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2015 Mazda Mazda3 Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~10.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 15 Mazda Mazda3 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Service Brakes is the most-reported problem area on the 2015 Mazda Mazda3, cited in 26 of 129 filed complaints (20%).
Electrical System is next (24 complaints, 19%), followed by Back Over Prevention (12), Fuel/Propulsion System (12), Engine (6).
Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 9 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 3 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2015 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 129.
Service Brakes 26 3 crash 2 injury
“COMMING TO A STOP CAR DIDNT SLOW DOWN AND WHEN EMERGENCY LEVER WAS PULLED FOR A STOP IT DIDNT WORK! RECALL NOTICE1217F NHTSA NUMBER17V393”
NHTSA complaint #11184240, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“Description On 12-15-2025, in 18°F weather, the vehicle was parked on a residential sloped driveway with the manual parking brake fully engaged. While the driver was outside the vehicle, the parking brake system failed to hold the car’s weight. The vehicle rolled backward, crashed through a wooden railing, teetering on a 4-foot retaining wall, and came to rest over a culvert. Two young children were inside the vehicle at the time of the failure. Component Failure & Availability: The manual parking brake system failed to provide sufficient holding force to secure the vehicle. The rear brake ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11711269, 2025 · crash
“I WENT TO GO STEP ON BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AS I WAS COMING UP ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED DUE TO TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WHEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I SLID RIGHT INTO THE GUY. I TRIED TO TURN MY WHEEL TO GO ON SHOULDER, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND IN TRAFFIC. I WASN'T SPEEDING AS THERE WAS NO POSSIBLE WAY TO AS TRAFFIC WAS IN PLAY, BUT OUR LANE STARTED TO MOVE AND I STAYED BACK AND WHEN I WENT TO STEP ON BRAKES, THEY LOCKED UP.”
NHTSA complaint #11002481, 2017 · crash
Unknown Or Other 26 1 fire 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER (SPORT MAZDA, 9786 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND APPROVED THE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11054294, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)
“INTERIOR DOME LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING, LOOKED UP TO SEE WHY, THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FLAMES COULD BE SEEN. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED, APPROX. 65 MPH. CAR HAD 22,000 MILES ON IT.”
NHTSA complaint #10824893, 2016 · fire
“I had purchased a car through Facebook Marketplace after talking to the seller and seeing a CarFax report on the car we decided to purchase it. After coming home the following day I look closer at the documents and realized the CarFax did not match the VIN of the car I purchased. After looking up the CarFax with the VIN on the car I purchased I saw that the person who sold me the car had rolled back the odometer.”
NHTSA complaint #11706401, 2025
Electrical System 24 1 crash
“TURNING TO PARK HER VEHICLE, IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT TWO PARKED CARS IN FRONT.”
NHTSA complaint #10819278, 2016 · crash
“The Infotainment System will randomly change radio stations while driving, or start scanning through the various system menus, and on at least in one case, started randomly making phone calls from a connected phone. This creates a major distraction while driving. This has been looked at by the dealership and would cost $1500 for the system repair. I understand that this is a known problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11683859, 2025
“The Mazda Connect touch screen in the center display may not accept touch commands properly or may operate by itself (ghost touch). The ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film of the touch screen may be corroded due to moisture, which may adhere on the lens of the touch screen during the cleaning process at the plant. The corrosion may allow the electrostatic capacity to vary without any input, causing the malfunction of the touch screen.”
NHTSA complaint #11633180, 2024
Back Over Prevention 12
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while attempting to reverse, the rear camera flashed on and off for approximately five minutes and then started working as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) by the owner of the vehicle; however, the fix failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,00…”
NHTSA complaint #11731350, 2026
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The vehicle remained unrepaired. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11696444, 2025
“The contact owns a 2015 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 reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted, blank or failed to activate as needed. 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 63,000. VIN tool…”
NHTSA complaint #11600126, 2024
Fuel/Propulsion System 12 1 fire
“INTERIOR DOME LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING, LOOKED UP TO SEE WHY, THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FLAMES COULD BE SEEN. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED, APPROX. 65 MPH. CAR HAD 22,000 MILES ON IT.”
NHTSA complaint #10824893, 2016 · fire
“While parked on a slight downhill grade, gasoline started leaking and created a significant puddle on the ground. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. An independent service center ran numerous tests over two days, including a smoke test. Diagnosis: There is a hole in top section of fuel tank and the fuel tank needs replaced. Recommendation was to not drive vehicle with fuel tank over half full. Due to the potential of leaking fuel in the presence of a hot ignition source increasing the risk of fire, driving the vehicle long distance with defective fuel tank appears to represent an…”
NHTSA complaint #11726838, 2026
“Fuel leaking out of top of tank. Took car to two different shops. They both told me about a recall on the gas tank. They did every test possible and replaced O ring. Even did smoke evap system test. Tank still leaks from the top when full. They said the tank needs replaced. There is a recall for the year make and model but not my VIN?”
NHTSA complaint #11713563, 2025
Engine 6 1 fire 2 injury
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle, followed by the vehicle shut down and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son opened the hood and flames came out from under the hood. The contact son burned his fingers but did not seek medical attention. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11514255, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“VEHICLE WAS INADVERTANTLY TURNED OFF WHILE IN DRIVE, WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE NO ALARM SOUNDED. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, FORCING ME TO JUMP BACK INTO THE CAR AND JAM ON THE BRAKE. ONE WOULD THINK THAT AS A SAFETY MEASURE, THE CAR WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE IN PARK, BEFORE TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. WHILE ITS CONCEIVABLE THAT IN AN EMERGENCY THE DRIVER MAY WANT TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN GEAR, THIS WOULD BE VERY RARE, AND COULD BE ACCOMMODATED BY PROGRAMING THE OFF SWITCH TO REQUIRE MULTIPLE PUSHES OR HOLDING IN THE BUTTON FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. EXIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10875142, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
“Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine”
NHTSA complaint #11706906, 2025
Seats 6 1 crash 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A RAILROAD TRACK, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, BUT DID NO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 550.”
NHTSA complaint #10650657, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“THE POWER SEAT LIFT AND LOWER MECHANICS HAVE FAILED SO THAT THE SEAT NO LONGER RAISES OR LOWERS TO ITS ORIGINAL EXTENT. THIS PREVENTS THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE FROM ADJUSTING THE SEAT PROPERLY FOR SAFE DRIVING. THE ACTUATOR, FUSES, AND WIRING ARE ALL FUNCTIONAL AND THE MECHANICAL COMPONENTS SIMPLY NO LONGER ALLOW FULL RANGE OF MOTION REGARDING SEAT HEIGHT EVEN WITH MANUAL ADJUSTMENT. I BELIEVE THE MECHANICAL COMPONENTS SIMPLY FAILED AND AM NOT AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC CAUSE. I AM 6'3'' AND MY WIFE IS 5'4'' AND SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT IS CRITICAL TO SAFE DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11341547, 2020
“LEFT SIDE OF DRIVER'S SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LIFTER LINK IS BROKEN. DRIVERS'S SEAT ROCKS ON THE LEFT SIDE DURING BRAKING, ACCELERATION, AND WHEN STATIONARY. THIS IS DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT COULD ALSO LEAD TO A MORE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11113187, 2018
Structure 6 1 crash
“TURNING TO PARK HER VEHICLE, IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT TWO PARKED CARS IN FRONT.”
NHTSA complaint #10819278, 2016 · crash
“MY SPOUSE WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD SOUND. HE SCANNED THE SURROUNDINGS AND DID NOT SEE ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE. HE FELT COLD AIR AND NOISE AND WHEN HE LOOK UP, HIS SUNROOF IS GONE, JUST A FEW GLASS LEFT ON THE SIDE LOOKING LIKE GRANULES. HE HAD SPONTANEOUS SUNROOF EXPLOSION.”
NHTSA complaint #11307673, 2020
“POWER MOONROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH ON A CITY STREET. IT WAS ABOUT 52DEG F ON A CLOUDY DAY. MY WIFE WAS IN PASSENGER SEAT & GLASS FELL IN ON US. WE PULLED OVER AND CLEANED UP MOST OF IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11210152, 2019
Exterior Lighting 5 1 crash
“TURNING TO PARK HER VEHICLE, IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT TWO PARKED CARS IN FRONT.”
NHTSA complaint #10819278, 2016 · crash
“Vehicle touch screen has aggressive and persistent “ghost touch” during vehicle operation (while in drive), which should not be possible while in drive at all. This causes any setting or feature accessible through the vehicle “infotainment” system to be activated at random leading to distracting, undesired operation. There is no setting within the “infotainment” system that allows you to disable the touch screen, leading to dangerously distracting situations. There is a voluntary extended warranty period provided by Mazda, but I was not notified required by law, nor was the warranty service of…”
NHTSA complaint #11580498, 2024
“I HAVE REPLACED AT LEAST 10 EITHER HEADLIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS OR PARK LIGHTS ON THIS CAR. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND AT LEAST EVERY MONTH TO TWO MONTHS I AM REPLACING A BULB.”
NHTSA complaint #11354227, 2020
Power Train 5 1 injury
“VEHICLE WAS INADVERTANTLY TURNED OFF WHILE IN DRIVE, WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE NO ALARM SOUNDED. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, FORCING ME TO JUMP BACK INTO THE CAR AND JAM ON THE BRAKE. ONE WOULD THINK THAT AS A SAFETY MEASURE, THE CAR WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE IN PARK, BEFORE TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. WHILE ITS CONCEIVABLE THAT IN AN EMERGENCY THE DRIVER MAY WANT TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN GEAR, THIS WOULD BE VERY RARE, AND COULD BE ACCOMMODATED BY PROGRAMING THE OFF SWITCH TO REQUIRE MULTIPLE PUSHES OR HOLDING IN THE BUTTON FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. EXIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10875142, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
“1. Automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic failure during operation. Transmission was discarded by Bountiful Mazda, Utah. 2. Both other and I were at risk as the vehicle could not be controlled. 3. I read similar findings on Social Media posts. 4. Bountiful Mazda confirmed metal shavings in the drain trans fluid. 5. No prior warning on car instrumentation, or while driving, or on prior inspection by Cardinaleway Mazda, Gilbert, AZ 6. Neither Mazda USA (Mfr) nor Protective Asset Protection have taken responsibility for the initial equipment failure nor reimbursement through the extended…”
NHTSA complaint #11647521, 2024
“2015 MAZDA 3 WITH 75000 MILES. TRANSMISSION IN VEHICLE FAILED SPECIFICALLY THE MAIN BEARING. TRANSMISSION IS NEEDING TO BE REBUILT. REPAIR SHOP ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THE CLUTCHES WERE BURNED OUT. SYMPTOMS: DELAYED ENGAGEMENT WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD. FLAIR SHIFTING FROM 3-4.”
NHTSA complaint #11194176, 2019
Visibility/Wiper 5
“I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH ON A 4 LANE US ROUTE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG COMING FROM MY SUNROOF. I LOOK IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND SEE A LARGE CHUNK OF GLASS FLYING BEHIND ME. I OPEN THE SUNROOF VISOR PARTIALLY AND NOTICE I AM MISSING GLASS. THE GLASS FOR MY SUNROOF IS TEMPERED. IT WAS ABOUT 65 DEGREES AND VERY HUMID, BUT NO PRECIPITATION. THE PICTURE IS FROM A PARKING LOT ABOUT 10MINS AFTER THE INCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11414447, 2021
“DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER 0N MY 2015 MAZDA3, THAT NHTSA ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECTIVE ON MAZDA 3. 2016,17, 18, WERE DEFECTIVE AND RECALLED. I WANT MY AUTO TO BE ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR THE SAME DEFECT. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS ON ESTIMATE $900. THIS SEEMS TOTALLY UNFAIR.MY WINDSHIELD WIPER RENDERS MY VEHICLE UNSAFE. AFTER YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE DEFECT. WHILE DRIVING AND WASHING MY WINDOW WITH THE WIRE FLUID, THE WIPERS STOPPED INSTEAD IF TETURING TO TH WIPER BAY. THE NEXT DAY IN HEAVY RAINFALL IN SEATTLE. THEY STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT ME HAVING TO MANUALLY SWITCH BETWEEN SETTINGS. CREATING AN EXTREMELY DA…”
NHTSA complaint #11326709, 2020
“MY CARS INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, WHICH INCLUDES THE REARVIEW CAMERA, STARTED MALFUNCTIONING IN EARLY 2019. THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN (FOR THE CLOCK, RADIO, GPS AND REARVIEW CAMERA) WAS IN A REBOOT LOOP (CONSTANTLY REBOOTING OVER AND OVER). WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN REVERSE, THE REARVIEW CAMERA WORKS SPORADICALLY, INCLUDING SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF REVERSING THE CAR. I TOOK THE CARE TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER AND (PER THE SERVICE INVOICE ATTACHED), THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS "CMU FAILURE" WHICH WOULD COST ME $1000 (ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS) TO FIX. I REFUSED, AS I DID NOT THINK IT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11416105, 2019
Air Bags 4 3 crash 3 injury
“My 2015 mazda3 was in a collision on 09/08/2021 and my vehicle was totaled. None of my airbags deployed . Fortunately i only sustained neck and back injuries. I believe that i would have avoided these injuries if my airbags deployed properly. Has anyone else reported a problem with airbags on the 2015 mazda3? If there is a problem with the airbag then other owners need to be notified of this safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11432540, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I WAS IN A REAR END COLLISION WITH THE MAZDA, AND WAS HIT AT 50MPH SPEED BY A DRUNK DRIVER WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE DRIVER HAD FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, SO DID NOT BRAKE PRIOR TO THE COLLISION. DURING THE COLLISION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR DID THE SEAT BELT CATCH ME, AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH FULL STRENGTH, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE WHERE I HAD HIT WITH EYE DAMAGE, AND SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE ALL OVER THE FACE WITH NERVE NUMBNESS ON THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE. OF CONCERN IS WHY NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES OF A 2 MONTH OLD VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A…”
NHTSA complaint #10670216, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A RAILROAD TRACK, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, BUT DID NO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 550.”
NHTSA complaint #10650657, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Parking Brake 3
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake); and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #11691201, 2025
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BARNES CROSSING MAZDA (3983 N GLOSTER ST, TUPELO, MS 38804, (662) 844-1383) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11071800, 2017
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED EXCESSIVELY. THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CALIPERS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ANYTHING MAZDA (5576 PLEASANT VIEW…”
NHTSA complaint #11031367, 2017
Steering 3 2 crash 1 injury
“DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. CAR WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS. PART OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION MAY HAVE CRACKED. WHEN LOOKING AT THE PART IT APPEARS TO HAVE AN OLD CRACK ALONG WITH A FRESH LOOKING BREAK.”
NHTSA complaint #10981255, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I WENT TO GO STEP ON BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AS I WAS COMING UP ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED DUE TO TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WHEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I SLID RIGHT INTO THE GUY. I TRIED TO TURN MY WHEEL TO GO ON SHOULDER, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND IN TRAFFIC. I WASN'T SPEEDING AS THERE WAS NO POSSIBLE WAY TO AS TRAFFIC WAS IN PLAY, BUT OUR LANE STARTED TO MOVE AND I STAYED BACK AND WHEN I WENT TO STEP ON BRAKES, THEY LOCKED UP.”
NHTSA complaint #11002481, 2017 · crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10845779, 2015
Fuel System 2
“TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V684000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) WHICH MAYBE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A LOCAL GAS STATION, GASOLINE STARTED POURING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT STATED HIS SON LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RESTING ON THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSED BURNS TO THE ALUMINUM PLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS SON'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED A LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED…”
NHTSA complaint #11350987, 2020
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GUNTHER MAZDA (1800 S STATE RD 7, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33317, (954) 797-1600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO LOU BACHRODT MAZDA COCONUT CREEK (5400 SR 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 247-5000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE F…”
NHTSA complaint #11101309, 2018
Wheels 2
“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 A…”
NHTSA complaint #11130301, 2016
“HEADREST UNUSABLE IN SAFE DRIVING POSITION. FORCES HEAD TO FLOOR OR PREVENTS PROPER BACK PLACEMENT ON SEAT, SOMETIMES BOTH. THE ONLY WAY TO SIT IN THE SEAT COMFORTABLY IS TO HAVE THE SEAT LEANING TOO FAR BACK WHERE I CANNOT REACH THE STEERING WHEEL COMFORTABLY. WHEELS WOULD VIBRATE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55, SOMETIMES AS LOW AS 40. RECENTLY FIXED BY DEALERSHIP. BRAKES WERE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AND SCRAPED AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY. MADE A LOUD SCRATCH SOUND. TOOK TWO VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED. ALL EVENTS REQUIRED INDIVIDUAL VISITS TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND I AM UN…”
NHTSA complaint #10863296, 2016
Equipment 1
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM, THE BLUETOOTH FUNCTION, AND THE USB SYSTEM REBOOTED AND FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 5/4/15*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10694192, 2015
Lane Departure 1
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that occasionally while the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the review camera image would not display on the digital screen. In addition, the contact stated that the image looked distorted. The contact received a notification of 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11613125, 2024
Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury
“I WAS IN A REAR END COLLISION WITH THE MAZDA, AND WAS HIT AT 50MPH SPEED BY A DRUNK DRIVER WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE DRIVER HAD FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, SO DID NOT BRAKE PRIOR TO THE COLLISION. DURING THE COLLISION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR DID THE SEAT BELT CATCH ME, AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH FULL STRENGTH, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE WHERE I HAD HIT WITH EYE DAMAGE, AND SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE ALL OVER THE FACE WITH NERVE NUMBNESS ON THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE. OF CONCERN IS WHY NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES OF A 2 MONTH OLD VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A…”
NHTSA complaint #10670216, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Tires 1
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TPMS WARNING LAMP REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO PLACED AIR IN ALL FOUR TIRES AND RESET THE CODE. WITHIN LESS THAN A WEEK, THE TPMS WARNING LAMP CAME BACK ON AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10713778, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control 1
“HOT WEATHER ACCELERATION AND BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM (BSM) ISSUE: IN EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER BSM OFF LIGHT TURNS ON REPEATEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STARTING FROM COMPLETE STOP. AT THE SAME TIME THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM DISPLAY FLICKERS IN SYNC WITH THE BSM OFF LIGHT APPEARANCE. WHEN THIS OCCURS THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR/WHERE THE ENGINE IS LOCATED. THE SOUND IS ACCOMPANIED BY TEMPORARY LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHEN IN MOTION OR STARTING TO MOVE FROM A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THIS OCCURS WHILE STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE REVOLUTIONS (REV)…”
NHTSA complaint #11018752, 2017
Visibility 1 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER (SPORT MAZDA, 9786 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND APPROVED THE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11054294, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)
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 2015 Mazda Mazda3 draws about 10.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 15 among the Mazda Mazda3 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.