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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

Service Brakes complaints

14 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2026
Service Brakes

After speaking with Mazda customer support, the sales department at Germain Mazda of Columbus, and the service department of Mazda Columbus, I have come to learn that in response to recall 1217F | XXX17V-393, the dealership that performed the recall only performed an inspection with no repair or replacement made to the vehicle. …

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After speaking with Mazda customer support, the sales department at Germain Mazda of Columbus, and the service department of Mazda Columbus, I have come to learn that in response to recall 1217F | XXX17V-393, the dealership that performed the recall only performed an inspection with no repair or replacement made to the vehicle. The recall notice does not indicate that this is an option. Please see excerpt below: "Your Mazda dealer will check the parking brake actuator shafts inside the left and right rear brake calipers. If the actuator shaft is found to be rusted, the brake caliper assembly will be replaced with a modified one. If no rust is found on the actuator shaft, the protective boot will be replaced with a modified one. The inspection and repair will be performed at no cost to you." (from [XXX]) From my conversations with the three departments, no work was done for this recall on my vehicle beyond an inspection finding that the recalled component is still working. Additionally, I was not informed of this recall or that no repairs or replacement were made in response to the recall despite it being closed as completed when I purchased the vehicle. Coming out of this previous Winter, my parking brake quickly began to fail and became useless by Spring of this year. I am on the phone with Mazda customer service again now who once again confirmed ONLY an inspection was performed despite the language in the recall notice. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11763628

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2021
Service Brakes

Parking brake does not fully disengage. This causes the rear brakes to wear prematurely and also has the potential to generate excessive heat.

NHTSA ODI #11444337

26,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Power TrainService BrakesStructureCrash

I PARKED AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLIGHT INCLINE POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS IN SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION AT THAT TIME. MY FAMILY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WE WENT INSIDE OUR HOME. APPROXIMATELY A HALF OUR LATER I NOTICE MY CAR ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND …

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I PARKED AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLIGHT INCLINE POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS IN SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION AT THAT TIME. MY FAMILY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WE WENT INSIDE OUR HOME. APPROXIMATELY A HALF OUR LATER I NOTICE MY CAR ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED IN BETWEEN TWO TREES ON MY PROPERTY. EITHER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED OR THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE PARKED. THE CAR WAS FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF MY PROPERTY STILL IN GEAR AND HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN THE ENGAGED POSITION.

NHTSA ODI #11376902

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2020
Service Brakes

POWER BREAK BOOSTER FAILURE. MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP.

NHTSA ODI #11362823

93,000 miles · May 8, 2020
Power TrainService BrakesStructure

WATER GETS INTO THE TRUNK AND FILLS UP THE SPARE TIRE WELL. CAUSING MOLD AND RUST INSIDE TRUNK. THROUGHOUT BARING INSIDE CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION COMPONENT EXPLODES DESTROYING THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION. PARKING BREAK DOESN'T DISENGAGE CORRECTLY CAUSING BRAKES TO WEAR DOWN QUICKLY. WATER GETTING INTO REAR BREAK CALIPERS MAKING THEM …

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WATER GETS INTO THE TRUNK AND FILLS UP THE SPARE TIRE WELL. CAUSING MOLD AND RUST INSIDE TRUNK. THROUGHOUT BARING INSIDE CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION COMPONENT EXPLODES DESTROYING THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION. PARKING BREAK DOESN'T DISENGAGE CORRECTLY CAUSING BRAKES TO WEAR DOWN QUICKLY. WATER GETTING INTO REAR BREAK CALIPERS MAKING THEM DEFECTIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MAINLY IN CITY STREET DRIVING BUT NOTICEABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323902

58,000 miles · Nov 6, 2018
Service Brakes

MY PASSENGER REAR CALIPER FROZE CAUSING THE PAD ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE TO WEAR DOWN TO METAL WHILE THE INBOARD PAD STILL HAD HALF OF ITS LIFE LEFT. THIS IS BEHAVIOR SIMILAR TO NHTSA RECALL 17V393000 BUT MY VIN DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN MAINLY ON THE HIGHWAY…

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MY PASSENGER REAR CALIPER FROZE CAUSING THE PAD ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE TO WEAR DOWN TO METAL WHILE THE INBOARD PAD STILL HAD HALF OF ITS LIFE LEFT. THIS IS BEHAVIOR SIMILAR TO NHTSA RECALL 17V393000 BUT MY VIN DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN MAINLY ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11149591

12,000 miles · Jun 12, 2018
Service Brakes

CAR SERVICED PER RECALL, NHTSA CAMP. NO. 17V393000, MAR. 2018. DEALER STATED NO CORROSION ON RAMP SHAFT FOUND, SO BOOTS INSTALLED W/OUT CALIPER REPLACEMENT. CAR BROUGHT TO DEALER JUN. 2018 B/C REAR BRAKE INDICATOR SQUEALING. DEALER FOUND THAT PISTON (POST-RECALL) HAD BOUND FOR UNKNOWN REASON. DEALER REPLACED CALIPER. OWNER TESTE…

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CAR SERVICED PER RECALL, NHTSA CAMP. NO. 17V393000, MAR. 2018. DEALER STATED NO CORROSION ON RAMP SHAFT FOUND, SO BOOTS INSTALLED W/OUT CALIPER REPLACEMENT. CAR BROUGHT TO DEALER JUN. 2018 B/C REAR BRAKE INDICATOR SQUEALING. DEALER FOUND THAT PISTON (POST-RECALL) HAD BOUND FOR UNKNOWN REASON. DEALER REPLACED CALIPER. OWNER TESTED PARKING BRAKE LEVER ON OLD CALIPER AND VERIFIED IT WAS NOT BINDING. (BUT OWNER COULD NOT REMOVE NUT TO CHECK FOR RUST AT 1.6MM AREA OF RAMP SHAFT.) OWNER REPORTING TO NHTSA B/C CONCERNED THAT MAZDA3 CALIPER-BINDING ISSUE MAY EXTEND NOT JUST TO RAMP SHAFT BUT ALSO TO OTHER PARTS OF CALIPER, INCLUDING PISTON.

NHTSA ODI #11101388

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2018
Service Brakes

PARKING BRAKE SAFETY RECALL ON THE MECHANICAL (CABLE) TYPE PARKING BRAKE, WATER MAY ENTER THE BRAKE CALIPER DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE SEALING PERFORMANCE OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER PROTECTIVE BOOT, PARTICULARLY UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, AND THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR SHAFT, WHICH IS THE COMPONENT OF REAR BRAKE CALIPER, MAY …

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PARKING BRAKE SAFETY RECALL ON THE MECHANICAL (CABLE) TYPE PARKING BRAKE, WATER MAY ENTER THE BRAKE CALIPER DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE SEALING PERFORMANCE OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER PROTECTIVE BOOT, PARTICULARLY UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, AND THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR SHAFT, WHICH IS THE COMPONENT OF REAR BRAKE CALIPER, MAY BE RUSTED.

NHTSA ODI #11097297

8,238 miles · Mar 27, 2018
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A FLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM BOTH REAR WHEELS THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD START TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BORMAN AUTOPLEX (470 W BOUTZ RD, LAS CRUCES, NM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A FLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM BOTH REAR WHEELS THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD START TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BORMAN AUTOPLEX (470 W BOUTZ RD, LAS CRUCES, NM 88005 (575) 525-4500) WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,238. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11081540

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2018
Service Brakes

PARKING BRAKE SAFETY RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11079495

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.