January 10, 2025, at low city speed, I struck a small pothole. The entire car felt like it had been in an accident—a violent jolt—followed by immediate vibration and a pull. Inspection showed one OEM 18" rim was bent. I contacted Mazda after diagnosing and was offered a slight discount on the replacement rim, not a warranty repair or full diagnosis. I have the bent rim in my possession. July 2025, at low speed, I barely contacted another small pothole and immediately felt the same drivability issues. A second rim was found damaged. This was only 4,500 miles after the first incident. I called the dealership manager; he said he would get back to me but never did. I later sent a letter that went unanswered. My subsequent research shows innumerable similar owner complaints for 2020–2025 Mazda 3s experiencing rim deformation from ordinary road irregularities. Why this is a safety issue (technical points): Bead-seat deformation & air loss: A bent alloy rim can distort the bead seat, causing slow leaks or sudden deflation, especially after heat cycles—creating a loss-of-control risk. Dynamic instability: A rim that’s even slightly out-of-round produces high-frequency vibration, steering pull, and reduced traction in turns or under braking; it can trigger ABS/ESC interventions and increase stopping distance. Load path & suspension stress: The 18" low-profile package leaves little sidewall cushion. On normal bumps/potholes, impact energy transfers directly to the wheel. Repeated “bottom-out” events may damage shocks/struts, alignment, and tires, compounding instability. Repeatability & foreseeability: Two events under ordinary use within a short interval indicate a systemic integrity problem, not random abuse. Requested resolution: A no-cost remedy: (1) replace all rims/tires with more durable parts and inspect/repair suspension; or (2) provide comprehensive wheel/tire protection and repair damaged rim; or (3) exchange he vehicle for a comparable model with no issue
NHTSA complaint #11681156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The TPMS light goes off when traveling over 50 MPH, indicating low air pressure on one or more tires. I pulled over, assuming I had a flat; upon visual inspection, everything looked normal. I drove to the nearest air station, checked all four tires, had the proper psi, and reset the TPMS; the light turned off. Then, 10 minutes into the drive, the TPMS light turned on again. I verified again that all tires had the recommended air pressure.
NHTSA complaint #11589008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ABS module malfunction all four wheel speed sensor not read in the same time and powersteering cut off cause by unready wheel speed check engine light ABS light and Steering Light on.
NHTSA complaint #11580272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For the past 7 months (since July 2023) the passenger rear tire keeps loosing air pressure about every two weeks requiring more air. It always drops to 10 points below the other tires. The tires have been rotated twice so it is not a problem with the tire. I believe there is a recall for the same or similar issue on Mazda 3s just not including my VIN#. I brought my car to good year a few times unable to stop this from happening.
NHTSA complaint #11572875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This new car has less than 8000 miles on it and suddenly 3 of 4 BRIDGESTONE TIRES Turanza el440 215/45R18 89 have sidewall bubbles. Interesting that there are a ton of issues w sidewall Bridgestone tires on line yet the dealership keeps claiming the car must have been run over a median? Without any damage anywhere on the car? Come on.. it is clearly a manufacturer defect. They have history with sidewall bubbling. Consumers getting shafted at best and maimed at worst. Do something please!
NHTSA complaint #11479464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I can be turning left from a full stop and a few times almost went up onto the median seperating traffic. The car doesn't keep straight in it's own lane unless i put a lot of pressure with both hands on steering wheel and that doesn't always keep it straight, it veers left and right going down the road. Tire pressure light keeps coming on. when backing up hear like a grinding sound in passenger front tire. I bought this used at a Ford car dealership in June 2021. thats all i can think of right now. This has happened more than once no just one time.
NHTSA complaint #11455337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As the original owner, I have now experienced (4) faulty/broken/corroded valve stem as part (attached to the TPMS-Tire Pressure Monitor System). This happened over the course of 12 years. I do believe all of them were OEM parts. All of them broke when attempting to air up the tire. It is a safety issue because once broke, you can no longer put air into the tire. The first occurrence was while still under warranty and i had to argue with the Mazda dealer to replace it . The dealership gave me some sort of unofficial receipt which I actually kept, found, and attached to this complaint form. During my second set of tires, Sams Club graciously replaced 2 more as part of their tire warranty package (I dont think they documented this on their receipts). Now, what i believe to be the final OEM stem left has broke. Unfortunately, I have a third set of tires through Costco and they wont replace without a fee. This should be a safety recall absolutely no doubt in my experience!
NHTSA complaint #11435636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED WITH SALVAGE TITLE ON FEBRUARY 6, 2021. I TOOK IT TO BE INSPECTED AND I NEEDED BOTH BELTS REPLACED, THEY HAD TO TIGHTEN BACK DOWN MY STRUTS IN FRONT, MY POWER STEERING WAS ACTING FUNNY AND MAKING NOISE AND MY INTERMEDIATE SPEED SHAFT SENSOR IS GOING BAD BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING BACK ON FOR THE SAME CODE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BUT THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT IT WAS SERIOUS DAMAGE. WHEN DRIVING BARELY TURNING THE WHEEL THE CAR MAKES A WHINING NOISE, THE VEHICLE STILL SWAYS A LITTLE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT BUT THE ALIGNMENT WAS JUST DONE YESTERDAY. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO PAY FOR THE ALIGNMENT ETC NEW TIRES AND MOUNT AND BALANCE MY CAR AND STEERING WHEEL WERE BOTH SHAKING REALLY BADLY AND JERKING ALL OVER THE PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11398986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN 6 YEARS AND 5 MONTHS. ROAD HAZARD LIKE A TORN WHEEL FROM OTHER CAR OR DIVIDER ON ROAD. IF WHEN DRIVING IT GOES OVER IT DURING NIGHT TIME THE COMPUTER WITHIN THE MAZDA 3 TRIGGERS AUTOMATIC DEFLATION OF THE CAR TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #11342919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE, HAD (2), TWO BRAND NEW SET, OF TIRES FROM FIRESTONE PUT ON THIS CAR. I WAS ALSO TOLD ONLY THOSE TWO SETS CAN ONLY BE PUT ON THIS MAZDA 3. THE CAR KEEP BUCKING ON EVERY STREET AND EVERY ROAD. EVERY DAY AND EVENING.
NHTSA complaint #11341336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAD MY 3RD FLAT TIRE IN A PARKING LOT, MY HUSBAND CAME TO CHANGE MY TIRE, HE USED THE BREAKER BAR HE USED BEFORE (ONLY WAY TO GET TIRE OFF) AND 4 BEARINGS BROKE, THIS LED TO ME NEEDING A WHOLE NEW HUB ASSEMBLY AND TIRE, I DON'T FEEL THAT A 2 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD NEED A NEW HUB ASSEMBLY ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THE TIRE REPLACEMENT TOOLS THAT COME WITH THE CAR DO NOT WORK WHEN TRYING TO TAKE THE TIRE OFF MY BILL WAS OVER $600 AND THE CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD
NHTSA complaint #11278910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PURCHASED A CAR OVER A YEAR AGO FOR MY SON FROM CRYSTAL AUTO MALL IN GREENBROOK, NJ, A MAZDA 3,2018. THE DAY AFTER I GOT THE CAR THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY ADVISED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TIRE OR RIM. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THAT SERVICE VISIT THE TIRE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. MY SON COMMUTES SO THE CAR IS NOT USED ON A DAILY BASIS, IF IT SITS MORE THAN 2 DAYS THE TIRE IS COMPLETELY FLAT. THIS HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT ISSUE FROM THAT TIME UNTIL NOW. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND THIS DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE AND CARELESS ABOUT MY SITUATION. THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM AND HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY SON AND OTHER DRIVERS WHO COULD BE POTENTIALLY HARMED BECAUSE OF NEGLECT BY THIS DEALERSHIP AND THE DEFECT AND OR ISSUE WITH THIS TIRE. YOUR ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED.
NHTSA complaint #11254975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR CAMBER WAS SET AT A NEGATIVE ANGLE, WHICH MADE THE REAR TIRES WEAR OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE INSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES MADE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD AND THE DESIGN WAS SET UP FOR RACING RATHER THAN NORMAL DRIVING. AN UNKNOWN DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT THE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS SUPPOSED TO CALL THEM BACK WITH THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11245193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MAZDA3 FACTORY-INSTALLED TIRE INFLATION VALVE STEMS ARE PREMATURELY FAILING RESULTING IN AN IMMEDIATE TIRE DEFLATION WITH NO PRIOR WARNING OR INDICATION OF FAILURE. FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WHEN MOVING. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION (I.E. NO WARNING OR SLOW LOSS OF PRESSURE) OF A PROBLEM WITH THE VALVE. PRIOR TO THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE NEVER HAD A TIRE INFLATION VALVE STEM FAIL IN THE 35+ YEARS I HAVE OWNED VEHICLES. HOWEVER, THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES TO THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE (WHICH WE PURCHASED IN 2014) WITH THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE HAPPENING TODAY, 16 JAN 2019. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM WITH MAZDA 3 TIRE INFLATION VALVE STEMS. I'VE ATTACHED PICTURES OF TODAY'S FAILURE AS WELL AS AN EXEMPLAR WEBSITE PRINTOUT OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS BY OTHER MAZDA OWNERS. GIVEN THE UNWARNED AND RAPID FAILURE OF THESE VALVE STEMS, THIS IS AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL SHOULD THE TIRE INFLATION VALVE STEM FAIL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY DURING ADVERSE WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #11170360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WROTE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED TO MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICES: ON THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 4, 2018, I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH, THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT FOR THAT STRETCH OF TEXAS HIGHWAY. THE SURFACE OF THE ROAD IS BRAND NEW AND DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE IDEAL. AT APPROXIMATELY 6:10 PM, ABOUT 10 MILES FROM HOME, THERE WAS A LOUD THUD AND MY CAR DROPPED AND LURCHED TOWARD THE CENTER LINE. I THOUGHT I HAD HIT SOMETHING HUGE, AND EXPECTED TO FIND SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND A SHREDDED TIRE. I MANAGED TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND AVOID BEING HIT, AND WITH A SOUND OF GRATING METAL, MOVED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. TO MY SURPRISE, THERE DIDN'T SEEM TO BE ANY DAMAGE TO THE CAR. NO OTHER VEHICLES HAD TO SWERVE AROUND ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS IN THE ROAD. I CALLED A WRECKER SERVICE TO CHANGE THE TIRE. HE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WAS SPLIT IN HALF, AND SAID THE WHEEL NEEDED TO GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE FOLKS SOUNDED SYMPATHETIC BUT TOOK OVER A WEEK AND SEVERAL CALLS TO TOW THE CAR TO A MAZDA DEALER. THEY INSPECTED THE CAR AND DETERMINED THAT I HAD HIT SOMETHING, THUS THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF THE COST. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ROCK, WOOD, OR ANIMAL IN THE TREAD - I REMAIN CONVINCED THAT THE RIM SIMPLY BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. NO METALLURGIST LOOKED AT THE SPLIT RIM, AND THE OTHER THREE RIMS WERE ONLY VISUALLY INSPECTED. I PAID $601 FOR A NEW WHEEL AND TIRE BUT AM CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY METAL WHEEL RIMS BREAKING. I HAVE PHOTOS AND THE BROKEN WHEEL RIM AND TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11163194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3 EQUIPPED WITH 215/45/ZR18 WHEELS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE WHEELS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE WHEELS COMING OUT OF ROUND. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE RIM WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAVIS DISCOUNT TIRE LOCATED AT 1118 E PUTNAM AVE, RIVERSIDE, CT 06878, (203) 698-9599, TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT 3 OUT OF 4 WHEELS WERE SLIGHTLY BENT. THE WHEELS WERE REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. SMITH CAIRNS LOCATED AT 900 CENTRAL PARK AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, (914) 377-8100, WAS CONTACTED AND DECLINED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND DECLINED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED CASE NUMBER: 1-1568373109. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,728. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11130301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE PURCHASED MULTIPLE SETS OF NEW TIRES FOR THIS CAR BECAUSE I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT ALL THE COMPLAINTS SAY ABOUT THE TIRES WEARING ON THE INSIDE WALLS. I HAVE HAD A FEW PROFESSIONALS LOOK TO FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND NONE OF THEM CAN FIND ANYTHING. I NOW EXPERIENCE SHAKING OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHENEVER. JUST IN THE PAST YEAR I HAVE PURCHASED 6 NEW TIRES. I AM AFRAID I WILL DIE IN AN ACCIDENT IF DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. PLEASE HELP!! MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR SHAKES, THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT TIRES AND BACK DRIVER SIDE WEAR DOWN TO THE THREADS ON THE INSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #11104791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON THE BYPASS WHEN THE VALVE STEM AND TPMS SENSOR BROKE OFF AND IMMEDIATELY DEFLATED THE TIRE SHAKING THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY AND ALMOST CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL. HAVE BROUGHT THIS COMPLAINT TO MAZDA IN THE PAST AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW THAT IT IS CAUSED BY USING DISSIMILAR METALS ON THE TPMS SENSOR CAUSING EROSION TO THE STEM AND ULTIMATELY THE STEM BREAKING OFF. THIS TPMS SENSOR WAS ALREADY REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIRE CHANGE INTERVAL AND STILL FAILED LONG BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS DUE FOR ANOTHER SET OF TIRES. MAZDA KNOWS THESE ARE DEFECTIVE AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I'D RATHER NOT HAVE TPMS AND NOT KNOW WHAT MY TIRE PRESSURES ARE THAN TO HAVE THAT SYSTEM ENDANGER MYSELF OR MY FAMILY ANY MORE. IT IS CURRENTLY MORE DANGEROUS TO USE THESE DEFECTIVE FAULTY TPMS SENSORS THAN IT IS TO NOT HAVE THEM. THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING...
NHTSA complaint #11084026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AS I DROVE ALONG A MAJOR ROUTE, I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT. WHEN ITTURNEDGREEN, I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE FORWARD AND FELT CAR PULLING TO RIGHT SIDE. AS MY SPEED INCREASED TO 25, THE PULL BECAME STRONGER BUT, I PROCEEDED SLOWLY AND REMAINED UNDER 30MPH. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE, I HEARD THREE TONE ALERTS FOLLOWED BY LOW PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. PULLED OVER, CALLED AAA WHO REPLACED FLAT TIRE. THE SIDEWALL WAS SPIDERED PATTERN AND BLOWN. THIS MORNING, I NOTICED THAT ANOTHER TIRE HAS THAT SAME SPIDER PATTERN BUT IS NOT BLOWN OUT. I CONTACTED DUNLOP TO INQUIRE IF THERE ANY RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOT. I WAS TOLD THESE TIRES DUNLOP SP SPORT 5000 215/45R/18 89W HAVE REINFORCED SIDEWALLS THAT PREVENT BLOWOUTS AND FLATS; I INQUIRED IF THE GRADE OF RUBBER COULD WITHSTAND THE SALT COVERED ROADS OF NEW ENGLAND BECAUSE I HAD WITNESSED DAMAGE TO RUBBER SOLES OF BARETRAP BOOTS WITH A SIMILIAR SPIDER PATTERN A FEW WINTERS AGO CAUSED FROM ROCK SALT. I WAS TOLD THEY ARE UNAWARE THAT ROCK SALT COULD BE A CAUSE OF DEGRADE IN RUBBER . IN ADDITION, IT HAD BEEN RAINING HEAVILY AT TIMES AND ACCORDING TO MAZDA, CERTAIN CONDITIONS WILL PUSH/SHIFT LOAD TO FRONT OF VEHICLE. WHETHER THIS ADDED LOAD CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW AND ADD SPIDER PATTERN TO TIRE STILL ON VEHILCE BUT NOT FLAT (PUCTURED BELIW) OR THE MANUFACTURER SELECTED TIRES THAT CAN'T CARRY THE LOAD, OR THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE
NHTSA complaint #11064669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.