Mazda uses several diagnostic applications under its Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS) service offering. Select the application and interface using Mazda's current model-specific coverage information rather than relying only on model year.
NGS, WDS, IDS and MDARS
Mazda also used the New Generation STAR (NGS) handheld tester: a 1994 Mazda bulletin documents a Mazda program card for specified 1988–1995 models. Vehicle-specific program cards and adapters matter. Mazda bulletin 002/94.
Ford's January 2000 WDS announcement identified Mazda among the brands in the planned rollout of the shared Worldwide Diagnostic System. The announcement envisaged Mazda dealer deployment in the third quarter of 2000; it does not establish identical software or blanket vehicle coverage across marques. Ford WDS announcement.
Mazda IDS is Mazda's PC diagnostic application for earlier supported vehicles. Mazda's IDS information describes its coverage and notes Mazda IDS and Ford IDS cannot be installed on the same computer. Related naming does not mean their brand-specific software is interchangeable; see Ford IDS.
MDARS and MDARS II are separate cloud-based diagnostic systems. Mazda's application list includes the 2019-on Mazda3 and 2020-on CX-30 under MDARS, and the 2026-on CX-5 under MDARS II. Mazda expressly says MDARS II does not replace MDARS. The list contains earlier applications too, so verify the exact model and market.
Vehicle interfaces
Mazda lists Denso DST-010B for MDARS and MDARS II; VCM II is compatible with MDARS but not MDARS II. Mazda's VCI information also lists DST-010B for IDS, while the IDS page specifies Mazda VCM II and says pass-through devices are not supported. Because these Mazda pages differ about IDS interface support, verify the current regional guidance before purchasing hardware. Software subscription, model support and interface compatibility are separate requirements.