As far as I can tell, the car phones home to Mazda using a its own cellular connection. The manual says it only applies to certain cars, which tells me all the new infotainment systems with the 10.25 inch screen as the major tell tale, and you have to be able to use the My Mazda App with Connected Services.

Connected Services target vehicle model:
2020 Mazda3
2020 Mazda CX-30
2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Mazda CX-9

The description sounds like a manufacturer customized version OnStar like system which may be cellular. It could also be more likely a feature of SiriusXM which is suited for this sort of low data rate information transfer. Just my guess... My WRX comes with Subaru Starlink and I get similar messages about the cars condition on my phone. The CX5 belongs to my wife, so I don't get the messages, Mazda Connect only allows one user. I signed up, then showed her how to do it, and she kicked me off, because it only allowed one user at a time.

• If the vehicle is involved in a moderate to severe collision, a call is made automatically to 911 using the connected device. The “Emergency Assistance Call” setting must be on. Refer to Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
• The system receives information from the vehicle in the unlikely event of a vehicle malfunction and customer support is provided. Information about the malfunction can be checked from the vehicle or the MyMazda App. A dealer or roadside assistance can be contacted at the MyMazda APP malfunction check screen. When contacting a dealer to discuss repairs, the dealer can verify the vehicle malfunction from the system. A technician can provide an explanation of the malfunction and provide guidance based on the condition of the vehicle. Position information is sent automatically to roadside assistance when contacting them through the MyMazda APP, eliminating the need for the driver to describe their location.
• The vehicle can be operated remotely from a device using the MyMazda APP.
  • Remote Engine Start / Remote Engine Stop To ensure that the cabin is comfortable before getting into the vehicle, the engine can be started with the same set climate control temperature as when the engine was previously turned off. This is useful when the weather is extremely cold or extremely hot.
  • Remote Door Lock / Remote Door Unlock If the driver forgets to lock the vehicle doors, they can be locked using the MyMazda APP without having to return to the vehicle. The doors can also be unlocked for passengers near the vehicle who do not have a key. A Vehicle Status Alert function can be set to notify the driver if they have forgotten to lock the doors.
  • Remote Hazard Light The hazard lights can also be turned off remotely to prevent draining the battery if they are left on. A Vehicle Status Alert function can be set to notify the driver if the hazard lights are left on.
• The status of certain features on the vehicle can be checked with the MyMazda APP. Furthermore, the MyMazda APP is notified when conditions presumed to be user oversight, such as forgetting to lock the vehicle doors, are detected. Vehicle Health Report Vehicle maintenance related information such as engine oil or tire pressure can be checked using the MyMazda APP and the App can be set to notify the customer when set maintenance schedules are approaching.
  • The Vehicle Health Report information can also be accessed by dealers or the Customer Experience Center via the Connected Service system, ensuring maintenance discussions are accurate.
  • Vehicle Status Information such as the amount of fuel remaining can be checked using the MyMazda APP to properly prepare for long trips.
  • Vehicle Status Alert The MyMazda APP is notified if vehicle conditions considered to be user oversight are detected, such as forgetting to lock the doors or forgetting to turn off the hazard warning lights.
  • MyMazda APP is notified of the following items: Doors, hood, trunk, or liftgate left open/unlocked and hazard warning lights left turned on Concerning the doors left unlocked and the hazard warning lights left turned on, you can use the Remote Control to remotely operate them.
• The driver can use the MyMazda APP to locate the vehicle if he or she forgets where it is parked in a large parking lot. It can also be used to identify the vehicle location if the vehicle is suspected of being stolen. If you are searching for your vehicle in a distant location where it is not visible, the location can be identified on a map screen. As the driver approaches the vehicle location, he or she can then find it by flashing the hazard warning lights and sound of the horn
• Before getting into the vehicle, a search for information can be carried out on a destination where navigation guidance is required using the MyMazda APP. This can then be sent to the vehicle as a destination. Multiple destinations can be sent and the destination and places along the route can be sent all at once. When the driver gets into the vehicle and starts the engine, the destination information is sent to the vehicle and the trip can begin immediately by setting the route on the center display
• The vehicle is equipped with an in-car Wi-Fi which functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The in-car Wi-Fi function can be used immediately by setting access points on Wi-Fi devices such as a cell phone.
• Online Update now supports updating of the MAZDA CONNECT system. An update notification will be displayed on the center display when the latest software version is available, and the update can be carried out at the customer's convenience from the notification.
• Data communication can be canceled by temporarily stopping the function of the vehicle’s onboard communication unit. This can be set when you do not want to allow data communication, such as when another person drives the vehicle

There are several types of connected services available via Mazda Connect. Some services may require you to download the MyMazda app to your smartphone and subscribe to the services, while others may require you to pair your smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth®. In addition, on a regular basis and unless you opt-out, your vehicle will automatically transmit certain geo-location, driving behavior data, and vehicle health information to Mazda for product quality, data analysis, research, and product development. Using the QR codes or URLs below, refer to the Connected Service Owner's Manual and Privacy Policy for more details and opt-out options.

 

You'd be surprised what these connected services will let you do. My Sonata's Blue Link service from Hyundai is similar. You lock and unlock, remote start, set the temperature, turn the butt warmers & heated steering wheel on all with the app. I think I remember reading a while back it's doable without more hardware when you have the push button ignition. It just sends the same signal to the car's computer as the button.

 

Just talking about the comment that was made about the app informing you that the hood is open. There has to be a switch that informs the system that the hood is open, right? No other way to get that info without a camera.

 

Thanks - I guess you must be correct. I was thinking some big, clunky thing though - duh!

 

VERY cool! Thanks for that info. I would love to have this on my CX but not bad enough to even consider a upgrade.

Too bad this connected service won't also allow you to open/close windows/sunroof! Many a time I've shut my CX off only to look and see that one of the windows or sunroof was left open a bit. Sure would be nice to be able to use the app (or even better, the fob) to close these things. My VW Jetta did this and it was a 2012.

 

I have a 2021 CX5 Signature and it came with 3 years of Mazda Connect free. There will be an annual charge after that period if I want to keep the service. Mazda Connect allows you via an app to see the status of your vehicles fuel level, odometer reading, door status, lift gate and hood status and emergency flashers status. It also allows me to start the vehicle, lock/unlock the doors, turn on flashers and sound the horn. I can track where it is parked. Also I can send Navigation information directly to the on-board NAV system anytime of the day or night. The next time I start the vehicle the new address information downloads. Since it runs on the “MyMazda” app over the internet, I can get information or execute commands from anywhere with internet service.

 

Just curious, how do you start the car remotely with this app?

 

I Just sign on to the MyMazda app, select my vehicle and up comes the above screen. Just push and hold start until the entire circle lights up. About 10 seconds later the car starts.

 

My guess is it uses the same switch the alarm uses. I have not done this in the Mazda but I had a 2006 Acura and I used to play around in that car including setting off the alarm by opening the door so I am guessing trunk and hood work similarly using long existing hardware all connected into the ECU

 

Alarm? What alarm? Are you sure that you have an alarm?

Mazda makes it look as if my 2016.5 has an alarm but in reality, it does not. An immobilizer yes, alarm no.

I can assure you that the hood on my CX certainly does not have any ' long existing hardware all connected into the ECU'.