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: service brakes
14 reports, newest first. Show all
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)
Service brakes, Dec 19, 2021
Parking brake does not fully disengage. This causes the rear brakes to wear prematurely and also has the potential to generate excessive heat.
Power train, Structure, Service brakes, Nov 28, 2020, 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.
Service brakes, Oct 5, 2020
POWER BREAK BOOSTER FAILURE. MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP.
Power train, Structure, Service brakes, May 8, 2020
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
Service brakes, Nov 6, 2018
MY PASSENGER REAR CALIPER FROZE CAUSING THE PAD ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE TO WEAR DOWN TO METAL WHILE THE INBOARD PAD STILL HAD HALF OF ITS LIFE LEFT. THIS IS BEHAVIOR SIMILAR TO NHTSA RECALL 17V393000 BUT MY VIN DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN MAINLY ON THE HIGHWAY.
Service brakes, Jun 12, 2018
CAR SERVICED PER RECALL, NHTSA CAMP. NO. 17V393000, MAR. 2018. DEALER STATED NO CORROSION ON RAMP SHAFT FOUND, SO BOOTS INSTALLED W/OUT CALIPER REPLACEMENT. CAR BROUGHT TO DEALER JUN. 2018 B/C REAR BRAKE INDICATOR SQUEALING. DEALER FOUND THAT PISTON (POST-RECALL) HAD BOUND FOR UNKNOWN REASON. DEALER REPLACED CALIPER. OWNER TESTED PARKING BRAKE LEVER ON OLD CALIPER AND VERIFIED IT WAS NOT BINDING. (BUT OWNER COULD NOT REMOVE NUT TO CHECK FOR RUST AT 1.6MM AREA OF RAMP SHAFT.) OWNER REPORTING TO NHTSA B/C CONCERNED THAT MAZDA3 CALIPER-BINDING ISSUE MAY EXTEND NOT JUST TO RAMP SHAFT BUT ALSO TO OTHER PARTS OF CALIPER, INCLUDING PISTON.
Service brakes, May 22, 2018
PARKING BRAKE SAFETY RECALL ON THE MECHANICAL (CABLE) TYPE PARKING BRAKE, WATER MAY ENTER THE BRAKE CALIPER DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE SEALING PERFORMANCE OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER PROTECTIVE BOOT, PARTICULARLY UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, AND THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR SHAFT, WHICH IS THE COMPONENT OF REAR BRAKE CALIPER, MAY BE RUSTED.
Service brakes, Mar 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A FLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM BOTH REAR WHEELS THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD START TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BORMAN AUTOPLEX (470 W BOUTZ RD, LAS CRUCES, NM 88005 (575) 525-4500) WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,238. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Service brakes, Mar 15, 2018
PARKING BRAKE SAFETY RECALL
Parking brake, Service brakes, Nov 24, 2017
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 A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Parking brake, Service brakes, Nov 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OCEAN MAZDA DORAL (9675 NW 12TH ST, DORAL, FL 33172, PHONE NUMBER: (786) 464-1100), BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD BE NOTIFIED ONCE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Service brakes, Oct 21, 2017
NO ACCIDENTS RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED. DEALER CAN'T GET PARTS
Service brakes, Oct 15, 2017
IN AUGUST I RECEIVED NOTICE OF A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE OF A BRAKE PROBLEM. THE LETTER INSTRUCTED US TO WAIT FOR NOTIFICATION THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY TWO MONTHS SINCE I GOT THE NOTIFICATION. I HAVE CALLED THE COMPANY, AND THEY TELL ME THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. BECAUSE THE BRAKES ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF SAFETY, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT MAZDA HAS NOT PERFORMED THE REPAIRS IN A TIMELY MANNER.