Mazda MAZDA3 problems and recalls by year
2,845 owner complaints since 2005, most for the 2010 (686); 28 recalls, 2 investigations.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported system |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | Steering |
| 2025 | 8 | 1 | Forward collision avoidance |
| 2024 | 12 | 3 | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 12 | 0 | Electrical system |
| 2022 | 24 | 0 | Air bags |
| 2021 | 54 | 1 | Engine |
| 2020 | 32 | 2 | Forward collision avoidance |
| 2019 | 74 | 6 | Service brakes |
| 2018 | 109 | 4 | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 83 | 2 | Unknown or other |
| 2016 | 104 | 6 | Electrical system |
| 2015 | 130 | 4 | Service brakes |
| 2014 | 138 | 4 | Unknown or other |
| 2013 | 117 | 1 | Exterior lighting |
| 2012 | 226 | 1 | Power train |
| 2011 | 132 | 2 | Air bags |
| 2010 | 686 | 3 | Unknown or other |
| 2009 | 115 | 3 | Steering |
| 2008 | 303 | 2 | Steering |
| 2007 | 222 | 2 | Steering |
| 2006 | 166 | 1 | Steering |
| 2005 | 97 | 2 | Air bags |
Years with 100+ complaints
2018 MAZDA3: 109 complaints
6 crashes, 5 injuries, 1 death · 23V487000, 21V875000, 19V272000, 17V745000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 30 | 29,850 |
| Unknown or other | 26 | 8,200 |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 19,185 |
| Back over prevention | 12 | 40,000 |
| Engine | 12 | 32,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 34 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 7,000 |
| Power train | 5 | 32,000 |
2016 MAZDA3: 104 complaints
7 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries · 23V487000, 19V272000, 17V393000, 16V685000, 16V684000, 15V621000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 22 | 28,330 |
| Unknown or other | 21 | 69,000 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 26,000 |
| Power train | 9 | 39,900 |
| Back over prevention | 7 | 100,000 |
| Engine | 7 | 37,500 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 | 36,112 |
| Air bags | 6 | 19,000 |
2015 MAZDA3: 130 complaints
8 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries · 23V487000, 17V393000, 16V684000, 15V621000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 26 | 52,000 |
| Unknown or other | 26 | 25,000 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 27,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 2,000 |
| Back over prevention | 9 | 67,000 |
| Engine | 6 | 12,000 |
| Seats | 6 | 1,650 |
| Structure › Body | 6 | 50,000 |
2014 MAZDA3: 138 complaints
10 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries · 23V487000, 17V393000, 16V684000, 14V173000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 27 | 51,000 |
| Electrical system | 26 | 7,600 |
| Service brakes | 22 | 56,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 21 | 30,100 |
| Engine | 13 | 17,000 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 20,000 |
| Parking brake | 8 | 72,000 |
| Power train | 7 | 68,000 |
2013 MAZDA3: 117 complaints
7 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries · 16V644000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 34 | 45,995 |
| Electrical system | 32 | 49,000 |
| Power train | 18 | 34,070 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 50,000 |
| Engine | 11 | 25,530 |
| Unknown or other | 10 | 38,000 |
| Seats | 9 | 85,000 |
| Steering | 9 | 35,000 |
2012 MAZDA3: 226 complaints
9 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries · 16V644000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 38 | 20,000 |
| Engine | 32 | 20,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 31 | 60,000 |
| Electrical system | 24 | 70,000 |
| Vehicle speed control | 20 | 12,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 52,300 |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 40,400 |
| Air bags | 16 | 49,000 |
2011 MAZDA3: 132 complaints
12 crashes, 2 fires, 13 injuries · 17V082000, 16V644000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 28 | 70,421 |
| Seats | 20 | 74,000 |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 76,000 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 60,000 |
| Steering | 13 | 65,000 |
| Structure › Body | 12 | 71,000 |
| Power train | 11 | 29,500 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 32,000 |
2010 MAZDA3: 686 complaints
18 crashes, 5 fires, 13 injuries · 17V082000, 16V644000, 09V126000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 133 | 82,064 |
| Structure | 115 | 45,000 |
| Seats | 106 | 68,000 |
| Visibility/wiper | 100 | 60,000 |
| Wheels | 53 | 55,000 |
| Structure › Body | 52 | 60,000 |
| Electrical system | 47 | 85,000 |
| Power train | 35 | 35,000 |
2009 MAZDA3: 115 complaints
11 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries · 11V329000, 10V374000, 09V187000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 34 | 33,681 |
| Wheels | 19 | 58,000 |
| Tires | 13 | 40,000 |
| Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems | 10 | 36,750 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 75,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 45,000 |
| Air bags | 4 | 38,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 4 | 12,000 |
2008 MAZDA3: 303 complaints
29 crashes, 1 fire, 20 injuries · 11V329000, 10V374000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 109 | 35,251 |
| Wheels | 33 | 56,000 |
| Tires | 27 | 51,000 |
| Air bags | 19 | 80,000 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 68,800 |
| Engine | 16 | 79,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 16 | 70,000 |
| Power train | 13 | 85,234 |
2007 MAZDA3: 222 complaints
28 crashes, 3 fires, 28 injuries · 21V494000, 10V374000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 88 | 78,500 |
| Air bags | 28 | 92,000 |
| Engine | 22 | 87,000 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 103,000 |
| Power train | 12 | 90,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 85,000 |
| Suspension | 9 | 92,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 8 | 117,000 |
2006 MAZDA3: 166 complaints
21 crashes, 3 fires, 15 injuries · 21V494000
| Component | Complaints | Median miles |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 27 | 71,000 |
| Air bags | 25 | 64,000 |
| Engine | 17 | 101,231 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 78,000 |
| Power train | 15 | 102,000 |
| Tires | 13 | 55,000 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | 41,640 |
| Suspension | 10 | 92,000 |
28 recall campaigns since 2005
May 29, 2025 · 25V357000 · 2024–2025 · Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module › Software
The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge.
September 3, 2024 · 24V649000 · 2024 · Exterior lighting › Headlights; Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking; Lane departure › Sensing system › Camera
A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge.
October 26, 2023 · 23V718000 · 2024 · Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera; Forward collision avoidance › Sensing system › Camera; Lane departure › Sensing system › Camera
Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display.
Remedy: Dealers will update the view monitor control module software, free of charge.
July 14, 2023 · 23V487000 · 2014–2018 · Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary.
November 12, 2021 · 21V875000 · 2018 · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge.
July 1, 2021 · 21V494000 · 2005–2007 · Air bags › Frontal
During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge.
February 22, 2021 · 21V101000 · 2021 · Tires › Valve
Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge.
June 12, 2020 · 20V346000 · 2020 · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary.
December 19, 2019 · 19V907000 · 2019–2020 · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software.
July 29, 2019 · 19V558000 · 2019 · Visibility › Glass, side/rear
The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly, free of charge.
July 5, 2019 · 19V514000 · 2019 · Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge.
June 27, 2019 · 19V497000 · 2019 · Engine; Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)
A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge.
June 7, 2019 · 19V425000 · 2019 · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the front and rear wheel lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge.
May 14, 2019 · 19V363000 · 2019 · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel; Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices
Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge.
April 4, 2019 · 19V272000 · 2016–2018 · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge.
November 21, 2017 · 17V745000 · 2018 · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge.
June 22, 2017 · 17V393000 · 2014–2016 · Parking brake
Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge.
February 9, 2017 · 17V082000 · 2010–2011 · Seats
In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge.
September 23, 2016 · 16V685000 · 2016 · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the recirculation pipe weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge.
September 22, 2016 · 16V684000 · 2014–2016 · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge.
September 6, 2016 · 16V644000 · 2010–2013 · Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available.
October 2, 2015 · 15V621000 · 2015–2016 · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · do not drive
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.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's fuel shut-off valve.
April 3, 2014 · 14V173000 · 2014 · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge.
June 15, 2011 · 11V329000 · 2008–2009 · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND HARNESS ON THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE.
August 12, 2010 · 10V374000 · 2007–2009 · Steering › Electric power assist system
THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE.
May 29, 2009 · 09V187000 · 2009 · Electronic stability control (esc)
THE YAW RATE MEASURED AFTER COMPLETION OF THE SINE WITH DWELL STEERING INPUT EXCEEDED THE TEST STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE UNIT REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
April 16, 2009 · 09V126000 · 2010 · Electrical system
A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE HOUSING OF STARTER MOTOR MAY BE INSUFFICIENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE ENGINE HARNESS INSPECT AND ADD A PROTECTOR CLIP ON THE AFFECTED SECTION OF THE HARNESS.
November 22, 2004 · 04V559000 · 2005 · Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
ON TWO PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE SOLDER CONNECTION ATTACHING THE ACCELERATION SENSOR IN THE SAS UNIT MADE CONTACT WITH THE BASE PLATE, DAMAGING THE SOLDER CONNECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS REPAIRED THESE VEHICLES.
Defect investigations
1 of 2 open.
| Investigation | Years | Opened | Subject | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 | 2010–2013 | September 17, 2021 | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture | Open |
| PE10021 | 2007–2009 | June 28, 2010 | Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist | Closed |
Complaints are unverified owner reports, and a recall names a model year, not a car: for one car, decode its VIN here or look it up at NHTSA. Mazda models.
Data: NHTSA, October 17, 2026.