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.
Electrical system, May 7, 2024
The Mazda Connect touch screen in the center display does not accept touch commands properly or will often operate by itself (ghost touch). When it does this, even though I will have navigation on, it will interrupt the service to jump screens, causing me to lose guidance and force me to pull-over to try to deal with the issue. I have had to swerve in my lane trying to correct the issue until I have the opportunity to pull-over, and it has been dangerous to me and the folks on the road with me when this happens.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2024
Reverse camera stops working at random for several hours at a time. Mazda has issued a recall for this issue but has yet to offer repair
Back over prevention, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera, began to flicker, flashed, and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 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 failure mileage was approximately 20,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Carry handle, Shell, Base, Chest clip, Buckle, Harness, Tether, Lower anchor (on car seat or vehicle), Mar 20, 2024, 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.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Mar 1, 2024
A distorted or flickering rearview camera image while reversing could affect driver judgment, increasing the risk of a crash
Air bags, Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front driver's side door air bag and the front driver's seat air bag deployed. The contact sustained some busies due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and diagnostic testing. The dealer inspected the vehicle and determined the failure was the result of an accident. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by Progressive Insurance and noted the failure as a mechanical failure by the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 13, 2024, 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.
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jan 7, 2024
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 thousands of cars on the road...does that mean they are too busy to take care of these issues since, after all, they have already pocketed our monies and now we are pushed to the side as if we don't matter? I await great news.
Back over prevention, Oct 13, 2023
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2023
Infotainment system / center console doesn't work properly. Buttons would be pushed at random, changing stations and flipping thru menus. It deteriorated to the point where it would constantly reset itself, flashing a very bright (and not dimmable) Mazda logo over and over. Mazda insisted on charging for repairs so I have instead simply removed the center console instead. otherwise the bright flashing light at night was distracting to the point of dangerous.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2023
The backup camera is flickering and with distorted image. I called customer service but didn't provide information or solution of how to solve the issue even though they were aware of it.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2023
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-holes, allowing vapor to escape. He was able to put slight positive air pressure to the tank as a test, and was able to cause liquid fuel to escape from the holes. The tank was about 3/4 full at the time. This seems like a serious safety issue. The port and matching threaded parts (fuel pump / sensor module) that inserts there should be corrosion-proof. I can provide a photo of the affected area if needed; I would get the image file from my mechanic.
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2023
ac/heat knob will not go into max air due to a cable slipping off the mechanism behind the dash when it does this the heat will not work and it is hard to defrost your windows if they get fogged up while driving making it difficult to see
Chest clip, Buckle, Harness, Jul 18, 2023
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 wear compromises the strength of the straps and thus the safety of the seat if there were an accident (thank goodness we didn't have one). I have the seat still, and I contacted the manufacturer with pictures of the damage, and they did not seem to think it was out of the ordinary or alarming at all, just told me that they could send me a rebate for a discount on a new seat if I wanted since this one was out of warranty. I cannot believe that this is an acceptable and safe amount of normal wear. I can attest that we followed manufacturer instructions for care and install and did not use any cleaning products on the seat, submerge the seat, leave it outside, or do anything else that I can think of that would have constituted inappropriate care of the seat.
Suspension, Jun 30, 2023
shock towers are disintegrating so the shocks would not be connected to anything.
Air bags, Seats, Jan 23, 2023
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
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2022
The rear backup camera on my vehicle goes on and off or dims considerably when I back up, not allowing me to see cars and people potentially behind me. This is associated, I believe, with an issue with the screen and infotainment system of the car, which I had checked out on 9/24/21 at a Mazda dealership. The screen goes on and off constantly, not allowing me to use the radio, bluetooth, etc. They said it is a chip issue that they have seen in many other Mazda 3's from 2016. Not being able to listen to the radio is one thing, but having the backup camera not work or work improperly is a safety issue.
Seat belts, Jan 23, 2022
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 I strongly feel this should be a safety related issue for both the driver and passenger seat belts should be recalled and carefully looked into for driver/passenger safety reasons.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2022
There is a main board failure that controls the information screen and back up camera The part number is TC3M-66-9C0B . The screen will keep rebooting not allowing the back up camera to work. According to Mazda dealer personal Mazda will not cover this. This is know to be a regular problem with many of these cars
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2021
I have had to replace the battery on this vehicle three times in the last year. I have taken it to Mazda who replaces the battery. No excessive electrical power is being used with in the car. The car is driven regularly as well.
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.
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2021
In mid-2021, the Mazda Connect infotainment system suddenly stopped working. Upon starting the car, the software boots over and over again. The Bluetooth is inoperable; radio plays but I cannot change stations; steering wheel functionality of these features is absent; backup camera is intermittent and dimmer. The latter is a safety issue. The Mazda dealer diagnosed a malfunction of the connectivity master unit (CMU) and said they have had a rash of the same problem with 2016's recently.
Power train, Engine, Sep 28, 2021
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.
Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2021
Front end passages side shaking with 60 mhg. And some time smelling gasoline when first started up my car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2021
The infotainment system fails to work - it is where I can access information re: maintenance schedule, or any info that is associated with a lit engine light. In addition the charging system for my mobile phone has ceased working. This includes both the usb ports and the lighter port which can be adapted with a charger that works in that receptable. These are all safety issues as far as I am concerned. Not having information related to the vehicle engine light is a big issue, but so is the fact that I can't charge my phone on long distance drives. If I needed assistance, I would be unable to contact anyone without a working cell phone. Because the display also controls the ability to pair a phone with blue tooth, there is concern for other drivers of the Mazda 3 (mine is a 2016) will be using the phone regardless of the bluetooth malfunction. I have seen a safety recall on other Mazda's with relation to the infotainment screen, but I do not see one here. I wonder why? To repair this crucial component would cost many hundreds of dollars -- something I am not in a position to do. Mazda claims this infotainment center is not under warranty, but with so much important information and safety features embedded into it, I think it should be corrected by recall. Thank you for investigating this issue. Regina