2016 MAZDA MAZDA3 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
136
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
73
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3
The 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3 has received a total of 136 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, PARKING BRAKE. 73 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mazda Motor Corp. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (22 complaints), Unknown Or Other (21 complaints), and Service Brakes (13 complaints).
Recalls for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3, potentially affecting up to 687,538 vehicles.
Recall 23V487000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
| 236,100 vehicles affected
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.
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...
View full details →Recall 19V272000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
| 187,880 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 17V393000 — PARKING BRAKE
| 227,814 vehicles affected
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.
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...
View full details →Recall 16V684000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
| 17,484 vehicles affected
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....
View full details →Recall 16V685000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
| 3,849 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 15V621000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
| 14,411 vehicles affected
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...
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....
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3
136 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 6 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Warnings | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chest Clip Buckle Harness | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carry Handle Shell Base | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentelectrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Beltsfrontretractor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tether Lower Anchor On Car Seat Or Vehicle | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving and while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster was inoperable. The contact also stated that the instrument cluster screen was peeling, and critical information for the vehicle was not displayed. Additionally, the infotainment system became intermittently inoperable due to the failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact expressed concerns that the inoperable instrument cluster created a hazardous and unsafe condition due to the complete loss of instrument panel functionality. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
The “spidering” on the infotainment screen is spidering making it hard to see when in reverse.
I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2016 Mazda 3 manual transmission, which experienced a sudden and complete clutch failure at less 60,000 miles — without any warning lights or diagnostic alerts. I am deeply concerned that: •There was no dashboard warning, even as the clutch system failed •The gear indicator was inaccurate in prior days, which may have been an early sign of failure •There was no protection mechanism to prevent complete drivetrain failure during normal use.
The "Infotainment System" is activating itself and cycling through various options when I slow down or stop. It calls random numbers and changes settings on the system. It is distracting and dangerous. This is a known "ghost touch" problem for this model of vehicle, but the Mazda dealer I contacted in Knoxville, TN said it would cost nearly $300 to repair the problem (by replacing the entire system).
Mazda supposedly repaired/replaced the backup camera issue under the recall. However, within one day it was doing the same thing again...the screen dims or flickers off when backing up the car. I told Mazda about that and they said I need a new screen, which would not be covered under the recall. This is a safety hazard that they should be required to address.
Safety Rating for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3
The 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3
Mazda Motor Corp. has issued 73 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SA-001-26 — 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.
09-018-22 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 74.00.311 or later).
SA-008-22 — STRUCTURE
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
01-010-21-3803 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This service information provides basic Q-85/T-110 battery handling procedures. Complete service information can be found in MGSS online or Workshop Manual (section 13-17).
Mil — BACK OVER PREVENTION
MIL ON WITH DTC PO451 AND/OR PO12A Some customer s may complain about a MIL ON with DTC P0451 (Fuel tank pressure sensorL sensor characteristic malfunction) and/or P013A (HO2S: Slow response (during transition from rich to lean)) Recall 8615J repair procedure may correct this concern
Mil — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MIL ON WITH DTC PO451 AND/OR PO12A Some customer s may complain about a MIL ON with DTC P0451 (Fuel tank pressure sensorL sensor characteristic malfunction) and/or P013A (HO2S: Slow response (during transition from rich to lean)) Recall 8615J repair procedure may correct this concern
Intermittent — VISIBILITY
Intermittent no crank/no start Some customers may complain about an intermittent no crank/no start. This may be caused by a poor instrument panel wiring harness connection C12. The accessory mirror with coimpass Tharness connector at drivers side Apillar may not be seated (locked) Properly secure the instrument panel wiring harness,...
06-002-21-3782 — STEERING
Some vehicles may exhibit wear/peel-off of the leather steering wheel surface causing a poor appearance. This concern may be caused by an insufficient wear resistance of the steering wheel surface.
MT-005-20 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Guideline 1. Record the vehicle mileage. 2. Engine at normal operating temperature, top off engine oil level...
CSP05 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. As shared previously, due to planned industry-wide changes in mobile network infrastructure and wireless technology, the Mazda Mobile Start (MMS) accessory was no longer offered beginning with 20MYvehicles. These technology changes are scheduled to occur in late 2021 as our service provider...
Showing 10 of 73 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the MAZDA MAZDA3
- 2011 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 179 complaints
- 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 328 complaints
- 2013 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 176 complaints
- 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 174 complaints
- 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 152 complaints
- 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3 (current)
- 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 104 complaints
- 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 137 complaints
- 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 116 complaints
- 2020 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 49 complaints
- 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 66 complaints
Other MAZDA Models
- MAZDA 626 — 3,877 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-5 — 3,005 total complaints
- MAZDA MAZDA6 — 2,906 total complaints
- MAZDA TRIBUTE — 2,830 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-9 — 1,786 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-7 — 1,539 total complaints
- MAZDA PROTEGE — 1,377 total complaints
- MAZDA MPV — 1,156 total complaints