Owners have filed 181 complaints
about the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 21 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 63
12.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 94
55% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
97.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2621.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1814.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2319.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2117.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1411.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
65.0%
150,000+ miles
43.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2014peak 8Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023391116,779 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the rearview camera connector could cause distortion or flickering of the rearview camera image. Note: This recall only affects hatchback (5-door) models. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mazda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the rearview camera and install a seal for the wiring harness. The dealer will replace the rearview camera, if necessary.
Recall 201731279,633 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with hand-operated parking brakes, the rear brake caliper protective boot on the parking brake system may not perform as intended, causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode. Over time, the actuator shaft may become stuck in the brake caliper body which could lead to decreased parking brake holding force or cause the parking brake to drag while driving. Decreased parking brake holding force could cause the vehicle to roll away if parked on a slope which would increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the rear caliper assemblies as necessary.
Recall 201646412,672 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles. the fuel tank may contain a defect which could allow a weld to break, potentially resulting in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace if necessary.
Recall 2014113759 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with the regenerative braking system, a fault could cause the charging system to malfunction, which would display the charging system malfunction warning light and error message. Continued vehicle operation in this state could result in an engine stall and a loss of motive power. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Austin, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Today on 3/6/23 I was parked outside a restaurant picking up food as I was inside the restaurant my hand brake failed to hold and my car rolled back and hit another customers car. My car is a manual and I had it in neutral and I was then approached by the owner of the vehicle I hit asking for my insurance information.
NHTSA complaint #11510516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLake Stevens, WA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN THE SNOW/RAIN MIX WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG! I THOUGH I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER CAR BUT WHEN I LOOKED AROUND I NOTICED THE GLASS OF MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED AND SOME GLASS FELL ON ME. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE SUNROOF HAD ACTUALLY BLEW OUT AND UPWARDS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO THEN SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO MAZDA. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF LATENT DEFECTS IN SUNROOFS, THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR/REPLACE MINE. IT'S COLD AND RAINING HERE AND I HAVE PART OF MY CAR ROOF MISSING DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT I KEEP READING ABOUT ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE HAPPEN AND THESE SUNROOFS SHOULD BE REPLACED. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THINKING I WAS EITHER HIT OR SHOT AT! I HAVE IMAGES UPON REQUEST AS THEY ARE NOT LOADED ON THIS COMPUTER.
NHTSA complaint #11075234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD AND FEELS LIKE IT MIGHT BE JAMMED. THE CAR WILL THEN PROPEL INTO GEAR CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SKID OUT. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. IT APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING THE WORST WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS. THIS HAS RESULTED IN ONE ACCIDENT, AND TWO NEAR FATAL ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11030186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
ENGINE
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD AND FEELS LIKE IT MIGHT BE JAMMED. THE CAR WILL THEN PROPEL INTO GEAR CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SKID OUT. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. IT APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING THE WORST WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS. THIS HAS RESULTED IN ONE ACCIDENT, AND TWO NEAR FATAL ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11030186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,800 milesAnnapolis, MDCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS TURNING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE BETWEEN TWO PARKED CARS WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TO 1/3 OF THE WAY INTO THE SPACE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED (MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE). IT JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED OVER THE SIDEWALK, "TOOK OUT" 2 PILINGS AND LARGE FLOWER BOX AND THEN STOPPED. ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. IT HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS AND I HAD NO TIME TO REACT IN ANY WAY. CAR HAD TO BE WINCHED OFF OF THE PILINGS WHICH NOW HAVE TO BE RESET APPROX. 15" - 18" INTO THE GROUND. I HAVE PHOTOS TAKEN BY A NEIGHBOR, BUT DO NOT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD THEM. TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOOK SOME TO SHOW TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER.
NHTSA complaint #11018647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,200 milesSilver Spring, MDCrash
AIR BAGS
MY 2014 MAZDA 3 SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED TRUCK. THERE WAS AN EYE-WITNESS. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED: I WAS DRIVING ON A QUIET, DEAD-IN STREET ACCOMPANIED BY MY HUSBAND. I TURNED LEFT INTO THE TURN AROUND AREA AT THE END OF THE STREET. AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED'GOING VERY FAST, VERY QUICKLY. IT LEAPT OVER THE CURB, NARROWLY MISSED A TREE AND A FIRE HYDRANT, PASSED BACK OVER THE STREET I HAD BEEN ON MOMENTS EARLIER, AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED PICK-UP TRUCK. THE AIR-BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED IN 2 TO 3 SECONDS. WE WERE NOT HURT. THE EYE WITNESS WAS IN HIS YARD, WHICH ADJOINS THE TURN-AROUND AREA. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, HE CAME OVER AND ASKED IF I WAS OK. HE ASKED ME IF I COULD TURN MY CAR OFF. THE EYE WITNESS LATER TOLD ME HE HAD SEEN THE WHOLE THING AND THAT I NEVER HAD CONTROL OVER THE CAR. HE SAID HE TOLD THE POLICE THAT HE WAS WATCHING ME TURN MY CAR INTO THE TURNAROUND AREA AND SAW THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. HE WANTED ME TO KNOW THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. HE TOLD ME THAT WHEN HE APPROACHED THE CAR, IT WAS REVVING AND STILL TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO THE TRUCK, EVEN THOUGH MY FEET WERE NOWHERE NEAR THE PEDALS. THAT WAS WHY HE ASKED IF I COULD TURN THE CAR OFF. I REMEMBERED BEFORE TURNING THE CAR OFF, THAT I COULD HEAR THE WHINE OF THE ENGINE AS IT SOUNDS WHEN IT IS AT HIGH RPMS. THE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND THE FACT THAT THE AIR-BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ARE BOTH SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACTED MAZDA CORPORATION WHO SENT AN ENGINEER TO CHECK IT OUT. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, BUT THEY PUT AN EVENT DATA RECORDER ON THE CAR TO MONITOR IT. THEY DROVE THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS AND NOTHING SHOWED UP. THE DEALER BOUGHT THE CAR BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10888959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 70,000 milesSherman Oaks, CA
PARKING BRAKE
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that when attempting to secure the vehicle, the electric parking brake failed to engage after pulling up the hand lever. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for an unrelated recall repair, but the parking brake failure was not addressed or resolved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cumberland, RI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank leaks fuel at a full tank and smells of gas in the cabin until about 3/4 tank. Car was dripping a large puddle of gas inside of a parking garage. Problem has been reproduced by my mechanic even after replacing the fuel pump retaining ring. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. CEL did not come on until recently reporting a very small EVAP leak. Inside the car and the surrounding area would smell of gasoline even if there was no leak in the ground.
NHTSA complaint #11744056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesSherman Oaks, CA
PARKING BRAKE
The contact's nephew owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, the parking brake failed to engage, and there was no resistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11743735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The rear backup sensors no longer work and did not give any indication they stopped working. They do not detect cars driving up from behind when driving or switching lanes or objects or people behind the car anymore when you reverse. This happened without any notice or warning indications.
NHTSA complaint #11727114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TX
SEAT BELTS
Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.
NHTSA complaint #11721073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TX
AIR BAGS
Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.
NHTSA complaint #11721073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.
NHTSA complaint #11721073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front Royal, VA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Blend door actuator linkage will not allow for heat to be turned on, will blow cool/cold air, have had it looked at and the gear teeth will not stay in line with on another to be able to turn when the knob inside the car is turned. I was told that this may be a recall but do not see anything listed, but that it is a known problem for this model of mazda 3 and ford expiditions
NHTSA complaint #11711857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas tank is leaking from the TOP. I could smell gas after a refill (and refilling a portable tank) that I thought must have been a spill I hadn't noticed, and the smell faded. But then it happened again at the next refill, and I knew it wasn't just a spill. Brought it to our trusted mechanic who said that the TOP of the tank was rusted out (wow!)(so, not from road salt) and needs to be replaced. Not cheap, but worse, I'd been driving around in a very hazardous situation that Mazda knows happens. No warning lights, no recall. Thanks, guys. Here's a thread about this being a common issue: https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/2014-mazda3-fuel-tank-replacement.245797/
NHTSA complaint #11694054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,687 milesBuffalo, NY
ENGINE
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 140,000. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. It was later discovered that the Title mileage was 197,687.
NHTSA complaint #11689873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 140,000. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. It was later discovered that the Title mileage was 197,687.
NHTSA complaint #11689873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reedley, CA
AIR BAGS
The car screen displays, GPS, for calls, radio etc, doesn’t works, it’s off, and the airbags are deactivated and they’re off as well and have to press hard on the brake to get the car to stops.
NHTSA complaint #11669855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reedley, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car screen displays, GPS, for calls, radio etc, doesn’t works, it’s off, and the airbags are deactivated and they’re off as well and have to press hard on the brake to get the car to stops.
NHTSA complaint #11669855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reedley, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The car screen displays, GPS, for calls, radio etc, doesn’t works, it’s off, and the airbags are deactivated and they’re off as well and have to press hard on the brake to get the car to stops.
NHTSA complaint #11669855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hubbard, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Noticed strong smell of gasoline when the car was parked. Took it to an independent service dealer who diagnosed leaking fuel from top of the tank. Gas tank was removed and replaced. Tank cost was $380.00 plus repair shop labor/supplies cost. See attached invoice. During a recent online search for this vehicles current book value I noticed there was a manufactures recall issued for this same problem, that I paid to have repaired. I never received any recall notice for a leaking gas tank problem for my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11655737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Navigation touchscreen has deteriorated without any external damage to the point where it has false positives/ghost clicks. This randomly changes settings which include screen/instrument panel brightness which can be disorienting at night.
NHTSA complaint #11651516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Succasunna, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas tank is leaking. According to the records the service recall has been repaired (via a previous owner). However, what started out as fumes is now definitely a leak and the dealership will not repair under the recall a second time.
NHTSA complaint #11640835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Rearview camera flickers or doesn't turn on at times.
NHTSA complaint #11634708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asheville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle has intermittent functioning of rearview camera image while reversing. I can sometimes get it to work by opening an closing the rear hatch. Sometimes the image is clear, sometimes there is no image and sometimes it is distorted/rolls. Mazda notified me of the recall September 2023, but the company has failed to repair the defect within a reasonable amount of time.
NHTSA complaint #11634032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hereford, AZ
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11633721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Due to improper design of the rearview camera wiring harness fastener, my rearview camera image has been distorted and flickering for years. There has been no remedy for this issue for many years now and its quite dangerous to have a camera that doesnt work at all.
NHTSA complaint #11628054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Due to improper design of the rearview camera wiring harness fastener, my rearview camera image has been distorted and flickering for years. There has been no remedy for this issue for many years now and its quite dangerous to have a camera that doesnt work at all.
NHTSA complaint #11628054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11624033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Orange, NJ
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The infotainment screen in my Mazda3 developed a large spider crack in the corner. It's available for inspection upon request. It affects my ability to read information on the screen, and partially obstructs my backup camera's image. The problem has been confirmed by both the dealer, who saw the issue firsthand, and Mazda (see Service Alert No.: SA-008/18, issued 02/20/2018 - please note, the spider crack I have is much larger than the ones in the pictures in the Service Alert). There was no warning this issue was going to affect my car, it just happened one day.
NHTSA complaint #11623549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMuncy, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power, and the contact became aware that the vehicle had failed to shift out of first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel was functioning erratically, and the instrument panel lights frequently remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket seal had failed, which resulted in an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V173000(Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #11622452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.