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2016 Mazda Mazda3 Problems & Owner Complaints

102 NHTSA owner complaints
7 crash 1 fire 5 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~9.3 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 15 Mazda Mazda3 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3, cited in 22 of 102 filed complaints (22%).

Service Brakes is next (13 complaints, 13%), followed by Back Over Prevention (12), Power Train (9), Engine (7).

Across all complaints, 7 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 5 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 4 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 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 102.

Electrical System 22 1 fire

“Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified. No warning lamps or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11565343, 2024 · fire

“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving and while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster was inoperable. The contact also stated that the instrument cluster screen was peeling, and critical information for the vehicle was not displayed. Additionally, the infotainment system became intermittently inoperable due to the failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact expressed concerns that the inoperable instrument cluster created a hazardous and unsafe…”
NHTSA complaint #11709605, 2026

“When I checked for recall information 2 recalls were listed under my car's vin #: Recall #1: 3219D with Closed status. Recall #2: 6023G is listed as Active. But, when I tried to schedule a repair for the active recall, the manufacturing website ONLY listed the "closed" recall (3219D) was listed as available for repair, which is bizarre. Please see the attached screenshot of the website. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #11636134, 2025

Unknown Or Other 20

“The "Infotainment System" is activating itself and cycling through various options when I slow down or stop. It calls random numbers and changes settings on the system. It is distracting and dangerous. This is a known "ghost touch" problem for this model of vehicle, but the Mazda dealer I contacted in Knoxville, TN said it would cost nearly $300 to repair the problem (by replacing the entire system).”
NHTSA complaint #11676724, 2025

“Mazda supposedly repaired/replaced the backup camera issue under the recall. However, within one day it was doing the same thing again...the screen dims or flickers off when backing up the car. I told Mazda about that and they said I need a new screen, which would not be covered under the recall. This is a safety hazard that they should be required to address.”
NHTSA complaint #11667630, 2025

“The “spidering” on the infotainment screen is spidering making it hard to see when in reverse.”
NHTSA complaint #11680982, 2024

Service Brakes 13 1 crash

“I PARKED AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLIGHT INCLINE POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS IN SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION AT THAT TIME. MY FAMILY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WE WENT INSIDE OUR HOME. APPROXIMATELY A HALF OUR LATER I NOTICE MY CAR ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED IN BETWEEN TWO TREES ON MY PROPERTY. EITHER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED OR THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE PARKED. THE CAR WAS FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF MY PROPERTY STILL IN GEAR AND HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN THE ENGAGED POSITION.”
NHTSA complaint #11376902, 2020 · crash

“Parking brake does not fully disengage. This causes the rear brakes to wear prematurely and also has the potential to generate excessive heat.”
NHTSA complaint #11444337, 2021

“POWER BREAK BOOSTER FAILURE. MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11362823, 2020

Back Over Prevention 12

“It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of”
NHTSA complaint #11619306, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 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 shifted into reverse, the digital display screen flickered before going black and failed to display a proper rearview image. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that when the A/C was activated, the rearview image was flickering quickly. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recal…”
NHTSA complaint #11617493, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 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 not 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 #11591602, 2024

Power Train 9 1 crash

“I PARKED AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLIGHT INCLINE POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS IN SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION AT THAT TIME. MY FAMILY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WE WENT INSIDE OUR HOME. APPROXIMATELY A HALF OUR LATER I NOTICE MY CAR ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED IN BETWEEN TWO TREES ON MY PROPERTY. EITHER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED OR THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE PARKED. THE CAR WAS FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF MY PROPERTY STILL IN GEAR AND HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN THE ENGAGED POSITION.”
NHTSA complaint #11376902, 2020 · crash

“I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2016 Mazda 3 manual transmission, which experienced a sudden and complete clutch failure at less 60,000 miles — without any warning lights or diagnostic alerts. I am deeply concerned that: •There was no dashboard warning, even as the clutch system failed •The gear indicator was inaccurate in prior days, which may have been an early sign of failure •There was no protection mechanism to prevent complete drivetrain failure during normal use.”
NHTSA complaint #11678732, 2025

“Timing cover leak, all maintenance was completed before the service bulletin. This is a TSB but should be a recall for how common this issue is as they stated it could be caused from the assembly line during a pressurized test. “ This may be caused by oil escaping from a fine clearance created at the sealant applied to joint (A)between the cylinder block (B) and head (C) when the engine was pressurized during leak testing on the engine assembly line.” TSB Bulletin No.: 01-018/18. Timing cover issues are not something that should be happening under 100k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11434757, 2021

Engine 7

“Timing cover leak, all maintenance was completed before the service bulletin. This is a TSB but should be a recall for how common this issue is as they stated it could be caused from the assembly line during a pressurized test. “ This may be caused by oil escaping from a fine clearance created at the sealant applied to joint (A)between the cylinder block (B) and head (C) when the engine was pressurized during leak testing on the engine assembly line.” TSB Bulletin No.: 01-018/18. Timing cover issues are not something that should be happening under 100k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11434757, 2021

“RATTLING/FLUTTERING NOISE EVERYTIME I INITIALLY TURN THE CAR ON WITH AC. WHENEVER THE A/C WAS IS ON AND I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. NOW, IT DOES IT EVERYTIME I PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR WITHOUT THE A/C BEING ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11365257, 2020

“MY 2016 MAZDA 3 IS DOING THE SAME THING AS WHAT YOU JUST HAD A RECALL ON WITH THE SOFTWARE BUT MAZDA UPDATED THE SOFTWARE AND IT'S BACK AGAIN MY CAR IS HAVING TROUBLE GOING IT MISFIRES MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IT'S ON IT TAKES A LOT OF RPMS TO GO IT'S SUCKING UP MY GAS I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY BECAUSE MY CAR IS DYING MY FUSE BOX SMOKES EVERY NOW AND THEN AND I ONLY HAVE 45000 MILES THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING”
NHTSA complaint #11298609, 2020

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Visibility/Wiper 7

“It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of”
NHTSA complaint #11619306, 2024

“The windshield wipers work but the washer does not squirt the windshield washing fluid out and it the reservoir is full of fluid but there are certain days in which I need that to work because my visibility is greatly reduced which has made the risk of accident that much greater. it says there is a recall pertaining to this problem and the fix was a relay However nothing comes up for my specific car when I enter the Vin but I would like this problem fixed and I’m not sure how to go about it”
NHTSA complaint #11429167, 2021

“WINDSHIELD WIPER CONCERN RECALL ON MAZDA 3 VEHICLES.”
NHTSA complaint #11205926, 2019

Air Bags 6 3 crash 4 injury

“THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GOING WEST, ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MOTION HIT ME, BY THE TIME IT WAS OVER I WAS FACING EAST AND WENT UP A CURB AND INTO A WALL OF A HOMEOWNERS YARD”
NHTSA complaint #11365211, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“AIR BAGS AND BAD TIRES - I HYDROPLANED ON AN INTERSTATE AND TOTALED MY CAR AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. I LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND CONTINUED TO GO UP A 30FT EMBANKMENT. ON THE WAY BACK DOWN I TOOK OUT A VERY LARGE METAL LIGHT POLE WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AFTER INSPECTION OF MY CAR MY TIRES WERE BAD. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW IN 7 MONTHS AGO.”
NHTSA complaint #10904570, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10897585, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“Fuel Tank has corrosion that allows vapors to enter the passenger compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #11615166, 2024

“Recently noticed the odor of unburned gasoline, both inside and outside the vehicle. When driving, the ventilation system would flush this away in a few moments, but this phenomenon is new within the past few weeks. Our mechanic (not the dealer) traced the issue to the fuel tank, where the port for the fuel pump and sensors is located on top. This area is accessible by removing the rear seat cushion and a cover plate. He showed me how the fuel pump and sensor module has rusted to the thread of the port, preventing removal of the assembly, and that the port flange itself has rusted and has pin-…”
NHTSA complaint #11540753, 2023

“Front end passages side shaking with 60 mhg. And some time smelling gasoline when first started up my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11433978, 2021

Parking Brake 6 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND UNOCCUPIED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DISENGAGED AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED BACK AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,735.”
NHTSA complaint #11103438, 2018 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake became firm and failed to engage as needed, causing the rear passenger’s side brake pads to not respond as needed after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). The contact stated that the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the temperature of the brakes and noticed that the brakes were hotter than normal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed…”
NHTSA complaint #11637981, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (CJ WILSON MAZDA OF VENTURA, 6500 AUTO CENTER DR, VENTURA, CA 93003) AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED…”
NHTSA complaint #11048255, 2017

Seats 4 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED AND COLLAPSED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND INJURIES TO THE NECK AND LOWER BACK. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TAKEN AWAY BY AMBULANCE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10865664, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Nothing has happened yet but Ive done a bunch of research and a lot of the 3rd generation Mazda 3's all have the same airbag code 16 flashing on their dash and it's not on any recall list”
NHTSA complaint #11503213, 2022

“PROBLEM WITH MY 2016 MAZDA 3 4-DOOR. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION TRIM IS COMING OFF THE SEAT FRAME AT THE FRONT END. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE REPORTED IN TECHNICAL BULLETIN 09-025/19 EXCEPT THAT BULLETIN REFERS TO MODELS BUILD IN MEXICO, MINE WAS BUILT IN JAPAN. TULLEY MAZDA WANTS TO CHARGE ME $500 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART.”
NHTSA complaint #11280724, 2019

Structure 4 1 crash

“I PARKED AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLIGHT INCLINE POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS IN SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION AT THAT TIME. MY FAMILY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WE WENT INSIDE OUR HOME. APPROXIMATELY A HALF OUR LATER I NOTICE MY CAR ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED IN BETWEEN TWO TREES ON MY PROPERTY. EITHER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED OR THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE PARKED. THE CAR WAS FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF MY PROPERTY STILL IN GEAR AND HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN THE ENGAGED POSITION.”
NHTSA complaint #11376902, 2020 · crash

“WATER GETS INTO THE TRUNK AND FILLS UP THE SPARE TIRE WELL. CAUSING MOLD AND RUST INSIDE TRUNK. THROUGHOUT BARING INSIDE CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION COMPONENT EXPLODES DESTROYING THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION. PARKING BREAK DOESN'T DISENGAGE CORRECTLY CAUSING BRAKES TO WEAR DOWN QUICKLY. WATER GETTING INTO REAR BREAK CALIPERS MAKING THEM DEFECTIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MAINLY IN CITY STREET DRIVING BUT NOTICEABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11323902, 2019

“THE HOOD OF MY CAR COLLAPSED INTO AN ENORMOUS DENT WHILE PARKED IN A PRIVATE GARAGE. WHEN I WENT TO TO A BODY SHOP TO GET IT FIXED, I WAS SHOWN THAT THE METAL IS VERY FLIMSY FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HOOD. WHEN THE GENTLEMAN DROPPED THE HOOD BACK DOWN TO CLOSE IT, THE DENT ALMOST ENTIRELY POPPED OUT ON ITS OWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11057677, 2017

Steering 3

“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3.The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle's steering wheel would fail to operate as needed. The contact stated that an abnormal, clunking noise would emit from the steering wheel while turning at various speeds. The contact also stated that the steering wheel felt loose while driving at high speeds, fearing that he would lose control of the vehicle if he did not firmly grip the steering wheel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they acknowledged that the heard the noise coming from the vehi…”
NHTSA complaint #11737400, 2026

“MY CAR HAS 28330 MILES. I BOUGHT THE CAR TWO YEARS AGO. LAST WEEK I WAS PARK IN FROM OF MY HOUSE. IN THE MORNING, I GOT IN THE CAR AND MY STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T TURN. I TOOK IT TO MAZDA AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $3200 TO FIX THIS. THEY WON'T TELL MY WHAT HAPPEN OTHER THAN I NEED A NEW STEERING RACKS. I BARELY DRIVE THIS CAR, NEVER ROUGH, ALWAY SERVICE IT. THIS CAR IS TOO NEW TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. MAZDA WILL NOT EVEN TRY TO HELP ME. THIS CAR IS MY LIFELINE.”
NHTSA complaint #11300597, 2020

“MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I PULLED OVER AS BEST I COULD AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT RATS HAVE CHEWED THROUGH THE ENGINE HARNESS AND OTHER WIRING. THEY SAY THEY HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF CASES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS JUST LIKE THIS. THEY SAID THAT RATS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE COATING ON THE WIRES. MAZDA WON'T ISSUE A RECALL OR REPAIR THE WIRING. IT IS A FIRE HAZARD AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I GUESS THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE INJURED OR DIE BEFORE THEY FIX IT? MY CAR IS 18 MONTHS OLD WITH 7,062 MILES. I WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET IN BRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11019165, 2017

Chest Clip 2 1 crash

“The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not being able to tighten nor more. Yes the insurance first stated they would replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11578596, 2024 · crash

“When cleaning and adjusting the seat to move it to forward-facing, we discovered that two of the child harness straps (the crotch strap and one of the shoulder straps) had significant grooves cut into them, presumably by the plastic edges of the base. Given that this damage was not visible before moving the cover and adjusting the seat, and given that Graco advertises this seat as rear-facing from 4 to 50 pounds and forward-facing up to 65 pounds, a consumer wouldn't see or have any reason to expect this level of damage after about 3.5 years of use. I have to assume that this sort of severe we…”
NHTSA complaint #11533109, 2023

Seat Belts 2

“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side seat belt became inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt latch failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11656620, 2025

“Apparently all of sudden the front occupants seat belt had lock and malfunctioning to the point you are unable to pull the belt strap to securely wrapped around the passenger, took it to have it evaluated at the request of the auto maker, supposedly this what I understood from two separate auto repair shops ( Mazda) dealership and a reliable auto repair (Apex) shop stating that a spring loaded system mechanism part was actually missing and that the standard mechanical labor (code) cost for the repair were not (unknown) listed while the other suggested the whole seat belt needed to be replaced…”
NHTSA complaint #11448549, 2022

Suspension 2

“shock towers are disintegrating so the shocks would not be connected to anything.”
NHTSA complaint #11529819, 2023

“Front end passages side shaking with 60 mhg. And some time smelling gasoline when first started up my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11433978, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR THE THIRD TIME, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. *TT”
NHTSA complaint #11161973, 2018

“WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT IN MOUNTAIN VIEW AT CALIFORNIA AVE. IN CALIFORNIA , AS I PULLED AWAY FROM A RED LIGHT INTERSECTION AND I DECIDED TO DO A PASSING MANUEVER ON THE VEHICLE NEXT TO ME I FULLY DEPPRESED THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY AND FELT THE GAS PEDAL GIVE THE RIGHT AND MOVED TO THE LEFT AND QUICKLY LOST FEELING OF GAS PEDAL AND BECAME A SAFETY ISSUE AS A PULLED OVER I NOTICED THE DAMAGED GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY. TOOK THE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY AND THE LOOKED AT IT AND SEEN THE DAMAGE. THEY SAID THEY NEVER SEEN A ISSUE LIKE THIS BEFORE, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ANY DRIVER.”
NHTSA complaint #11024112, 2017

Carry Handle 1 1 crash

“The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not being able to tighten nor more. Yes the insurance first stated they would replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11578596, 2024 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CAR WAS SMOKING AFTER I DROVE IT NOT VERY FAR TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THERE CLAIMING SOFTWARE ISSUE MY CAR BATTERY IS ALMOST COMPLETELY DRAINED AND I JUST GOT THIS CAR SOMETIME KEYS WON'T WORK OR MY CAR WON'T START”
NHTSA complaint #11280729, 2019

Equipment 1

“MY BROTHER'S VEHICLE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE INSTALLING THE PROGRESSIVE SNAPSHOT DEVICE IN HIS 2006 JEEP COMMANDER. I PREVIOUSLY HAD ISSUES WITH MY 2016 MAZDA3 AFTER INSTALLING THE DEVICE. I REPORTED THE INCIDENTS TO PROGRESSIVE AND THEY ENDED ENROLLMENT IN THE PROGRAM FOR US EACH TIME AND REQUESTED FOR THE DEVICES BACK. HAVING YOUR CAR STALL WHILE DRIVING CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. AFTER REMOVING THE DEVICE FROM THE MAZDA3 I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS SINCE. WE HAVE REMOVED THE DEVICE FROM THE JEEP. I RESEARCHED AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE PROGRESSIVE SNAPSHOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11110653, 2018

Exterior Lighting 1 1 fire

“Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified. No warning lamps or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11565343, 2024 · fire

Lane Departure 1

“Manufacturer Recall No 6023G NHTSA Recall No. 23V-487 Rear View Camera has NOT been repaired. How long more do I have to wait for the repairs to start? It has been over 6 months since the recall notice went out but I have had the issue for years now. Please step in and make Mazda make good on their products. I have called several dealerships but they all tell me that only Mazda headquarters knows when the repairs kits will become available. So, when is that? Do we wait until more accidents happen so the lawsuits increase over this matter? Last time I checked they are still putting out thousa…”
NHTSA complaint #11564075, 2019

Tether 1 1 crash

“The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not being able to tighten nor more. Yes the insurance first stated they would replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11578596, 2024 · crash

Wheels 1 1 crash 1 injury

“AIR BAGS AND BAD TIRES - I HYDROPLANED ON AN INTERSTATE AND TOTALED MY CAR AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. I LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND CONTINUED TO GO UP A 30FT EMBANKMENT. ON THE WAY BACK DOWN I TOOK OUT A VERY LARGE METAL LIGHT POLE WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AFTER INSPECTION OF MY CAR MY TIRES WERE BAD. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW IN 7 MONTHS AGO.”
NHTSA complaint #10904570, 2016 · crash · 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 2016 Mazda Mazda3 draws about 9.3 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 15 among the Mazda Mazda3 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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