2014 Mazda Mazda3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 27 2 crash

“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, 2017 · crash

“ON MAY 7, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00 PM I PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE, ON A HILL, AT TOWSON WOODS APARTMENT COMPLEX. I TURNED THE CAR OFF WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AT OVER 3/4 OF THE WAY UP. I WAS STANDING ABOUT 10 FEET OUTSIDE MY CAR, WHICH WAS OFF AND STATIONARY, TALKING TO A FRIEND FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS OF ITS OWN ACCORD. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH IT, WHICH FAILED, AND THEN I JUMPED INTO THE DRIVERS SEAT AND TRIED TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP AS FAR AS IT COULD GO, WHICH DID NOT STOP THE CAR. IT THEN CRASHED INTO THE BUMPER OF ANOTHER CAR.…”
NHTSA complaint #10597877, 2014 · crash

“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, 2025

Unknown Or Other 27 1 fire 1 injury

“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 IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11075234, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR CAUGHT OF FIRE ON THE FREEWAY WHOLE CAR WAS CONSUMED STARTED IN THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WELL AREA”
NHTSA complaint #10849664, 2016 · fire

“Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11721073, 2025

Service Brakes 22 3 crash

“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, 2023 · crash

“HAVING SPENT APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE TRAFFIC PICKED UP AGAIN, ONLY TO COME TO ANOTHER STOP. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP BECAUSE MY BRAKES HAD COMPLETELY FAILED, MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD NO BRAKING RESPONSE AT ALL. I TAPPED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, NO DAMAGE TO HIS CAR, SO WE DECIDED NOT TO CALL THE POLICE. MY CAR SUSTAINED COSMETIC DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, PUSHED THE LEFT FRONT FENDER BACK SO I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 250 MILES FROM MY HOME WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. THE FOLLOWING DAY I DID A TEST PANIC STOP IN A PARKIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10670297, 2014 · crash

“ON MAY 7, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00 PM I PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE, ON A HILL, AT TOWSON WOODS APARTMENT COMPLEX. I TURNED THE CAR OFF WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AT OVER 3/4 OF THE WAY UP. I WAS STANDING ABOUT 10 FEET OUTSIDE MY CAR, WHICH WAS OFF AND STATIONARY, TALKING TO A FRIEND FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS OF ITS OWN ACCORD. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH IT, WHICH FAILED, AND THEN I JUMPED INTO THE DRIVERS SEAT AND TRIED TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP AS FAR AS IT COULD GO, WHICH DID NOT STOP THE CAR. IT THEN CRASHED INTO THE BUMPER OF ANOTHER CAR.…”
NHTSA complaint #10597877, 2014 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 21

“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, 2026

“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 issu…”
NHTSA complaint #11694054, 2025

“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, 2025

Engine 13 3 crash 1 injury

“IN PARKING GARAGE, TURNING INTO PARKING SPOT. CAR ENGINE REVVED UP, AND CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE GUARD RAIL, SMASHING THE FRONTEND OF THE VEHICLE AND DAMAGING THE RADIATOR. DRIVER DID NOT PUT FOOT ON THE GAS; CAR LUNGED FORWARD ON IT'S OWN. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND DRIVER HAD DARK BRUISES ON ABDOMEN, LEFT ANTERIOR THIGH, AND LEFT SIDE OF NECK D/T SEAT BELT, AND ALSO HAD MINOR WHIPLASH. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER CARS OR PEOPLE WERE AROUND WHEN CAR ACCELERATED. ALSO, HAD THE CAR HAD MORE THAN JUST A FEW FEET TO RUN INTO SOMETHING, THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED WORSE. PRIOR TO INCIDENT, C…”
NHTSA complaint #10716911, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2017 · crash

“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 HA…”
NHTSA complaint #10888959, 2016 · crash

Back Over Prevention 11

“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, 2025

“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, 2024

“There is an existing recall on my car 2014 Mazda 3 dated July 14, 2023 for the glitches with rearview mirror and rearview mirror disconnecting at random. While this has been outstanding for one year Mazda discourages customers from scheduling appointment to get the vehicle inspected and fixed in accordance to the guidance listed in NHTSA recall. I visited Capitol Mazda San Jose on 11/18/23 as well as called them to schedule a check on 7/17/24 but both these times I was informed that there are no parts to be replaced. I believe the remedy listed with NHTSA is not being followed and the customer…”
NHTSA complaint #11602914, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 9 3 crash 1 injury

“AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT TO PARK MY CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND RAN INTO A CONCRETE WALL. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS CAR'S PROGRAMMING, INCLUDING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET FIXED AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL IN JANUARY '16. AS I REALIZED THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING - AND PUSHING ON THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP IT - I LIFTED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CRASH ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE CAR - NOT THE BRAKE OR EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. LESS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, AND MORE CONCERNED THAT I HAD ZERO CONTROL OVER THE CAR AND ANY ABILITY TO STOP…”
NHTSA complaint #10884129, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 TRUC…”
NHTSA complaint #11018647, 2017 · crash

“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 HA…”
NHTSA complaint #10888959, 2016 · crash

Parking Brake 8

“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, 2026

“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, 2025

“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake) five years ago and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair. However, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle passed the inspection test and did not need to be repaired. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and driving from a complete stop, the vehicle drove sluggishly because the parking brake was not properly disengaged. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and he would slide underneath the vehicle to…”
NHTSA complaint #11471145, 2021

Power Train 7 1 crash 1 injury

“AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT TO PARK MY CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND RAN INTO A CONCRETE WALL. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS CAR'S PROGRAMMING, INCLUDING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET FIXED AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL IN JANUARY '16. AS I REALIZED THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING - AND PUSHING ON THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP IT - I LIFTED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CRASH ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE CAR - NOT THE BRAKE OR EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. LESS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, AND MORE CONCERNED THAT I HAD ZERO CONTROL OVER THE CAR AND ANY ABILITY TO STOP…”
NHTSA complaint #10884129, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My gear box was popping out of gear at highway speeds into neutral. The service provider informed me the transmission in the car was bad, adding that it the bad transmission caused excessive wear on the clutch-and-flywheel assembly. It later came to my attention that there is an ongoing class action lawsuit in the state of California, represented by Cafferty Clobis Meriwether & Spengel regarding defectively-engineered transmissions of 5- and 6-speed Mazda 3s manufactured between 2010-2015. I had the clutch, flywheel, and transmission all replaced. I cannot be certain that the new OEM transm…”
NHTSA complaint #11460012, 2022

“AROUND 68,000 MILES, I BEGAN TO HEAR A SUBTLE WHINING NOISE COMING FROM MY 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3. I WAS UNSURE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM AND ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TIRES. AS TIME PASSED, THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER, EVENTUALLY TO THE POINT WHERE I FELT I NEEDED TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. A MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE SOUND WAS EMITTING THERE. HE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN POSTED BY MAZDA THAT DESCRIBED THE EXACT ISSUE, AND THAT'S WHAT HE'S SURE IT IS. I GOT A SECOND OPINION FROM ANOTHER MECH…”
NHTSA complaint #11367068, 2020

Seat Belts 5

“Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11721073, 2025

“REAR PASSANGER SEAT BELT FAILED IN LOCK POSITION NOTHING IN IT NO CANDY ECT AND STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION REFUSES TO LOCK BELT CURRENT MILEAGE 37989 JUST OUT OF BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTEE”
NHTSA complaint #11110039, 2018

“CINTURON DE SEGURIDAD CHOFER NO CIERR AL ASIENTOA DRIVER SAFETY BELT DOES NOT ATTACH TO THE SEAT ## VIN FAILED ## [XXX], MAZDA, 3, 2014 ## INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10980794, 2017

Air Bags 4 1 crash

“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 HA…”
NHTSA complaint #10888959, 2016 · crash

“Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11721073, 2025

“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, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Recall for backup camera has not yet been remedied since September, 2023 issuance. Backup camera still flickers.”
NHTSA complaint #11573746, 2023

“ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 18TH, I WAS DRIVING THROUGH SLOW-DOWN TRAFFIC PASSING THE SCENE OF A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 101 IN SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA AT 35-40 MPH. WITHOUT WARNING, THE MOONROOF GLASS EXPLODED. (IT WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME.) THERE WAS NO LOUD NOISE PRECEDING THE EVENT, AND NO SIGN OF ANY FOREIGN OBJECT STRIKING THE CAR, NOR AMONG THE DEBRIS. A WEEK LATER, I HAD THE GLASS REPLACED AT PUTNAM MAZDA IN BURLINGAME, CA. I PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET (US$790.61). BUT IN TALKING TO THE SERVICE REP, HE CONFIRMED THAT NO OUTWARD CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE WAS APPARENT. ALL GASKETS AND SEALS W…”
NHTSA complaint #11047565, 2017

“THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS SO LOW ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD THAT IT MAKES ANYTHING TO THE LEFT OF CENTER OF THE CAR, VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. I RENTED THIS CAR. I CANT BELIEVE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO POSITION THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AS SUCH. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10626752, 2014

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING WHILE I'M DRIVING”
NHTSA complaint #11315740, 2020

“TCS MALFUNCTION. 'TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM' SYMBOL IS CAR WITH SKID MARK ON THE BOTTOM. TAKE TO DEALER RIGHT AWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11196611, 2019

“AFTER A CAR WASH AT HOME, THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR AND THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SENSOR ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BOTH FAILED. THE UNDERLYING SYSTEMS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION BUT DUE TO THE SENSOR FAILURE, WARNING LIGHTS FOR BOTH SYSTEMS SHOWED UP ON THE DASH AND ABS BRAKES WERE UNAVAILABLE. REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE ABS MODULE.”
NHTSA complaint #11080379, 2018

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle had smelled gas fumes in the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a plastic fuel pump module in the gas tank had corroded and the seam of the gas tank had leaked. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 158,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11549642, 2023

“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that an abnormal odor was detected while the vehicle was turned on or off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V684000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11511850, 2022

“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, he could smell fuel fumes inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V684000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11486365, 2022

Steering 3

“ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE STEERING SENSOR AND ABS MODULE HAVE GONE BACK. THE CAR HAS ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT. I SPOKE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE MODULES ARE FLYING OFF THE SHELVES RIGHT NOW BECAUSE SO MANY OF THEM ARE GOING BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11415010, 2021

“SAFETY RECALL-ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER IN THE BACKSEAT I NOTICE MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON. AFTER THAT EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN EVEN WHEN PRESSING MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THE CAR EVEN TRIED STOPING AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. WE WERE SUCCESSFULLY ABLE TO GET IT TOWED BUT I BELIEVED THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE THE DEALERS DIDN'T FIX THE RECALL AND INSTAED THEY BYPASSED IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11197077, 2019

“BOUGHT NEW VEHICLE AT END OF JANUARY 2014 AND PROBLEMS ARISES FEBRUARY 2014. STEERING OF THE VEHICLE IS FAULTY. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CANNOT EASILY MAINTAIN STABLE LINE. TO STAY STRAIGHT HAVING TO KEEP THE WHEEL ABOUT 5 DEGREES TURNED TO THE LEFT. WHILE MAKING SLIGHT RIGHT TURNS, VEHICLE WHEEL BECOMES UNSTABLE AND JERKS LEFT IF GOING ON BUMPS OR DIPS. VERY UNSAFE. DEALER ADMITS THE PROBLEMS BUT WILL NOT REPLACE PART BECAUSE MAZDA ENGINEER SAID ITS WITHIN SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR MAZDA. HOW IS A NEW VEHICLE OK TO DRIVE WHEN IT CAN'T DRIVE STRAIGHT AND TAKES EXTRA EFFORT AND HOLD THE WHEEL AWAY FRO…”
NHTSA complaint #10574502, 2014

Wheels 3 1 crash

“WHILE EXITING A TRAFFIC CIRCLE, I HEARD A POP AND THE CAR SWERVED. I CORRECTED BUT WAS TOO LATE AS THE FRONT WHEEL HIT THE CURBING CAUSING THE ALUMINUM RIM TO CRACK ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND A LARGE RECTANGULAR PIECE OF THE TIRE SIDE WALL MISSING. THE SIDE WALL SEPARATION WAS THE TIRE ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE. THE RAPID DEFLATION CAUSED THE CAR TO SWERVE WHILE EXITING THE TURN. FORTUNATELY I WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10607215, 2014 · crash

“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, 2020

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY IN CLEAR WARM WEATHER, THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE HAD THE SIDE WALL BLOW OUT. THIS PRODUCED ABOUT A 2 INCH SQUARE HOLE IN THE TIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #10750178, 2014

Equipment 2

“I HAVE HAD TWO CONTINUOUS ISSUES WITH MY 2014 MAZDA 3; THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AND THEN BEGIN A CYCLE OF CONTINUOUSLY SHUTTING DOWN A REBOOTING AND THE HEADS UP DISPLAY AT TIMES DOES NOT POP UP WHEN I START THE VEHICLE.THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS IS TO PULL OVER, SHUT OFF THE CAR AND THEN START IT BACK UP AGAIN (THIS GENERALLY FIXES BOTH THE NAVIGATION AND HUD ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THESE ISSUES DO NOT SEEM TO BE RELATED AS THE HAVE NOT OCCURRED AT THE SAME TIME BEFORE.) THIS CERTAINLY SEEMS LIKE A SOFTWARE ISSUE AS REBOOTING DOES FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MOSTLY OCCURS…”
NHTSA complaint #10649609, 2014

“HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO SYSTEM. MY RADIO FADES IN AND OUT CONTINUOUSLY. IT PLAYS FINE WHEN I USE THE CD PLAYER OR PLAY PANDORA BUT WHEN I PLAY THE RADIO IT IS HORRIBLE! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10594211, 2014

Suspension 2

“WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE CAR EMITS POPPING AND SQUEAKS FROM THE SUSPENSION. WHEN GETTING IN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CAR PRODUCES A CLUNKING NOISE THAT EMANATES FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. ALSO WHEN WINDING AND UNWINDING THE STEERING WHILE PARKING THE CAR OR MOVING SLOWLY, AGAIN THE VEHICLE EMITS CLUNKING NOISES FROM THE SUSPENSION. TODAY IS 10/7/2020, I HAVE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR WHO WAS THE FIRST OWNER OF THIS CAR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED REGULARLY AT THE LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND HAS NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11363263, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT HEARD A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CABRERA AUTO (CARR #2 KM 82.2 SALIDA EXPRESO HATILLO, PR-2, ARECIBO, 00614, PUERTO RICO) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO MAZDA DE LA KENNEDY (MARGINAL AVE. KENNEDY, KM 2.1, URB. INDUSTRIAL BECHARA, PUEBLO VIEJO, SAN JUAN, 00920 PUERTO RICO) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BUSHINGS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWE…”
NHTSA complaint #11012011, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“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 illuminate…”
NHTSA complaint #11622452, 2024

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“STARTING ABOUT A MONTH AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR WE NOTICED THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD SOMETIMES LIGHT UP INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS DEACTIVATED. WE STOP THE CAR AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AND REENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THE LIGHT STARTED TO WORK PROPERLY. OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS WE NOTICED THAT THE ISSUE WAS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN. WE TOOK THE CAR TO BROWN'S MAZDA IN ALEXANDRIA. AFTER CHECKING THE CAR OUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2014 ABOUT 10 DAYS AFTER HAVING THE CAR SERVICED MY WIFE AND I WAS DRI…”
NHTSA complaint #10630952, 2014

Exterior Lighting 1

“LED DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FLICKERING GOING DIM AND THEN BRIGHT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON, AND THE CAR IS IN GEAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11143312, 2018

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Gas smell / leak from gas tank when more than 7/8 full. Seems to leak from the top. AEB frequently says disabled due to high interior car temperature. Even in winter when temperature below freezing.”
NHTSA complaint #11576655, 2021

Seats 1 1 crash 2 injury

“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND SHE WAS TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND LEFT OF CENTER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. HER CAR BOUNCED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE GUARDRAIL AND THEN SPUN ACROSS THE ROADWAY. HER CAR THEN STRUCK THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY DAUGHTER AND HER PASSENGER WERE THROWN BACKWARDS DUE TO THE IMPACT FROM BEHIND AND MY DAUGHTER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AT THAT POINT. SHE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND HAS HAD FREQUENT AND SOMETIMES SEVERE HEADACHES, ALONG WITH BACK AND NECK PAIN SINCE THE ACCIDENT. TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10823880, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Tires 1 1 crash

“WHILE EXITING A TRAFFIC CIRCLE, I HEARD A POP AND THE CAR SWERVED. I CORRECTED BUT WAS TOO LATE AS THE FRONT WHEEL HIT THE CURBING CAUSING THE ALUMINUM RIM TO CRACK ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND A LARGE RECTANGULAR PIECE OF THE TIRE SIDE WALL MISSING. THE SIDE WALL SEPARATION WAS THE TIRE ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE. THE RAPID DEFLATION CAUSED THE CAR TO SWERVE WHILE EXITING THE TURN. FORTUNATELY I WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10607215, 2014 · crash

Visibility 1

“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, 2025