Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
340–25K
1925–50K
1750–75K
1175–100K
4100–150K
3150K+
88 reports with mileage · 50 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
138 reports
20,000 miles · Jul 15, 2016
Unknown Or Other
THE HEADRESTS JUT FORWARD AT AN EXTREME ANGLE AND CAUSING CHRONIC AND ACUTE NECK, HEAD AND BACK PAIN. THE DESIGN OF THESE IS A RESULT COMPLIANCE WITH THE NHTSA'S HEADREST STANDARD. THE NHTSA WENT TOO FAR AND SHOULD RECONSIDER THE STANDARD. IT IS CAUSING MISERY FOR THOUSANDS OR EVEN MILLIONS OF MOTORISTS. TO ALLEVIATE THE PAI…
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THE HEADRESTS JUT FORWARD AT AN EXTREME ANGLE AND CAUSING CHRONIC AND ACUTE NECK, HEAD AND BACK PAIN. THE DESIGN OF THESE IS A RESULT COMPLIANCE WITH THE NHTSA'S HEADREST STANDARD. THE NHTSA WENT TOO FAR AND SHOULD RECONSIDER THE STANDARD. IT IS CAUSING MISERY FOR THOUSANDS OR EVEN MILLIONS OF MOTORISTS. TO ALLEVIATE THE PAIN, I WAS FORCED TO REVERSE THE HEADREST...MAKING IT FAR UNSAFER IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF POSTS ABOUT THIS ONLINE.
NHTSA ODI #10885044
20,000 miles · Jul 11, 2016
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT TO PARK MY CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND RAN INTO A CONCRETE WALL. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS CAR'S PROGRAMMING, INCLUDING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET FIXED AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL IN JANUARY '16. AS I REALIZED THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING - AND PUSHING ON THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP IT …
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AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT TO PARK MY CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND RAN INTO A CONCRETE WALL. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS CAR'S PROGRAMMING, INCLUDING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET FIXED AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL IN JANUARY '16. AS I REALIZED THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING - AND PUSHING ON THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP IT - I LIFTED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CRASH ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE CAR - NOT THE BRAKE OR EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. LESS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, AND MORE CONCERNED THAT I HAD ZERO CONTROL OVER THE CAR AND ANY ABILITY TO STOP IT.
NHTSA ODI #10884129
29,000 miles · Mar 14, 2016
Unknown Or OtherFire
CAR CAUGHT OF FIRE ON THE FREEWAY WHOLE CAR WAS CONSUMED STARTED IN THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WELL AREA
NHTSA ODI #10849664
6,000 miles · Feb 2, 2016
SeatsCrashInjury
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND SHE WAS TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND LEFT OF CENTER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. HER CAR BOUNCED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE GUARDRAIL AND THEN SPUN ACROSS THE ROADWAY. HER CAR THEN STRUCK THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE…
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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND SHE WAS TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND LEFT OF CENTER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. HER CAR BOUNCED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE GUARDRAIL AND THEN SPUN ACROSS THE ROADWAY. HER CAR THEN STRUCK THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY DAUGHTER AND HER PASSENGER WERE THROWN BACKWARDS DUE TO THE IMPACT FROM BEHIND AND MY DAUGHTER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AT THAT POINT. SHE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND HAS HAD FREQUENT AND SOMETIMES SEVERE HEADACHES, ALONG WITH BACK AND NECK PAIN SINCE THE ACCIDENT. THE PHOTOS I AM SENDING WERE TAKEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE DEBRIS FROM THE ROADWAY WAS PLACED IN THE BACKSEAT OF THE CAR WHICH IS FORCING THE SEATS TO BE IN A MORE UPRIGHT POSITION THAN THEY WERE AT THE CRASH SCENE, BUT YOU CAN STILL CLEARLY SEE THAT THE SEATBACKS BROKE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND PREVENTABLE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA ODI #10823880
400 miles · Sep 5, 2015
Engine
ON FEBRUARY 23, 2015, I PURCHASED A NEW 2014 MAZDA 3 S GRAND TOURING SEDAN WITH TECHNICAL PACKAGE, VIN # [XXX]. THE VEHICLE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 5,470. SINCE PURCHASE, THIS CAR HAS HAD A STALLING PROBLEM THAT IS INTERMITTENT, UNPREDICTABLE, AND NOT REPRODUCIBLE ON DEMAND. STALLING MEANS IT DOES NOT RESPOND TO NORMAL PRESSURE ON…
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ON FEBRUARY 23, 2015, I PURCHASED A NEW 2014 MAZDA 3 S GRAND TOURING SEDAN WITH TECHNICAL PACKAGE, VIN # [XXX]. THE VEHICLE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 5,470. SINCE PURCHASE, THIS CAR HAS HAD A STALLING PROBLEM THAT IS INTERMITTENT, UNPREDICTABLE, AND NOT REPRODUCIBLE ON DEMAND. STALLING MEANS IT DOES NOT RESPOND TO NORMAL PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND LITERALLY COASTS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THIS TIME MAY VARY FROM 2 TO 10 SECONDS IN A GIVEN INSTANCE. DURING THIS TIME THE MOTOR IS RUNNING, THERE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND NO CODES ARE THROWN. I HAVE LEARNED THAT QUICKLY REPEATED PRESSING OF THE ACCELERATOR MAY HELP TERMINATE THE STALLING. COMMON FACTORS WHEN STALLING OCCURS SEEM TO BE WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE, AND THEN THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A SHORT TIME, RESTARTED, AND MOVED BACK TO TRAFFIC FOLLOWED BY A 90 DEGREE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN OR CAR IS DRIVING NORMAL ROUTE THEN STOPS FOR A STOP LIGHT/STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC, FOLLOWED BY A 90 DEGREE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. IN BOTH THESE SCENARIOS, THERE IS A SHARP TURN. THE CAR WILL JUST FINISH THE TURN AND THEN STALL WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED. IT SHOULD GO WITHOUT SAYING THAT IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT THE WRONG TIME, IT COULD BE A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10761787
350 miles · Aug 20, 2015
Wheels
WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY IN CLEAR WARM WEATHER, THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE HAD THE SIDE WALL BLOW OUT. THIS PRODUCED ABOUT A 2 INCH SQUARE HOLE IN THE TIRE.
NHTSA ODI #10750178
5,000 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Electrical System
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND DECIDED TO PASS A DIESEL TRUCK TO GET OVER IN TO THE EXITING LANE ON THE RIGHT.... I STARTED TO PASS THE DIESEL AND REALIZED THAT I WOULD NEED TO PASS FASTER TO MAKE THE EXIT... I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL IN HARDER TO ACCELERATE AND AS I WAS PICKING UP SPEED MY CAR JUST LOCKED UP.... IT FELT LIKE THE…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND DECIDED TO PASS A DIESEL TRUCK TO GET OVER IN TO THE EXITING LANE ON THE RIGHT.... I STARTED TO PASS THE DIESEL AND REALIZED THAT I WOULD NEED TO PASS FASTER TO MAKE THE EXIT... I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL IN HARDER TO ACCELERATE AND AS I WAS PICKING UP SPEED MY CAR JUST LOCKED UP.... IT FELT LIKE THE CAR STALLED..... AND THE CAR WENT OFF.... I HAD TO VERY QUICKLY PULL OUT OF THE LANE AND TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS THE CAR WAS NO LONGER OPERATING... I NARROWLY MISSED BEING PLOWED BY THE DIESEL TRUCK... AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE. I TRIED TO RESTART MY CAR BY PUSHING THE BUTTON AND IT WOULDN'T RESTART AN ALL THESE LIGHT WERE LIGHTING UP IN THE CONSOLE. I HAD TO WAIT ABOUT 10 MINS AND FINALLY MY CAR CAME BACK ON.
NHTSA ODI #10730474
460 miles · Jun 8, 2015
Electrical System
CAR HAS DIED THREE TWO TIMES AND IT IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD. THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE ON THE INTERNET. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10724020
6,700 miles · Jun 2, 2015
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DECREASED TO ZERO AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DECREASED TO ZERO AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,700.
NHTSA ODI #10722988
7,935 miles · May 17, 2015
EngineCrashInjury
IN PARKING GARAGE, TURNING INTO PARKING SPOT. CAR ENGINE REVVED UP, AND CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE GUARD RAIL, SMASHING THE FRONTEND OF THE VEHICLE AND DAMAGING THE RADIATOR. DRIVER DID NOT PUT FOOT ON THE GAS; CAR LUNGED FORWARD ON IT'S OWN. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND DRIVER HAD DARK BRUISES ON ABDOMEN, LEFT ANTERIOR THIGH, AND L…
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IN PARKING GARAGE, TURNING INTO PARKING SPOT. CAR ENGINE REVVED UP, AND CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE GUARD RAIL, SMASHING THE FRONTEND OF THE VEHICLE AND DAMAGING THE RADIATOR. DRIVER DID NOT PUT FOOT ON THE GAS; CAR LUNGED FORWARD ON IT'S OWN. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND DRIVER HAD DARK BRUISES ON ABDOMEN, LEFT ANTERIOR THIGH, AND LEFT SIDE OF NECK D/T SEAT BELT, AND ALSO HAD MINOR WHIPLASH. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER CARS OR PEOPLE WERE AROUND WHEN CAR ACCELERATED. ALSO, HAD THE CAR HAD MORE THAN JUST A FEW FEET TO RUN INTO SOMETHING, THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED WORSE. PRIOR TO INCIDENT, CAR ENGINE REVVED UP FOR SEVERAL SECONDS ON ITS OWN TWICE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
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.
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 number for this recall is 1217F.
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 & remedy
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.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2014 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year