2016 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 103 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 7 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 5 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
Visibility, windshield wiper/washerApr 4, 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
Campaign 19V272000 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, storageSep 23, 2016
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
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 recirculation pipe 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 0216I.
Campaign 16V685000 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
103 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Sep 11, 2026
After speaking with Mazda customer support, the sales department at Germain Mazda of Columbus, and the service department of Mazda Columbus, I have come to learn that in response to recall 1217F XXX17V-393, the dealership that performed the recall only performed an inspection with no repair or replacement made to the vehicle. The recall notice does not indicate that this is an option. Please see excerpt below: "Your Mazda dealer will check the parking brake actuator shafts inside the left and right rear brake calipers. If the actuator shaft is found to be rusted, the brake caliper assembly will be replaced with a modified one. If no rust is found on the actuator shaft, the protective boot will be replaced with a modified one. The inspection and repair will be performed at no cost to you." (from [XXX]) From my conversations with the three departments, no work was done for this recall on my vehicle beyond an inspection finding that the recalled component is still working. Additionally, I was not informed of this recall or that no repairs or replacement were made in response to the recall despite it being closed as completed when I purchased the vehicle. Coming out of this previous Winter, my parking brake quickly began to fail and became useless by Spring of this year. I am on the phone with Mazda customer service again now who once again confirmed ONLY an inspection was performed despite the language in the recall notice. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, May 12, 2026
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 vehicle; however, they could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2026
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 condition due to the complete loss of instrument panel functionality. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2025
The “spidering” on the infotainment screen is spidering making it hard to see when in reverse.
Power train, Aug 6, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2025
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).
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 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.
Seat belts, Apr 24, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2025
The 2014 Mazda3 I own has a known "Mazda Connect Touch Screen Concern" in August 2019 in which the Mazda Connect touch screen does not accept touch commands in part of the screen. I called Mazda and they said there are not any recalls for this but they did acknowledge this was an issue.
Parking brake, Jan 23, 2025
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 that the parking brake actuator was rusted on the inside. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 188,900.
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2024
I am now experiencing the problems outlined in [XXX] approximately 18 months after the extended warranty period has ended for me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Back over prevention, Nov 15, 2024
My 2016 Mazda 3 has had a faulty rearview camera, computerized controls, and monitor display screen for over 2 years now. I am not sure if there is a problem with the electrical system because I have lost the ability to turn on the navigation function, the stereo function, and to see the vehicle maintenance information with non-functioning electrical controls and display screen. Sometimes the monitor display would show a blank screen or a fuzzy screen which is a safety hazard especially when I'm driving my vehicle in reverse and could potentially cause an accident. There has been a recall on the rearview camera since July 2023. I have contacted the Mazda dealership multiple times, and they have repeatedly said that the rearview camera parts are still not available. This is unacceptable because it seriously compromises my safety and the safety of others if I cannot safely back up my vehicle when driving due to the faulty rearview camera, computerized controls and monitor display screen. There should also be a recall on the computerized controls and monitor display screen.
Back over prevention, Nov 7, 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 the rearview camera image was distorted or failed to display an image while reversing. 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 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2024
NHTSA Recall # 23V-487 Manufacturer Recall # 6023G issued July 14, 2023 After repeated phone calls to the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, the recall has not been fixed. I have been told that the parts are not available. As of this date, 16 months after the recall, Mazda has not fixed the problem. I have been told by the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, that parts are not available. The manufacturer told me that they have no date when parts will be available. I have asked to speak with a Manager at the Manufacturer and was told that there is no one else to talk to except Customer Service. I asked for a contact at the Corporate level that I could send an email to, and was told that there was no email address available. They have suggested that I get it fixed at my own cost and submit a claim that may or may not be reimbursed. I consider the distorted rear view camera picture to be a safety hazard when backing up. I believe that 16 months should be plenty of time to fix this problem and that Mazda just does not want to fix a manufacturing problem on a 8 year old car.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Back over prevention, Oct 11, 2024
It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of
Back over prevention, Oct 1, 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 in reverse, the digital display screen flickered before going black. The display screen failed to produce a proper image after powering on independently. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back over prevention, Oct 1, 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 recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back over prevention, Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the digital screen went blank and was repaired previously under an extended warranty. The contact then 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 in reverse, the digital screen displayed a distorted image. In addition, the failure was occasionally self-corrected after opening and closing the trunk of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. 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 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2024
Fuel Tank has corrosion that allows vapors to enter the passenger compartment.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2024
Rear view camera intermittently cuts out. Recall was issued 07/14/23 yet there is no fix yet??? Mazda Recall #: 6023G NHTSA Recall #: 23V-487
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2024
The recall related to the rear backup camera has not been addressed and it is more than a year later. I just got off the phone with a Mazda representative and they still do not have a solution nor know when one might be available. I would like to sell my car but with a defective backup camera and view screen, I will have trouble doing so and/or won't get as much for the vehicle as I should. I have a 5 year old and I don't feel safe driving this vehicle, as the rearview camera turns off suddenly at times when I am reversing the vehicle. I would like to submit a compliant for negligence on Mazda's part and urge you to do something to make them fix this defect. Thanks.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jun 3, 2024
The rear parking assist camera has only worked intermittently since I purchased the car. There is really no pattern to when or why the camera chooses to work or not work, but It seems most affected by opening and closing the rear hatch: if it's working and i open the hatch, it stops working; if it's not working, opening/closing it will often cause it to work again. This is a problem because parking/backing up becomes a challenge when it's not working. This puts my safety at risk because it increases the chances of me having a fender bender when in reverse.
Back over prevention, May 30, 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.
Structure, May 30, 2024
UNKOWN