2013 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Exterior lighting is the leading concern among 117 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 7 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateSep 6, 2016
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Campaign 16V644000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
18 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Nov 26, 2023
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 Mazda 3’s including mine.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Feb 16, 2023
Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2022
TRACKING NUMBER 11461728 ADDED INFORMATION EMAIL FROM MANUFACTURE MITSUBUSHI ELECTRIC INCORPORATED
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 21, 2022
The TCM - Transmission Control Module defected - gear lights disappear, down shifting problems, driving, stop in the middle of highway or road while driving, kick / jerk when ATF lights comes on goes off then check engine lights comes on all fluids has been changed drove good for a few days started again took to advance auto parts and auto zone codes stated electrical TCM computer issues, delayed shifting, check engine and ATF lights comes on , DTC codes U1000, LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TCM. The TCM overheats because it is sitting directly on the transmission, under the battery box. My child safety was put at risk daily. This car fails to stop at a traffic light, a slow response when approaching a stop sign or traffic light is dangerous and scary. Mazda's are not safe to drive with a bad TCM, When a driver cannot anticipate the acceleration or deceleration of this vehicle or any Mazda with a TCM the situation is very dangerous. I visited Flow Mazda 04/21/2022 Fayetteville North Carolina invoice number Q10296 took the part for viewing. THE dealership informed us that no one has this part and do not know if the will ever have another shipment. we contacted salvage yards received the same answer. I have sent 8 emails stating problems to the manufacture (Mitsubishi electric company) no response thus far. This is my daughter first year in college she saved her summer money 6600.00$ and purchased this car in March 16, 2022 from Knox auto sales 107 NC-55E, Dunn NC 28334. First day we had all fluids changed. The third day she went to visit her dad 20 minute drive ATF light came on went to auto zone code warning electrical communication, purchased new battery drove car for 5 days good took car to college in Charlotte came home birthday Friday check engine light and TCM code went to church Easter Sunday almost didn't make it home. According to the you tube channels and social media this is a known failure for Mazda automobiles Why are the cars being sold?
Power train, Jun 8, 2021
There is a loud winding sound sound coming from the transmission and sound of metal (broken teeth) as well. We took it to a Mazda dealer and they quickly identified the issue as a failing transmission. As a result I was able to find that a service bulletin aligned with this issue (TSB No. 0500414) and confirmed this with the dealer. This service bulletin indicates a manufacturing issue but only applied a warranty of 6 years or 60,000 miles. Yes, our car is over the 6 yrs and only 800 miles over the 60,000 miles, however, my concern is that this is a known issue that clearly becomes a safety issue. We got a price from the dealer of $4,500 for a new transmission so I took it to a transmission shop for a 2nd opinion. They confirmed the failing transmission and indicated the car should not be driven for safety reasons. They said the transmission is in bad shape and when it fails the car will just stop creating a very unsafe condition. They are able to find a used transmission and install it for an estimate of $2,700 but I believe this should be covered by Mazda due to the safety concerns. I have no choice to proceed with this replacement but hope that you can help to get Mazda's attention and have them stand behind this and cover this cost.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Mar 12, 2021
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
Power train, Dec 2, 2020
MY MAZDA 3 SEDAN WITH A 6 MT HAS AN ISSUE WHILE COASTING IN 4TH GEAR BETWEEN 25-40 MPH AND ACCELERATING UP HILL THAT THE GEAR WILL JUMP INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT DEPRESSION OF THE CLUTCH. THERE IS NO GRINDING OR OTHER ODD NOISES OTHER THAN THE SHIFTER SNAPPING OUT OF GEAR. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN ENOUGH THAT I HAVE BEGUN TO SKIP THE GEAR ENTIRELY.
Power train, Jan 6, 2020
SOMETIMES THE SHIFTER JUMPS OUT OF 3RD GEAR OVER A ROAD BUMP WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER DECELERATION AT 30-40 MPH. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHILE CITY/SUBURB DRIVING. IT'S STARTLING WHEN IT HAPPENS AND I TRY TO QUICKLY PUT THE CAR BACK IN A GEAR. IT WASN'T HAPPENING THAT FREQUENTLY BUT NOW IT'S ABOUT 1X/MONTH. THIS FIRST HAPPENED A FEW YEARS AGO.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 18, 2019
WHILE COASTING, APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES WILL MAKE THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER. AN ECU VOLTAGE MONITOR REGISTERS A DROP IN THE VOLTAGE THAT LASTS FOR AS LONG AS THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS. MAZDA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ECU WILL SOLVE IT. THEY OFFERED THIS FOR FREE UNDER THE 6YR/60K MILE WARRANTY BUT APPARENTLY DID NOT TELL THEIR CUSTOMERS.
Power train, Aug 16, 2017
SHIFT LEVER GEAR CONTROL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND APPLYING THE BRAKE FROM A STATIONERY POSITION
Power train, Jan 1, 2017
I HAD WARMED UP MY CAR FOR APPROX. 5 MINUTES ON 1/1/2017, DROVE APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES TO A NEARBY CITY, AND TURNED ONTO A CITY STREET DRIVING 30 MPH. I ARRIVED AT A TURN ONTO ANOTHER CITY STREET, COMPLETED THE TURN, AND AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, MY VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. AS I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, THE RPMS WOULD RISE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY COASTING DOWN THE STREET. I CHECKED THE GEAR SHIFTER, AND IT WAS STILL LOCATED IN THE DRIVE POSITION (AUTOMATIC) I THEN CHECKED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND IT SHOWED DRIVE WITH NO MAINTENANCE OR PROBLEM LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL, SO I CONTINUED DRIVING DOWN THE SAME STREET AND ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED. I FOLLOWED THE SAME PROCESS AS BEFORE AND THEN CONTINUED TO MY DESTINATION. I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE IS CAUSED BY SOMETHING FAULTY WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR RELATED COMPONENTS. IT SEEMS TO HAVE DONE THIS RANDOMLY OR WHEN SHIFTING INTO DIFFERENT GEARS. ALSO SEEMS FAULTY AS THEIR ARE NO OTHER INDICATORS OF AN ISSUE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AS IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN DURING MY TRANSIT TO WORK EACH DAY (VIA HIGHWAY, TRAVELING 65 MPH) THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ACCIDENT IS GREAT I BELIEVE. I HAVE CONDUCTED SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND MY FINDINGS INDICATE SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR TRANSMISSION, COSTING THEM UNNECESSARY DOLLARS AS WELL AS RISKING SAFETY BY SOMETHING I BELIEVE TO BE FAULTY EQUIPMENT. *TR
Power train, Sep 11, 2016
EXPERIENCING NOISY/CLUNKY SHIFTING WHEN MOVING UP OR DOWN BETWEEN 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. (LOWER TWO GEARS WORSE) HAPPENS WHETHER CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING BUT SEEMS WORSE WHEN STATIONARY, THOUGH THIS MAY BE DUE TO LESS ENGINE NOISE AND BEING ABLE TO FOCUS MORE ON THE ISSUE. STARTED TO HAPPEN BEFORE EVEN REACHING 50K MILES.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2016
WHEN BREAKING MY HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF. IT ONLY OCCURS WHEN BREAKING. SECOND ISSUE: WHEN BACKING UP FROM REVERSE GEAR AND PUTTING CAR INTO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES TO ENGAGE AND THE CAR SURGES FORWARD LIKE IT IS NOT IN GEAR. IT WILL ALSO MAKE A METAL ON METAL SOUND WHEN FOOT IS NOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIRD ISSUE: AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SHAKES. DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT BUT IT HAPPENS ALWAYS AT 55MPH.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2016
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
Power train, Jan 5, 2015
MY CAR HAS HAD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ISSUES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. INTERMITTENT LACK OF ACCELERATION AFTER COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, MAKING A SLOW TURN AND SLOWING DOWN THEN NEEDING TO SPEED UP ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE OF THE CAR'S INABILITY TO SPEED UP IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALER I GO TO HAS TEST DROVE IT AND SINCE THE PROBLEM DIDN'T OCCUR ON THE SHORT TEST DRIVE THEY COULDN'T GET MAZDA TO APPROVE THE REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN HAS DEALT WITH THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ON MULTIPLE MAZDA 3'S AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED MAZDA AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME TO POUND SAND, THAT THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT UNLESS IT OCCURRED WHILE THE DEALER TECH DROVE. THEY DIDN'T OFFER TO GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR SO THE TECH COULD KEEP IT FOR A FEW DAYS AND DRIVE IT, NOTHING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT MAZDA KNOWS ABOUT AND THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 7, 2014
I STARTED THE CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHIFTED INTO GEAR THE "AT" LIGHT CAME ON. BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE "TRANS VALVEBODY". LOOKS LIKE A RECURRING THEME HERE. THE CAR IS A 2013 MAZDA3 I GRAND TOURING HATCHBACK THAT IS ONLY ABOUT 7 MONTHS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 7000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2013
MY CAR SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF IT. I COASTED TO A STOP, STOPPED THE CAR, WAITED A BIT, THEN RESTARTED. IT WENT ABOUT HALF A MILE AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE DEALER SAID IT'S A FAULTY TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY (AND I WAS TOLD IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE, BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING HERE OR ON MAZDA'S WEBSITE). I WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE JUST GOTTEN OFF THE FREEWAY BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 13, 2013
MY NEW 2013 MAZDA3 WITH ONLY 3660 MILES FAILED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. FIRST, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE EVERY TIME I SHIFTED GEARS (MANUAL SHIFT.) THEN, I COULD NOT CHANGE GEARS AT ALL, AND THE ENGINE FAILED----I JUST BARELY GOT IT TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE IT QUIT ENTIRELY. THE DEALER SAYS THE CLUTCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I'VE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS. *TR