Owners have filed 137 complaints
about the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 36
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 72
13.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 84
49% 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.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
914.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1016.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2134.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
914.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
58.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
69.8%
150,000+ miles
11.6%
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.
May 2016peak 7May 2026
Recalls on the 2016 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.
United States — NHTSA
23V487000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
19V272000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
17V393000
PARKING BRAKE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
16V685000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
16V684000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
15V621000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.
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 201916951,682 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: An electrical problem may cause the windshield wipers to stop working. Safety Risk: Windshield wipers that do not work could affect a driver’s visibility under certain conditions. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mazda will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the front body control module with an improved one.
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 2016465823 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 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 20154445,349 units in Canada
Fuel System
Certain vehicles may have been manufactured with defective fuel tank shut-off-valves. Under certain conditions, this could cause fuel to flow through the shut-off-valve into the charcoal canister and leak from the external vent. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the charcoal canister and associated fuel tank components.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bixby, OKCrash
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not being able to tighten nor more. Yes the insurance first stated they would replace it.
NHTSA complaint #11578596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bixby, OKCrash
Carry Handle, Shell, Base
The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not being able to tighten nor more. Yes the insurance first stated they would replace it.
NHTSA complaint #11578596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bixby, OKCrash
Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle)
The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not being able to tighten nor more. Yes the insurance first stated they would replace it.
NHTSA complaint #11578596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NMFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified. No warning lamps or messages.
NHTSA complaint #11565343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified. No warning lamps or messages.
NHTSA complaint #11565343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesNorth Andover, MACrash
POWER TRAIN
I PARKED AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLIGHT INCLINE POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS IN SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION AT THAT TIME. MY FAMILY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WE WENT INSIDE OUR HOME. APPROXIMATELY A HALF OUR LATER I NOTICE MY CAR ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED IN BETWEEN TWO TREES ON MY PROPERTY. EITHER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED OR THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE PARKED. THE CAR WAS FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF MY PROPERTY STILL IN GEAR AND HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN THE ENGAGED POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #11376902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 117,000 milesFredericksburg, VA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3.The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle's steering wheel would fail to operate as needed. The contact stated that an abnormal, clunking noise would emit from the steering wheel while turning at various speeds. The contact also stated that the steering wheel felt loose while driving at high speeds, fearing that he would lose control of the vehicle if he did not firmly grip the steering wheel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they acknowledged that the heard the noise coming from the vehicle; however, they could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesDerry, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving and while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster was inoperable. The contact also stated that the instrument cluster screen was peeling, and critical information for the vehicle was not displayed. Additionally, the infotainment system became intermittently inoperable due to the failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact expressed concerns that the inoperable instrument cluster created a hazardous and unsafe condition due to the complete loss of instrument panel functionality. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westerville, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The “spidering” on the infotainment screen is spidering making it hard to see when in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11680982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN
I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2016 Mazda 3 manual transmission, which experienced a sudden and complete clutch failure at less 60,000 miles — without any warning lights or diagnostic alerts. I am deeply concerned that: •There was no dashboard warning, even as the clutch system failed •The gear indicator was inaccurate in prior days, which may have been an early sign of failure •There was no protection mechanism to prevent complete drivetrain failure during normal use.
NHTSA complaint #11678732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The "Infotainment System" is activating itself and cycling through various options when I slow down or stop. It calls random numbers and changes settings on the system. It is distracting and dangerous. This is a known "ghost touch" problem for this model of vehicle, but the Mazda dealer I contacted in Knoxville, TN said it would cost nearly $300 to repair the problem (by replacing the entire system).
NHTSA complaint #11676724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond Hill, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mazda supposedly repaired/replaced the backup camera issue under the recall. However, within one day it was doing the same thing again...the screen dims or flickers off when backing up the car. I told Mazda about that and they said I need a new screen, which would not be covered under the recall. This is a safety hazard that they should be required to address.
NHTSA complaint #11667630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesPhelan, CA
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side seat belt became inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt latch failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Luis Obispo, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The 2014 Mazda3 I own has a known "Mazda Connect Touch Screen Concern" in August 2019 in which the Mazda Connect touch screen does not accept touch commands in part of the screen. I called Mazda and they said there are not any recalls for this but they did acknowledge this was an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11641207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,900 milesElk River, MN
PARKING BRAKE
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake became firm and failed to engage as needed, causing the rear passenger’s side brake pads to not respond as needed after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). The contact stated that the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the temperature of the brakes and noticed that the brakes were hotter than normal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the parking brake actuator was rusted on the inside. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 188,900.
NHTSA complaint #11637981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williston Park, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I checked for recall information 2 recalls were listed under my car's vin #: Recall #1: 3219D with Closed status. Recall #2: 6023G is listed as Active. But, when I tried to schedule a repair for the active recall, the manufacturing website ONLY listed the "closed" recall (3219D) was listed as available for repair, which is bizarre. Please see the attached screenshot of the website. Thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11636134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arnold, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am now experiencing the problems outlined in [XXX] approximately 18 months after the extended warranty period has ended for me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11628836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Leandro, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
My 2016 Mazda 3 has had a faulty rearview camera, computerized controls, and monitor display screen for over 2 years now. I am not sure if there is a problem with the electrical system because I have lost the ability to turn on the navigation function, the stereo function, and to see the vehicle maintenance information with non-functioning electrical controls and display screen. Sometimes the monitor display would show a blank screen or a fuzzy screen which is a safety hazard especially when I'm driving my vehicle in reverse and could potentially cause an accident. There has been a recall on the rearview camera since July 2023. I have contacted the Mazda dealership multiple times, and they have repeatedly said that the rearview camera parts are still not available. This is unacceptable because it seriously compromises my safety and the safety of others if I cannot safely back up my vehicle when driving due to the faulty rearview camera, computerized controls and monitor display screen. There should also be a recall on the computerized controls and monitor display screen.
NHTSA complaint #11625563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOttawa, KS
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted or failed to display an image while reversing. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11624017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorpark, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA Recall # 23V-487 Manufacturer Recall # 6023G issued July 14, 2023 After repeated phone calls to the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, the recall has not been fixed. I have been told that the parts are not available. As of this date, 16 months after the recall, Mazda has not fixed the problem. I have been told by the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, that parts are not available. The manufacturer told me that they have no date when parts will be available. I have asked to speak with a Manager at the Manufacturer and was told that there is no one else to talk to except Customer Service. I asked for a contact at the Corporate level that I could send an email to, and was told that there was no email address available. They have suggested that I get it fixed at my own cost and submit a claim that may or may not be reimbursed. I consider the distorted rear view camera picture to be a safety hazard when backing up. I believe that 16 months should be plenty of time to fix this problem and that Mazda just does not want to fix a manufacturing problem on a 8 year old car.
NHTSA complaint #11621659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Godfrey, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of
NHTSA complaint #11619306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Godfrey, IL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of
NHTSA complaint #11619306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Godfrey, IL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of
NHTSA complaint #11619306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the digital display screen flickered before going black and failed to display a proper rearview image. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that when the A/C was activated, the rearview image was flickering quickly. 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 made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11617493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that while in reverse, the digital display screen flickered before going black. The display screen failed to produce a proper image after powering on independently. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11617500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesRocklin, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the digital screen went blank and was repaired previously under an extended warranty. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse, the digital screen displayed a distorted image. In addition, the failure was occasionally self-corrected after opening and closing the trunk of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11616687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethany, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Tank has corrosion that allows vapors to enter the passenger compartment.
NHTSA complaint #11615166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maggie Valley, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear view camera intermittently cuts out. Recall was issued 07/14/23 yet there is no fix yet??? Mazda Recall #: 6023G NHTSA Recall #: 23V-487
NHTSA complaint #11613953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sharpsville, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL CONCERNING THE CAMERA IN MY CAR IN SEPTEMBER OF 2023. IT WILL SOON BE SEPTEMBER 2024 AND I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.ORIGINAL RECALLNOTICE STATED THAT REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT THAT TIME. HOW CAN THIS BE CALLED AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL WHEN A YEAR HAS GONE BY MY CAMERA NOT ONLY FLICKERS, BUT MOST OF THE TIME IT DOESN'T COME ON AT ALL! PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I SHOULD DO NEXT.
NHTSA complaint #11608436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond Hill, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall related to the rear backup camera has not been addressed and it is more than a year later. I just got off the phone with a Mazda representative and they still do not have a solution nor know when one might be available. I would like to sell my car but with a defective backup camera and view screen, I will have trouble doing so and/or won't get as much for the vehicle as I should. I have a 5 year old and I don't feel safe driving this vehicle, as the rearview camera turns off suddenly at times when I am reversing the vehicle. I would like to submit a compliant for negligence on Mazda's part and urge you to do something to make them fix this defect. Thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11606103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear parking assist camera has only worked intermittently since I purchased the car. There is really no pattern to when or why the camera chooses to work or not work, but It seems most affected by opening and closing the rear hatch: if it's working and i open the hatch, it stops working; if it's not working, opening/closing it will often cause it to work again. This is a problem because parking/backing up becomes a challenge when it's not working. This puts my safety at risk because it increases the chances of me having a fender bender when in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11592289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.