be worried about this incident?

Vehicle system malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:vacuum pump issues, oil pump problems, other engine-related things
• How to fix:there are no DIY fixes for this issue
• Possible consequences:engine may fail, you may lose brakes
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$250-$550

What does the Mazda ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message mean?

The message means exactly what it says - your Mazda needs a system inspection. The better question would be what it can mean. Sadly, Mazda didn't do a good job in this regard. Instead of creating separate messages for different issues, it chose to place them under a single umbrella error message.

Reaching the root of this issue can be challenging. The message might simply appear because your maintenance is due soon. However, it can also point to much more severe malfunctions such as low oil levels and a bad charging system. Your only option to diagnose this message is to examine additional symptoms. Whether you can fix it depends on which system is the culprit.

Why does the Mazda ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message appear? 4 causes and solutions

Mazda certainly beats around the bush when it comes to diagnosing issues. Instead of identifying separate problems, it covers them all in a single message. This can be incredibly irritating for Mazda owners.

To find out what caused this error message, you need to examine the symptoms associated with the most common causes behind it. Luckily, we prepared a list with 6 common causes and solutions to this issue below:

1) Low oil levels/pressure

This is the most common reason why the ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message appears. It often points to low oil levels, a condition that can be very dangerous.

 If you notice most of the following symptoms, this is like your Mazda's issue:

• Oil Pressure Warning lights up on your dashboard: The dashboard on your Mazda should be the first place you inspect. Many issues can be diagnosed by simply looking at which lights are on. Luckily, your vehicle monitors the oil levels. When they get too low, the light will turn on immediately.
• The smell of burnt oil: Oil might sometimes escape via leaks. As it falls on the hot engine components, it evaporates. This leads to a foul smell that you can't really miss. When this happens, you should stop your car and check the oil levels. However, allow your engine to cool down first to avoid burning yourself.
• Grating noises: Your Mazda's engine needs the oil to reduce friction to a minimum. Insufficient oil doesn't lubricate the engine components well. As a result, it might start producing knocking and clunking noises. Left unchecked, your powertrain might seize. This leads to total engine failure. When you hear these noises, you should replenish your oil immediately.
• Poor fuel economy: Reduced gas mileage is often a side-effect of poor friction. To overcome it, the engine has to work harder to deliver the same results. It will use up more fuel to maintain the same performance standard.
• The engine overheats: Excessive friction makes your engine heat up faster. As the metal components rub against each other, they generate large amounts of heat. High engine temperate can reduce its lifespan. It can even lead to complete failure. To avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, replenish the oil immediately.

How to fix it: Usually, it's enough to just refill your oil. It should always reach the marked line. This is something you can do at home. Go through your factory manual to find the type of oil your Mazda needs. Sometimes, broken oil caps and seals can be the true reason behind this issue. If so, you'll need to replace these parts.

2) Faulty charging system

The ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message might also indicate issues with your charging system. Your Mazda needs electricity to power up the lighting and other electronics. Though not as serious as low oil levels, you still shouldn't underestimate this issue.

A faulty charging system might manifest itself through the following symptoms:

• Charging System Failure lights up on your dashboard: Depending on the type of Mazda you own, it might come with a special light on the dashboard. When it lights up, it's time to have your vehicle serviced. Many factors can contribute to the failure of the charging system and you won't be able to fix the issue alone.
• Power loss: Poor power supply is a self-explanatory symptom. Since your Mazda doesn't generate enough electricity, it won't be able to supply your headlights with power. Your interior lighting might also appear dimmer. Other components that need electricity are the A/C, stereo, wipers, and power steering. Your Mazda prioritizes certain electronics first when distributing power. Headlights are often among the last to go out.
• Battery can't hold a charge: Without a functional charging system, your battery will die eventually. Though the issue might lie in the battery itself, it can also be due to faulty wiring or an alternator. This makes troubleshooting the problem difficult without sufficient mechanical experience.

How to fix it: Unfortunately, this is one of the tougher issues to deal with. Your charging system may fail due to various reasons. Components such as the alternator, battery, and wiring might all be to blame. While you can inspect each one individually, we recommend visiting a mechanic to resolve this problem.

3) Poor instrument cluster voltage regulator

True to its name, this component regulates the voltage levels at your Mazda's instrument cluster, speedometer, and gauges. This device displays your speed indicators and engine vitals. When faulty, you might not receive this vital information about the state of your engine.

This issue is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Poor gauge illumination: The voltage regulator power-ups your gauges. When faulty, they will often become dim. Sometimes, they might start flickering. Though you can still read them, you might have trouble making out the information in poor light conditions.
• Incorrect gauge readings: When your voltage regulator goes bad, the gauges on your Mazda might display random readings. The needles might jump erratically without settling on any number.
• The instrument cluster shuts down completely: In the worst-case scenario, the instrument cluster won't work at all. Though you can technically drive a vehicle without it, it's illegal in some states. You won't be able to read your speed and engine information either.

How to fix it: Though rarely life-threatening, this issue might prevent you from legally driving your Mazda. Unfortunately, you can't fix it by yourself. The repairs require mechanical knowledge that you likely don't have. Visit your nearest auto repair shop as soon as possible to fix the problem.

4) Your Mazda is due for maintenance soon

If you don't notice any symptoms, the ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message might just appear because your Mazda is due for maintenance. This is the best-case scenario as it points to no issues with your vehicle. Simply turning up for maintenance should remove the message.

Is the Mazda ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message a serious problem?

When this message pops up on your Mazda, it can point to several problems. Some are more serious than others.

For instance, it might simply mean you have to attend your regular maintenance soon. This isn't exactly a life-altering issue. Unfortunately, the other causes are more serious. Some might even reduce your Mazda's longevity or cause it to break down completely. The most serious cause behind this message is related to your oil level, which often damages your engine.

Can you fix the Mazda ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message on your own?

Your ability to handle the repairs depends on the key issue in your Mazda. If you don't notice any symptoms, you might just need to come to your regular car maintenance. However, the other causes behind this message aren't as easy to address.

If it happens because of oil levels, simply refilling the fluid is enough to solve the issue. Additional repairs might be necessary sometimes, especially if some of the seals broke.

But if your Mazda displays the message because of a bad charging system or voltage regulator, you're out of your luck. You won't be able to solve these issues alone. In these cases, you can't do without a professional mechanic.

Final Thoughts on the Mazda ''Vehicle System Inspection Required'' message

This message is incredibly frustrating for every Mazda owner. Because it doesn't point to a concrete issue, you have no way of knowing what it means. The only thing you can do is look for the symptoms commonly associated with the message.

The first signs to look for all point to low oil levels. This is a serious issue as it might wear down your engine faster. In some cases, it can lead to complete engine failure. Luckily, you can fix this simply by adding more oil to the reservoir.

Other issues are related to the charging system and voltage regulators. Though less serious, they might make your Mazda unsafe to drive. Unfortunately, these electrical problems require professional attention.

And finally, it can just mean you have upcoming regular maintenance soon. If you don't notice any other symptoms, then this is likely the cause behind the message.