The Used Car Index

2016 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

NHTSA lists 104 complaints for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3, 7 of them mention a crash and 1 mention a fire. 4 complaints mention an injury, with 5 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as MAZDA MAZDA3.

At a glance

Complaints
104
With crash
7
With fire
1
With injury (complaints)
4
Injuries
5
Deaths
0
Recalls
6
Do not drive recalls
1
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
236,100
Investigations
0
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
667

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. The available sales group does not match this vehicle variant.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2221.2%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2120.2%
SERVICE BRAKES1413.5%
BACK OVER PREVENTION1211.5%
POWER TRAIN98.7%
ENGINE76.7%
VISIBILITY/WIPER76.7%
AIR BAGS65.8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM65.8%
PARKING BRAKE65.8%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY4
BACK OVER PREVENTIONREARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONSENSING SYSTEM2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS2
EQUIPMENTELECTRICAL1
LANE DEPARTUREBLIND SPOT DETECTION1
SEAT BELTSFRONT1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
electrical electronic2524.0%0.94
visibility or lighting1817.3%0.89
mechanical failure1716.3%0.81
unclear1312.5%0.85
loss of control1110.6%0.84
restraint or airbag87.7%0.96
fluid or fuel leak54.8%0.73
structural or corrosion32.9%0.85
fire or overheating21.9%0.78
noise or comfort21.9%0.91
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate6764.4%0.88
low2524.0%0.67
high87.7%0.98
none32.9%0.65
critical11.0%0.98

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 104 tagged complaints of 104 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

6 recalls.

23V487000

Date: 2023-07-14. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

19V272000

Date: 2019-04-04. Systems: VISIBILITY.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V393000

Date: 2017-06-22. Systems: PARKING BRAKE.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V685000

Date: 2016-09-23. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V684000

Date: 2016-09-22. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V621000

Date: 2015-10-02. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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 con (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

Investigations

0 investigations; 0 open.

Manufacturer communications

667 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT222
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM187
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING59
ENGINE51
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY51
STRUCTURE50
POWER TRAIN48
UNKNOWN OR OTHER41

11037899

Date: 2026-09-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical con

11035603

Date: 2026-07-28. Type: Other. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Supersession between B60S-34-300G/350G and B60S-34- 300H/350H. Please be advised that the G-level and H-level control arms are not interchangeable. The G-level part cannot be used to repair a vehicle built with the H-level. The H-level part can be used to repair a vehicle built with the G-level, but

11034447

Date: 2026-06-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by ask

11032003

Date: 2026-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. This may be caused by insufficient sealing at the driv

11032104

Date: 2026-04-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) using VIN Plate Request Form available on

11032103

Date: 2026-04-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the sch

11032101

Date: 2026-04-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a repla

11032100

Date: 2026-04-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE.

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience one or more electrical malfunctions after a vehicle body repair. A newly painted fender stay (2) may be causing a poo

11028133

Date: 2026-01-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method a ? B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method 2019 and newer models require a 10-digit key code to accurately cut keys a ? 5-digit codes CANNOT be provided for 2019 and newer vehicles (the traditional 5-dig

11028127

Date: 2026-01-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Some customers may report an odor or water in the HVAC system and upon inspection, the cabin air filter may be found to be wet.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
MAZDA3104

Same model, other years

All model years | All Mazda models

Other Mazda models, 2016

Sources

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