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2013 Mazda Mazda3 Problems & Owner Complaints

117 NHTSA owner complaints
7 crash 2 fire 4 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.4 complaints per year on the road — ranking 8 of 15 Mazda Mazda3 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Exterior Lighting is the most-reported problem area on the 2013 Mazda Mazda3, cited in 36 of 117 filed complaints (31%).

Electrical System is next (32 complaints, 27%), followed by Power Train (18), Service Brakes (15), Engine (11).

Across all complaints, 7 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 4 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Seat Belts: 1 crash, 2 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 117.

Exterior Lighting 36 1 fire

“TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10597631, 2014 · fire

“There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself. I have just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 with Skyactive Technology and I noticed that when I was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while I braked. I have been told there is a TSB on this issue (attached) and Mazda is well aware of this happening. This concern is caused by inadequate alternator output controlled by the PCM when the battery is under a heavy load. They are to the…”
NHTSA complaint #11572005, 2024

“When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for this vehicle. A similar problem exists on the 2014 Mazda's and a recall does exist for that vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11436434, 2021

Electrical System 32

“There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself. I have just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 with Skyactive Technology and I noticed that when I was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while I braked. I have been told there is a TSB on this issue (attached) and Mazda is well aware of this happening. This concern is caused by inadequate alternator output controlled by the PCM when the battery is under a heavy load. They are to the…”
NHTSA complaint #11572005, 2024

“ABS Module suddenly start failing causing brake sinks down. Almost crashed because of it. It appears to be a very common issue but Mazda still does not recall these ABS modules made by Ford/ATE. Also, it does not show any ABS warning light, which might be why not many people have called on this as they probably thought it was normal. There is all sort of communication error codes if you read with a OBDII scanner. In fact, Ford had a recall for these ABS modules, citing "stuck or slow-responding valves due to reaction with brake fluid".”
NHTSA complaint #11504342, 2022

“TRACKING NUMBER 11461728 ADDED INFORMATION EMAIL FROM MANUFACTURE MITSUBUSHI ELECTRIC INCORPORATED”
NHTSA complaint #11461825, 2022

Power Train 18

“Transmission Control Module malfunction. The AT light came on and the car made a jerking motion and a clunking noise. It lost power and would not shift which is very dangerous in moving traffic. It put me at risk for getting hit by another vehicle not expecting the abrupt change in speed by my vehicle. The check engine light is now lit up. There were no warning lights before the vehicle’s transmission malfunctioned. A code came up on the vehicle when tested. U0101 lost communication with TCM. From what I have read, researched, and have been told this issue is very common for certain years of M…”
NHTSA complaint #11556887, 2023

“Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882”
NHTSA complaint #11507600, 2023

“TRACKING NUMBER 11461728 ADDED INFORMATION EMAIL FROM MANUFACTURE MITSUBUSHI ELECTRIC INCORPORATED”
NHTSA complaint #11461825, 2022

Service Brakes 15 2 crash

“7/26/15 6:15 PM I WENT TO A FAMILY FRIEND'S HOUSE. I PULLED UP INTO HIS MAIN DRIVEWAY, TURNED TO THE LEFT TO A DIRT DRIVE WAY IT HAD ABOUT A 3% GRADE INCLINE. I PULLED MY E BREAK, PUT INTO 1ST GEAR AND TURNED OFF MY CAR AND GOT OUT, GOT MY DAUGHTER OUT OF THE CAR AND WALKED UP TO THE HOUSE WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER. WITH THE INTENT TO ONLY STAY AT OUR FRIENDS HOUSE FOR ABOUT 15 MINS. WE WERE OUTSIDE CHATTING AT OUR FRIENDS HOUSE ABOUT 15 MINS AND LOOKING TO HEAD OUT WHEN MY WIFE YELLS FOR MY ATTENTION! I TURN AROUND AND SEE MY CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS TOWARDS THE MAIN DRIVEWAY AND DOW…”
NHTSA complaint #10743946, 2015 · crash

“DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 15 MPH, THE CAR IN FRONT OF MYSELF HAD SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT. WHEN I SEEN SHE WAS STOPPING, I PRESSED DOWN MY BRAKES SO I WOULD STOP BUT THE BRAKE PEDDLE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. MY CAR DIDN'T STOP. FROM THIS I HAD REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE BRAKES WERE TESTED AGAIN AND RESULTED IN THE PEDDLE STILL BEING PUSHED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10577885, 2014 · crash

“The Brake Pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). The master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty ABS control unit (which, when Mazda was contacted, said that part was on backorder until September). If the manufacturer knows this is an issue and can't supply the part due to so many replacements needed in their vehicle, why is there no recall? There is no warning to the driver on the dashboard of this issue and has causes repeated issues while breaking.”
NHTSA complaint #11658244, 2024

Engine 11 1 fire

“I AM A FIRE INVESTIGATOR WITH LEXINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. I RESPONDED TO A STRUCTURE FIRE ON THE LISTED DATE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE AND SPREAD TO THE BUILDING. THE VEHICLE BELONGS TO HERTZ RENTAL CAR. THE INDIVIDUAL RENTING THE VEHICLE REPORTED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TURNED ON AFTER HE TURNED IT OFF. HE REPORTED HE HAD PARKED, LEFT THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS RUNNING WHEN HE RETURNED. NO RECALLS WERE LOCATED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10555467, 2013 · fire

“Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882”
NHTSA complaint #11507600, 2023

“Blower motor stopped working summer of 2020. Had it replaced at the dealership and it again stopped working in summer of 2021. Had it replaced once again and it is now making horrible noises again as it did right before it blew up the last two times”
NHTSA complaint #11443727, 2020

Structure 11 1 crash

“A FEW MONTHS AGO, I BUMPED A PICKUP TRUCK - AT PERHAPS 2 OR 3 MPH. AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, BUT MY CAR SUSTAINED OVER $4,000 IN BODY DAMAGE FROM THIS VERY MINOR INCIDENT. YESTERDAY, I CAME BACK FROM THE STORE AND FOUND THAT SOMEONE HAD BACKED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CAR WITH AN SUV OR SOMETHING, AND THE WHOLE LEFT FRONT OF THE CAR IS PUSHED OVER ALMOST TWO INCHES TO THE LEFT. THE PAINT IS BARELY SCRATCHED! NO GLASS OR PLASTIC IS BROKEN, BUT THE FRONT OF THIS CAR IS JUST ASTONISHINGLY FRAGILE. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, CARS ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE 5 MPH BUMPERS SO VERY MINOR PARKING LOT INCIDENTS LIKE THES…”
NHTSA complaint #10903441, 2016 · crash

“The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V644000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11540603, 2023

“THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS COME LOOSE, AND THERE IS A OPENING, THE INSIDE OF IT IS CHIPPED AS WELL AND IT IS FOGGY. JUST NORMAL DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. MAZDA OFFERED A SPECIAL SERVICE WARRANTY, WHICH MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE THIS GAP HAD NOT OCCURRED YET. CONVENIENTLY, THE EXTENSION EXPIRED BEFORE MY PANEL STARTED COMING APART. I SPOKE WITH MAZDA TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME I WAS TO LATE. WELL I WAS INELIGIBLE BECAUSE IT HADN'T COME APART YET. APPARENTLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AS THEY DID OFF A SPECIAL WARRANTY FOR IT. ALL MODELS THAT HAD THESE DEFECTIVE PANELS OR BAD ADHESIVE FROM T…”
NHTSA complaint #11408464, 2020

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Unknown Or Other 10

“I had the dashboard recalled and replaced. The new dashboard is separating from the computer screen on dash.”
NHTSA complaint #11477650, 2022

“TRACKING NUMBER 11461728 ADDED INFORMATION EMAIL FROM MANUFACTURE MITSUBUSHI ELECTRIC INCORPORATED”
NHTSA complaint #11461825, 2022

“THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS COME LOOSE, AND THERE IS A OPENING, THE INSIDE OF IT IS CHIPPED AS WELL AND IT IS FOGGY. JUST NORMAL DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. MAZDA OFFERED A SPECIAL SERVICE WARRANTY, WHICH MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE THIS GAP HAD NOT OCCURRED YET. CONVENIENTLY, THE EXTENSION EXPIRED BEFORE MY PANEL STARTED COMING APART. I SPOKE WITH MAZDA TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME I WAS TO LATE. WELL I WAS INELIGIBLE BECAUSE IT HADN'T COME APART YET. APPARENTLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AS THEY DID OFF A SPECIAL WARRANTY FOR IT. ALL MODELS THAT HAD THESE DEFECTIVE PANELS OR BAD ADHESIVE FROM T…”
NHTSA complaint #11408464, 2020

Seats 9 1 crash 1 injury

“THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH. THE RATCHETING SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS THE RECLINE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT FAILED CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT.”
NHTSA complaint #10959929, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“EXACT SAME ISSUE AS CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V082 THE SEATS IN THIS YEAR OF MAZDA 3 ARE THE SAME AS IN THE 2010-2011 MODELS. THE METAL HAS SNAPPED IN HALF CAUSING THE NEED FOR REPAIR FOR SAFE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING A CORNER ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 30KM/H DRIVER IS 260LBS”
NHTSA complaint #11415704, 2021

“THE SEAT LIFTER LINK ON MY 2013 MAZDA 3 POWER SEAT HAS A BROKEN WELD THAT ALLOWS THE DRIVERS SEAT TO WOBBLE FRONT TO BACK. THE WELD HAS OPENED UP SHOWING THE MOTOR SHAFT. WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THE SEAT MOVES BACK AND FEELS LIKE IT WILL SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. CALLED LOCAL MAZDA DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO RECALL ON THIS AND MY WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS. VEHICLE HAS 187,400 MILES. FOUND ONLINE THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS ISSUE IN THE 2010 - 2011 VEHICLES. MAZDA HAD A RECALL CAMPAIGN 0917B FOR THAT ISSUE. APPARENTLY THERE IS STILL AN ISSUE WITH DEFECTIVE WELDS IN THE SEAT FRAME. FIRST NOTICED THIS C…”
NHTSA complaint #11255950, 2019

Steering 9

“Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882”
NHTSA complaint #11507600, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING ABILITY WAS LOST. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST TEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11256591, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONS THE RADIO DISPLAY KEEP RESTARTING AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT, AND THEN THE VEHICLE POWERS COMPLETELY DOWN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE LOOKED IN FORUMS AND THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING AT LEAST SINCE 2004, AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED! HTTPS://WWW.FOXNEWS.COM/US/MAZDA-TO-RECALL-MAZDA3-AND-MAZDA5-TO-ADDRESS-LOSS-OF-POWER-STEERING THERE IS AN OLD ARTICLE THAT MAZDA 3'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE, BUT THE ISSUE APPARENTLY HAS ACTUALLY NEVER BEEN FIXED. SEE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT, DO I NEED GET AN ATTORNEY TO GET THIS FIXED SINCE MY CAR IS 2013 AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11173929, 2019

Air Bags 7 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10937856, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY, THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE VERSUS THE DAMAGE, THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000…”
NHTSA complaint #11015339, 2017 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL: ONCE I GOT THE AIRBAG OF MY MAZDA3 IS NOT SAFE, IT WORRIES ME A LOT. I HOPE THE RECALL COULD BE COMING SOON AND I PREFER TO STAYING IN A SAFE ZONE. THANKS!”
NHTSA complaint #11023019, 2017

Seat Belts 6 1 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA, MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT AT 35 MPH, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN AND THE CONTACT'S HEAD WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD. A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SECURED IN THE SEAT BELT ALSO SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. BOTH WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUS…”
NHTSA complaint #10562107, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“All my seatbuckels are tearing. I thought it could of been my dog, but I a certain I did not give up my seat or let him drive. My driver side is also tearing. I noticed the buckle catching when securing it, and now it has moved past snag and had a quarter inch tear that it catches on. The buckle is not wide enough for the belt. The belt is no longer able to constraint as good as when it was whole. Unknown”
NHTSA complaint #11537049, 2021

“I PURCHASED A 2013 MAZDA 3 IN MARCH OR 2020 WITH ABOUT 35000MILES. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER I PUT DOWN MY BACK SEATS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND NOTICED THE MIDDLE SEAT BUCKLE WAS FRINGED AND LOOKED CUT ABOUT A HALF OF INCH IN. IT COULD NOT RETRACT DUE TO THE BUCKLE SNAGGING ON THE CUT. IT IS NOVEMBER 2020 AND I HAVE NOW DESCOVERES THAT THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER BUCKLES AS WELL. I RARELY HAVE ANYONE IN MY BACK SEAT, MAYBE TWICE SINCE THE PURCHASE, SO THE BUCKLES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY USED. I THINK SOMETHING IS CUTTING THE BELT CAUSING THE BUCKLES TO STOP RETRACTING-…”
NHTSA complaint #11376669, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 3

“WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES ALL THE VEHICLES LIGHTS FLASHING FROM BRIGHT TO DEEM THE HEADLIGHTS, INSIDE PANEL LIGHTS FLASHING FROM BRIGHT TO DEEM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT IT ACTS LIKE CAR IS LOSING POWER”
NHTSA complaint #11402536, 2021

“LIGHTING:WHEN APPLYING BREAKS, HEADLIGHTS FLICKER. WINDSHIELD: LEAKS. ADHESIVE EXPANDED, CAUSING SEAL TO BREAK. WATER POURS IN ON DASH FROM SIDE DURING BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS OR CAR WASH. ADHESIVE ALSO EXPANDED ON GAUGE PANEL, CAUSING DISPLAY WINDOW TO LIFT. WAS THIS WAY WHEN PURCHASED. DID NOT NOTICE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDOW SEAL AT TIME OF PURCHASE.”
NHTSA complaint #11315401, 2019

“NOTICED FLICKERING OF HEADLIGHTS DURING NIGHT DRIVING WHILE BRAKING. THIS HEADLIGHT FLICKER WAS REPEATABLE WHILE NIGHT DRIVING AND BRAKING AT MODERATE TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS.”
NHTSA complaint #10721542, 2014

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“I HAVE A 2013 MAZDA 3I 5-DOOR HATCHBACK WITH APPROXIMATELY 61,000 MILES, 90% HIGHWAY DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. AFTER HAVING THE BATTERY REPLACED (ORIGINAL) EARLIER THIS YEAR, I THEN NOTICED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLASH INTERMITTENTLY, AT THAT TIME. AS THE YEAR PROGRESSED, THE HEADLIGHT FLASHING, WHICH PRESENTS ITSELF ONLY UPON BRAKING OR DECELERATION, BECAME MARKEDLY INCREASED AND BRIGHTER, INCLUDING THE DASHBOARD INFORMATION SYSTEMS WINDOW INSIDE. I WENT TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC, WHO FIRST PUT MY CAR ON DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH SHOWED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS VERY WEAK/WORN. SINCE I HAD EXTEND…”
NHTSA complaint #11043324, 2017

“WHEN BRAKING, THE HEADLIGHTS PULSE. WHEN BRAKING, THE CAR RIDES BUMPY. THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WILL COME ON AT RANDOM TIMES. THESE HAVE BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS, AND ALL MECHANICS HAVE SAID THAT EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE ON THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11014156, 2015

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“After filing up the gas tank, there is a strong smell of fuel coming from the car. It remains strong until the tank is run down to about 3/4. Gas can be seen dripping down the tank under the car. Gas drips are clearly visible on the ground. This has been an ongoing problem for approximately two years.”
NHTSA complaint #11526376, 2023

“CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL CUT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE. THE RADIO SHUTS DOWN, THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE IS LOST, AND POWER STEERING GOES. SEVERAL SENSOR LIGHTS COME ON. I HAVE TO FIGHT TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TURN THE CAR OFF. WHEN RESTARTED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON BUT THE CAR WORKS FINE. THIS WILL ALSO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING WITH THE SAME LOSS OF POWER. I TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND IT WORKS OKAY AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED IN A VERY MOUNTAINOUS PASS RECENTLY AND THERE WERE NO SHOULDERS TO PULL OVER ON AND I…”
NHTSA complaint #11072717, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE REVVED AND VIOLENTLY JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. UPDATED 05/11/16*LJ *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10855633, 2016

“ON FRIDAY 11/22/13 4PM I WENT TO GET MY OIL CHANGED AND CAR SERVICED. IT WAS THE END OF THE DAY & THE TECHNICIANS LEAVE AT 5PM. AFTER I RECEIVED MY CAR AT 5:10PM, I DECIDED TO TAKE SIDE STREETS TO GO PICK UP MY BROTHER, INSTEAD OF TAKING THE FREEWAY. THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND EVENTUALLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) TURNED ON. I GOT TO THE SIDE & CALLED THE MAZDA TUTTLE-CLICK IN IRVINE, CA SERVICE CENTER. HE TOLD ME SINCE THE ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T BLINKING THAT IT WASN'T A SERIOUS PROBLEM & CALL AGAIN OR TAKE IT BACK TOMO…”
NHTSA complaint #10553870, 2013

Wheels 2

“PURCHASE 4 CONTINENTAL EXTREME CONTACT TIRES (PK15-46-1960: 205/55R-16) ON 1/12/2015 . ON SATURDAY 8/6/2016 AROUND 5 PM THE 2 TIRES ON THE PASSENGER BLEW OUT AT THE SIDE WALL AT THE SAME TIME. LUCKY MY DAUGHTER WAS JUST PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT (WITNESS SAY SHE DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING). NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM. HAD TO GO TO FIRESTONE FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES. REPLACED THE ONES ON DRIVER SIDE FOR I DIDN'T TRUST THEM. FILE A WARRANTY ISSUE AND EVEN CALL CONTINENTAL THEY TO BAD ABOUT THE OTHER 2 TIRES. I BELIEVE THESE TIRES HAVE A DEFECT FOR THEY HAVE PLENTY OF LIFE L…”
NHTSA complaint #10894442, 2016

“BRAKE CALIPERS AND PISTONS WERE DEFECTED AND WOULDN'T RELEASE AFTER YOU RELEASED THE BRAKE. THE WHEELS HAD TO BE MOVING FOR THE BRAKES THE BE RELEASES. CAUSING THE THE BRAKE PADS TO GRIND DOWN TO NOTHING AND HAVE METAL ON METAL CONTACT. IT WAS WORSE IN THE FRONT THEN THE BACK. I RECEIVED ALL NEW BRAKE CALIPERS BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T BE FIXED.”
NHTSA complaint #10732344, 2015

Suspension 1

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 draws about 8.4 complaints per year on the road, ranking 8 of 15 among the Mazda Mazda3 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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