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2016 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 108.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

46 reports with mileage · 58 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 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Back Over Prevention. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Parking Brake complaints

6 reports
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188,900 miles · Jan 23, 2025
Parking Brake

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake became firm and failed to engage as needed, causing the rear passenger’s side brake pads to not respond as needed after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). The contact stated that …

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The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake became firm and failed to engage as needed, causing the rear passenger’s side brake pads to not respond as needed after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). The contact stated that the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the temperature of the brakes and noticed that the brakes were hotter than normal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the parking brake actuator was rusted on the inside. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 188,900.

NHTSA ODI #11637981

31,735 miles · Jun 22, 2018
Parking BrakeCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND UNOCCUPIED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DISENGAGED AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED BACK AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND UNOCCUPIED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DISENGAGED AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED BACK AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,735.

NHTSA ODI #11103438

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2017
Parking BrakeService Brakes

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 AUT…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11048255

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2017
Parking BrakeService Brakes

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 (96…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11046241

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2017
Parking Brake

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MAZDA OF WESLEY CHAPEL (26944 WESLEY CHAPEL BLVD, WESLEY CHA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MAZDA OF WESLEY CHAPEL (26944 WESLEY CHAPEL BLVD, WESLEY CHAPEL, FL) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT A REPRESENTATIVE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11025025

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2017
Parking Brake

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE DEALER (ROMANO MAZDA, 3120 ERIE BLVD E, SYRACUSE, NY, 132140) WAS CONTACTED AT 315-446-9666 AND ADVISED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE DEALER (ROMANO MAZDA, 3120 ERIE BLVD E, SYRACUSE, NY, 132140) WAS CONTACTED AT 315-446-9666 AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ATTEMPTED TO BE REACHED; HOWEVER, DUE TO THE WAIT TIME, THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE CALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11020382

Official recalls

6

23V487000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Jul 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.

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.

19V272000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

17V393000 · Parking Brake

Jun 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.

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.

16V685000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

Sep 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.

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 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.

16V684000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Sep 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.

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.

15V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

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 contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8615J.

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.