2015 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 129 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 8 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJul 14, 2023
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Campaign 23V487000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeJun 22, 2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
Campaign 17V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblySep 22, 2016
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.
Campaign 16V684000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyDo not drive until repairedOct 2, 2015
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's fuel shut-off valve. As needed, the fuel shut-off valve and the affected fuel tank emissions system components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repairs have been completed. Mazda will provide rental cars until that time. Owners may contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8615J.
Campaign 15V621000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
26 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2025
The vehicle automator mileage was changed. The original mileage reading is over 200,000 mi. While the dashboard mileage only reads 90,780 mi. I was unaware of this until I went to the DMV to do a title transfer. The private seller is now nowhere to be found from Facebook marketplace and has blocked me but I do have receipts of everything
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2024
I am filing this complaint regarding existing Manufacturer Recall Number 6023G (NHTSA Recall Number 23V-487). This recall has been posted since Jul 14, 2023 and the manufacturer has failed to remedy the recall in a timely manner. The remedy is noted on the recall page: "If inspections verify there is image distortion or flickering, the rearview camera will be replaced with a new part and a wiring harness fastening seal will be added." However, the manufacturer continues to state that the remedy is not yet available.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2024
The problem I have is with my rearview camera, as described in Manufacturer Recall Number 6023G / NHTSA Recall Number 23V-487. This problem has existed since I purchased the car in November 2022. The recall was announced on 7/14/23. Mazda has failed to provide a remedy. Dealers report that they don't have the parts needed to make the repair and that no remedy has been provided by Mazda. It is meaningless to have a recall if the manufacturer doesn't fix the problem. This is a serious safety issue as when the problem occurs, it is not possible to see behind the car via the camera/screen.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2024
The infotainment system sometimes has "ghost touches" where random buttons on the screen are pressed without a physical press. This is dangerous because it is extremely distracting to the driver. It often changes songs or calls a random person on my phone contact list. This requires me to quickly and constantly press the "back" button for the infotainment system to prevent it from placing a call. This forces my attention and hands away from the core task of driving while the car is in motion.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2024
Mazda opened a recall on the rearview camera not working properly almost one year ago and still has not supplied a remedy. REference: 6023G | Jul 14, 2023 #23V-487
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2023
My 2015 Mazda is equipped with a touch screen infotainment system. The touch screen has started to randomly change settings when the car is stopped (and running). Since correcting these changes can't be done while the car is stopped (more random changes occur), changes must be made while the car is in motion. This creates a dangerous situation by needlessly distracting the driver.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2023
The infotainment center is "ghosting". This is a problem already recalled by Mazda but my car was not included. This started about 10 months ago. The result is that the gps system will shut down, the car, if linked to my phone will automatically dial random numbers, the radio stations will randomly change or be deleted. The GPS system has now become completely non functional. Having this random activity while driving or stopped creates a hazard as it requires frequent adjustments using my hands to correct the problems. The lack of a functioning gps is also problematic. This problem was brought to the attention of a Mazda dealer about 6 months ago and I was told no warranty repair was available. I also contacted Mazda USA by phone and was told no service would be provided. I have also sent a certified letter to Mazda USA with no response.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2022
The multifunction / infotainment display in my Mazda went haywire last weekend--it loops through bootup sequence over and over but never loads. Backup camera still works, sort of, but the image jumps and it goes blank sometimes. I can't unplug the display or pull the fuse, or would lose backup camera altogether. So I have no Nav system, can't change radio station, etc.--and am stuck with the 7" screen flashing in my face as I drive. Local Mazda dealer advises that this is caused by cell phone transition to 5G. They took my contact info but did not offer any solution. There have been a couple of local news stories this week about other Mazda owners experiencing this issue. Interestingly, those all seem to report that owners' radios are stuck on a local NPR station. Mine is also stuck on one station, but not the NPR affiliate. https://www.geekwire.com/2022/youre-listening-to-kuow-like-it-or-not-mysterious-glitch-has-mazda-drivers-stuck-on-public-radio/
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2020
GOOD AFTERNOON, MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE GHOSTING ISSUE WITH MY INFOTAINMENT SCREEN. THIS IS HAPPENING IN MANY MAZDA 3'S THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD AS IT IS DISTRACTING WHILE WE ARE DRIVING. CURRENTLY IT IS A WARRANTY ISSUE BUT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL INSTEAD AND I SHOULDNT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED. MY REASONING FOR THIS IS WHEN I AM DRIVING THE SCREEN WILL GO CRAZY AND SELECT WHAT IT WANTS TO AND PLACE CALLS AND GO INTO A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT AREAS. THIS CAUSE ME AND OTHER DRIVERS TO TAKE OUR EYES OF THE ROAD AND ALSO OUR HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL TO CANCEL CALLS OR TO EXIT WHERE THE SCREEN DECIDES TO GO.THIS IN TURN CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT OTHERS ON THE ROAD AS WELL. THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THE TOUCH FEATURE IN THE SETTINGS ITSELF SO I CANT DISABLE THIS FUNCTION IF I WANTED TO WITHOUT TAKEN APART THE DASH AND VOIDING MY WARRANTY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY, IN MOTION, IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS OFF AND ON THROUGH THE WEEK.
Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2019
BOUGHT NEW IN 2015. INFOMAT SYSTEM REBOOTS 3 OR 4 TIMES WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 40 DEGREES AT START UP IN A UNHEATED GARAGE ALSO WHILE DRIVING AND COLD ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. TOOK TO DEALER A COUPLE TIMES, AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM WHILE STILL WARRANTED, ALL THEY DID WAS REBOOT THE SYSTEM. STILL DOING IT AFTER 4 YEARS. VERY FRUSTRATING, BUT NOW IT'S ON MY DIME. ONE TIME IT WENT COMPLETELY BLACK, SO I FIGURED OUT HOW TO REBOOT IT.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2019
MAZDA INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY PROBLEM: THE TOUCH PANEL ON MY 2015 MAZDA3 OPERATES BY ITSELF AND DOES NOT ACCEPT TOUCH COMMANDS PROPERLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST MY CAR, BUT A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH FOR "MAZDA 3 INFOTAINMENT GOING CRAZY" RETURNED SEVERAL THOUSAND ARTICLES AND VIDEOS FROM FRUSTRATED MAZDA CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. THESE DEFECTIVE DISPLAYS CREATE HAZARDOUS DRIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR ME AND OTHERS WHO LIVE IN STATES WITH 'HANDS-FREE' LAWS.
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2019
THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM HAS A GHOST FEATURE: IT STARTS TO DIAL NUMBERS AUTOMATICALLY, CHANGE STATIONS WITHOUT ANY USER INPUT AND MANY OTHER DISRUPTIONS AS IF THERE IS A CLOUD MONKEY INSTALLED IN THE SYSTEM. ISSUE EXISTS AFTER RESETTING THE SYSTEM. THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN OFF THE SYSTEM AND I AM JUST DRIVING AROUND WITH THE SYSTEM BEEPING ALL THE WAY. IT IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING AND IS AFFECTING THE DRIVING. MAZDA DEALER CHARGED $150 TO SAY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE IS TO REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: COST $1500. I REACHED OUT TO MAZDA USING THEIR OWNER'S PORTAL AND GOT NO RESPONSE. ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME SOMEONE GETS INTO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS HIDDEN FEATURE OF MAZDA.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2019
THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS WHILE THE CAR IS BEING OPERATED, CREATING A SERIOUS DISTRACTION FOR THE DRIVER. FOR EXAMPLE, THE SYSTEM CAN BE TUNED TO THE RADIO AND THEN IT WILL RANDOMLY SWITCH TO THE PHONE FUNCTION AND DIAL A NUMBER AGAIN AT RANDOM FROM MY CONTACTS LIST.TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE CALL DOESN'T WORK AS IT KEEPS DIALING OR WILL REDIAL. THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. IT WILL ALSO AT TIMES CHOOSE A RADIO STATION WHICH IS NOT THE ONE THAT HAS BEEN SELECTED. WHILE THESE MAY SOUND MINOR THEY CREATE A HAZARD BECAUSE THE DRIVER IS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE COMMUNICATIONS FEATURES WHEN THEY TAKE ON A LIFE OF THEIR OWN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2019
TAKATA RECALL THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS GOING HAYWIRE, MAKING GHOSTS SELECTIONS SUCH AS CALLING PPL, SELF SELECTING SETTINGS AND ALL OTHER BUTTONS AT RANDOM TIMES DURING DRIVING WHICH HAS BECOME EXTREMELY DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE TO MAZDA BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. ALL THEY WILL OFFER IS SWAPPING IT FOR ANOTHER INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM THAT WILL EVENTUALLY DO THE SAME THING AGAIN AT THE CUSTOMERS EXPENSE. THIS TAKES PLACE WHILE THE CAR IS TRAVELING AT 5MPH OR LESS SO IT MOST FREQUENTLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM SLOWING TO TAKE TURNS OR TRAVELING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND WHILE AT A STOP AT RANDOM TIMES. I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE SYSTEM ONCE IT STARTS GLITCHING AND MAKING CALLS AND CHANGING SETTINGS OR DIALING NUMBERS, I CANT HANG UP IM FORCED TO DISCONNECT THE BLUETOOTH FROM THE PHONE BUT THAT ONLY PREVENTS IT FROM MAKING CALLS IT STILL CONTINUES TO GO TO THE SETTING AT PRESS RANDOM BUTTONS
Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2018
ON 11/19 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 PM TRAVELING AT ABOUT 20 MPH ON A TWO LANE STREET WITH NO VISIBLE VEHICLES AROUND A POP SOUND FOLLOWED BY GLASS ROLLING OFF THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE OCCURRED; A FAILURE OF THE SUNROOF.
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2017
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2017
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY LEAVING WORK WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG, THEN NOTICED MY SUNROOF HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT. I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE AND TO SEE WHAT COULD HAVE HIT ME, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY IMPACT- WITH BARELY ANY GLASS INSIDE THE CAR. THE BREAK LOOKS LIKE IT EXPLODED OUTWARDS.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2017
REARVIEW CAMERA- HAS NOT CONSISTENTLY WORKED FOR TWO YEARS - I GET EITHER A BLACK SCREEN WITH THE STANDARD BACKUP WARNING, A FLICKERING/ROLLING SCREEN, NO CHANGE FROM HAVING IT IN DRIVE/PARK OR IT WORKS. THE FLICKERING SCREEN DOES SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE ON DAMP/WET DAYS, BUT CAN HAPPEN ANYTIME. HAVING LIMITED NECK MOVEMENT, THIS DEVICE IS ESSENTIAL. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER, SEEMS TO WORK, SHOWED THEM VIDEOS, THEY SAY UNLESS THEY SEE THE CAMERA IN OPERATION, NOTHING CAN BE DONE. ATTACHED IS ONE STILL PHOTO (TAKEN 8 SEP 17, I ALSO HAVE A VIDEO OF THE ROLLING SCREEN.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2017
I HAVE HAD MY MAZDA 3 AS A BRAND NEW CAR SINCE 2015. JUST 2 YEARS LATER, MY AC COMPRESSOR FAILS AND I HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THERE ARE NOT EVEN PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE AC COMPRESSOR YET. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECGANIC, THEY THINK IT JUST NEEDS A RECHARGE. BUT, AFTER THE SERVICE, THE AIR IS STILL NOT BLOWING COLD. THE AC COMPRESSOR IS FROZEN. THE AC COMPRESSORS ON MAZDAS ARE FAULTY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE SAME ON MY 2006 MAZDA, JUST A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING IT. I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING MAZDA AGAIN.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2017
ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017 AT 11:00 A.M., I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 MAZDA 3 (S TOURING) BACK TO KNOXVILLE, TN FROM YORK, PA. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF OF DRIVING (NEAR SHIPPENSBURG, PA), I HEARD A LOUD SOUND LIKE A GUN SHOT AND DEBRIS HITTING THE TOP OF THE CAR AND THEN REALIZED THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. I WAS IN LIGHT TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY, TRAVELING AT THE 70 MPH SPEED LIMIT. I WAS NOT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE NOR WAS MY CAR STRUCK BY ANYTHING FROM THE ROAD OR THE AIR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET ABOUT MY SITUATION, I LEARNED THAT THE NHTSA REFERS TO THIS PROBLEM AS "SPONTANEOUS SUNROOF BREAKAGE."
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2016
THE CAR HAD A CATASTROPHIC ELECTRICAL FAILURE, MAZDA IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE. I HAVE ASKED MAZDA AND THE DEALER BY PHONE, EMAIL, AND POSTAL MAIL WHAT I SHOULD DO IF THIS OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE GOTTEN NO RESPONSE FROM MAZDA. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET, DURING THE DAY OF 8/11/16,ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I PULLED IN TO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN (PUSH BUTTON) AND NOTHING HAPPENED; NO LIGHTS, NO SOUNDS. I WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES AND TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN. THIS TIME IT STARTED. I TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, NOTHING HAPPENED. I CALLED MAZDA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER. ON 8/20/16 THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMED THAT MORE THAN 60 ERROR CODES HAD GONE ON A ONCE, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE. I HAVE EMAILED AND WRITTEN TO MAZDA ASKING IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, ASKING IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN AGAIN WOULD THE AND WHAT I SHOULD DO IF IT HAPPENS. MORE THAN A MONTH HAS PASSED AND I HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM MAZDA.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2016, 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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2015
RADIATOR HOSE DISCONNECTED WHICH DRAINED ANTIFREEZE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO RUN HOT.
Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2015
WHEN THE CAR IS GETTING WET AND RUNNING IN A HUMPS WE ALWAYS HEARD A SQUEAKING OR CRACKING SOUNDS ON THE FRONT WHEEL, LIKELY ITS IN FRONT SHOCK, I GUESS