2019 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 74 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 3 involved a crash. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency brakingDec 19, 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
Campaign 19V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearJul 29, 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.
Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3919G.
Campaign 19V558000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, head restraintJul 5, 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3819F.
Campaign 19V514000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineJun 27, 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
Campaign 19V497000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsJun 7, 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
A wheel separating from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the front and rear wheel lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3519F.
Campaign 19V425000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelMay 14, 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.
Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.
Campaign 19V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2025
Driver side door handle failed. Cannot enter or exit through driver side door. If something were to happen that we need to get out in an emergency situation we cannot exit through the driver side door. No damage occurred. Just stopped working
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2025
For the seat belt it does not retract back and there was no issue before. It suddenly stopped working and all of the seatbelt is out. This is a safety issue for anyone sitting in the front passenger seat. For the unknown part the button in the trunk to pull the back passenger seats down suddenly stopped working and no issues before then. I’m more concerned with the seat belt because this is a huge safety concern and issue. The seatbelt does not retract at all, leaving it completely extended and unusable. This issue occurred without any prior incident, accident, or external damage—it simply stopped working. This failure poses a serious safety risk, as the seatbelt cannot properly restrain a passenger in case of a sudden stop or crash. I have checked for recalls on my vehicle but found none related to this issue. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue, as it may indicate a manufacturing defect. If necessary, I would also like to request a recall or manufacturer repair program to address this safety concern.
Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2024
The engine coolant system/electronic coolant control valve is known for failing on the N/A Skyactiv-G engine. When it fails, it fails stuck open. There is a TSB out for this problem (01-011/21). This results in the engine coolant never making it to operating temperature, and poor heater performance during cold weather. When I took it to a dealer, they stated that the check engine light must come on from DTC P0126:00 before they can address the problem under warranty. Even after driving the car and having 30+ minute drives where the temperature gauge never makes it past the first tick (blue), I haven't had the check engine light come on. It's unclear what circumstances are required for DTC P0126:00 to occur, but I've never had a car essentially not get warm during an entire 30+ mile highway drive, even when it's 0 fahrenheit outside. It appears like this is a degenerative problem as I did not have this problem last cold season. This year, since the first day it has been colder than about 45 degrees, the engine has struggled to reach operating temperature, and of course is even worse now that it is colder. Without the heated seat, it would be difficult to be comfortable in this car due to this problem.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 1, 2023
Vehicle will over heat and then show warning messages that auto light system malfunction and engine will shut off randomly.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 26, 2021
VEHICLE IN MOTION AT 65 MPH. VERY SMALL ROCK CHIP BREAKS GLASS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT CALLING FOR COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. GLASS IS HIGHLY FRAGILE AND TOO THIN. SECOND OCCURRENCE IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 31, 2020
I DRIVING UPHILL ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. AS I STARTED TO SLOW TO TURN THE SMART BRAKE SUPPORT FLASHED BRAKE ON MY DASH AND IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED THE BRAKES AND STOPPED THE CAR. THE ROAD HAD A VERY SLIGHT CURVE WITH A FEW CARS PARKED. THERE WERE NO OTHER MOVING VEHICLES IN THE AREA. IF A CAR HAD BEEN BEHIND ME IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE SYSTEM HAS GIVEN FALSE WARNINGS A LOT BUT THIS WAS THIS FIRST TIME THAT IT STOPPED THE CAR. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 DAYS LATER AND THEY TESTED THE CAR AND SAID IT IS WORKING NORMALLY.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 27, 2020
RADAR CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND SAFETY SYSTEMS MALFUNCTION FREQUENTLY. SAFETY SYSTEMS COMPLETELY DISABLE WITHOUT WARNING PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING. RADAR CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK RANDOMLY. MAZDA DEALERSHIP CAN'T REPLICATE THE ISSUE. OTHER 2019 MAZDA 3 OWNERS HAVE THE EXACT ISSUE AND NO RECALL OR FIX HAS BEEN ISSUED. *TR
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 29, 2020
FAIL SBS AND SISTEM OF DETECTION OF PROXIMITY
Steering, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2020, crash
JAN. 23, 2020. 10:45 AM. I WAS ON MY STREET, A NARROW RESIDENTIAL STREET, PREPARING TO BACK IN MY GARAGE. IN ORDER TO DO THAT ON THIS NARROW STREET, I TOUCHED THE LIP OF THE DRIVEWAY ACROSS THE STREET. SPEED WELL UNDER 3 MPH. WHEN I DID SO, MY CAR SUDDENLY SHARPLY ACCELERATED AND AT THE SAME TIME SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. THE ACCELERATION AND SWERVE DROVE THE CAR INTO THE TOWNHOUSES ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE. THE DRIVEWAYS ARE VERY SHORT, BARELY A CAR'S LENGTH. AFTER CRASHING, I COULD FEEL THE CAR STILL ACCELERATING. I QUICKLY SWITCHED THE CAR INTO PARK AND THE SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION CONTINUED. IN ORDER TO STOP IN I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF. WHEN THE TOWING COMPANY TURNED THE CAR ON LATER IT IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATE AND SURGE FORWARD AGAIN. THE MAZDA DEALER AND INSURANCE INSPECTOR EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE IS A SENSOR: WHEN A WHEEL ENCOUNTERS WHAT IT PERCEIVES TO BE AN OBSTACLE, IT 'TOSSES' ALL THE POWER TO THAT WHEEL AND ACCELERATES. THESE DRIVEWAYS HAVE A SMALL LIP AT THE EDGE. THIS SENSOR REACTED TO IT IN A WAY THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO CRASH. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THE TOWNHOUSES ACROSS THE STREET DAMAGED. THANK HEAVEN THERE WAS NO ONE OUTSIDE OR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED, RECALLED AND CHANGED.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 20, 2020
VEHICLE IS 2 MONTHS OLD AND THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING IS GOING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITH NO CARS AROUND. TODAY IT WENT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND LUCKILY THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS PAYING ATTENTION. I CALLED THE DEALER TO ASK ABOUT SERVICING THE RECALL AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE A SOLUTION. WHEN I TOLD THEM I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THANK GOODNESS YOU DIDN'T AND IF THERE WAS ANYTHING ELSE THEY COULD HELP ME WITH. ZERO OFFERS TO HELP OR CONCERN FOR AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 6, 2019
CAR HAS GIVEN MULTIPLE WARNINGS THAT DRIVER AND SAFETY ASSIST FEATURES ARE DISABLED -- DESPITE NOT BEING ENABLED. CAR ALSO GAVE A CAMERA MALFUNCTION WARNING APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE BEFORE SLAMMING ON BRAKES UNEXPECTEDLY AT 35-40MPH AND CAUSING INJURY TO DRIVER;INCIDENT OCCURRED AT CLEAR NIGHT WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND. CAR CURRENTLY IN SHOP; NO WORD ON WHAT CAUSED THIS OR WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2019
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE RIGHT SIDE BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK OCCASIONALLY. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS WITH A WARNING MESSAGE BUT SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS WITHOUT A WARNING. MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE BUT THE ISSUE STILL KEEPS HAPPENING. MAZDA IS TRYING TO WORK ON THIS ISSUE BUT IS NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEIR VEHICLES.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2019
MY CAR'S COLLISION WARNING ENGAGED WITHOUT CAUSE. IT MAKES THE CAR BRAKES ABRUPTLY FOR NO REASON. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS DURING HIGHWAY SPEED. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES SO FAR IN THE 4 MONTHS THAT I OWN THE CAR. SOME OTHER OWNERS ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2019
THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING, MOST RECENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATES STATING "SAFETY AND DRIVER SUPPORT SYSTEMS PARTIALLY DISABLED, DRIVE SAFELY". I LOSE BLIND SPOT MONITORING, LANE KEEP ASSISTANCE, RADAR, AND CITY BRAKE SUPPORT, AMONG OTHER THINGS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 WEEKS.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 2, 2019
- REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. HOT DAYS WILL BREAK DOWN THE ADHESIVE AND CAUSE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO FALL OFF. - BRAKES VIBRATE HARSHLY WHEN IN SPORT MODE. FASTER THE VEHICLE GOES, THE MORE HARSH THE BRAKES WILL VIBRATE. - ACCELERATION IS JERKY ON LOW END (1ST/2ND) GEAR. IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, OR GOING UP-HILL ON LOAD, ACCELERATION WILL FEEL JERKY WHEN TRY TO KEEP A STEADY SPEED BETWEEN 5-15MPH. CAR FEELS NORMAL WHEN PUSHING THE ACCELERATION HARDER.