DEFECTFILE
Vehicles / Mazda / Mazda3

Mazda Mazda3

4,007 federal complaints across 23 model years (2004-2026) ยท 29 recall campaigns

Complaints by model year

Federal complaints filed against each model year of the Mazda Mazda3. Hover a bar for the count.

2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Three most-complained-about yearsAll other years

Which years to avoid

Ranked from the same federal record. Click any year for its full file.

Years to look at twice

  1. 2010 Mazda Mazda3 - 920 complaints
  2. 2008 Mazda Mazda3 - 387 complaints
  3. 2012 Mazda Mazda3 - 328 complaints
Highest raw complaint counts. Counts are not adjusted for sales volume.

Quieter years

  1. 2020 Mazda Mazda3 - 51 complaints
  2. 2021 Mazda Mazda3 - 66 complaints
  3. 2017 Mazda Mazda3 - 105 complaints
Fewest complaints among years with a meaningful record; the two newest model years are excluded because they have had little time to accumulate filings.

What fails, all years combined

Steering
399
Electrical system
368
Engine & cooling
301
Body & structure
283
Air bags
269
Brakes
261

Every model year

Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2026 Mazda Mazda310
2025 Mazda Mazda381
2024 Mazda Mazda3233
2023 Mazda Mazda3200
2022 Mazda Mazda3340
2021 Mazda Mazda3661
2020 Mazda Mazda3512
2019 Mazda Mazda31186
2018 Mazda Mazda31404
2017 Mazda Mazda31052
2016 Mazda Mazda31376
2015 Mazda Mazda31544
2014 Mazda Mazda31814
2013 Mazda Mazda31761
2012 Mazda Mazda33281
2011 Mazda Mazda31812
2010 Mazda Mazda39203
2009 Mazda Mazda31403
2008 Mazda Mazda33872
2007 Mazda Mazda33012
2006 Mazda Mazda32241
2005 Mazda Mazda31272
2004 Mazda Mazda31852

Recall campaigns, all years

Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Recall repairs are free at the dealer.

CampaignYearsComponentSummary
25V3570002024-2025Air BagsMazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air b
24V6490002024Lane DepartureMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automat
23V7180002024Lane DepartureMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear
23V4870002014-2018Back Over PreventionMazda 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 flickerin
21V8750002018Fuel System, GasolineMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-
21V4940002004-2007Air BagsMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may
21V1010002021TiresMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
20V3460002020Service Brakes, HydraulicMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during asse
19V9070002019-2020Forward Collision AvoidanceMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the au
19V5580002019VisibilityMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the ho
19V5140002019SeatsMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release bu
19V4970002019Power TrainMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the
19V4250002019WheelsMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the v
19V3630002019Seat BeltsMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously t
19V2720002016-2018VisibilityMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, re
17V7450002018Engine And Engine CoolingMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail whil
17V3930002014-2016Parking BrakeMazda 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
17V0820002010-2011SeatsMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles,
16V6850002016Fuel System, GasolineMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel ta
16V6840002014-2016Fuel System, GasolineMazda 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 a
16V6440002010-2013StructureMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5
15V621000DO NOT DRIVE2015-2016Fuel System, GasolineMazda 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
14V1730002014Electrical SystemMazda 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 v
11V3290002008-2009VisibilityMAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 7, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008. THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD
10V3740002007-2009SteeringMAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A
09V1870002009Electronic Stability Control (Esc)MAZDA IS RECALLING 7,100 MY 2009 MAZDA3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 12
09V1260002010Electrical SystemMAZDA IS RECALLING 25,400 MY 2010 MAZDA3 VEHICLES. A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE HOUSING OF STARTER MOTOR MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. DUE TO THIS, THE COVERING OF THE HAR
04V5590002005Air BagsON TWO PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE SOLDER CONNECTION ATTACHING THE ACCELERATION SENSOR IN THE SAS UNIT MADE CONTACT WITH THE BASE PLATE, DAMAGING THE SOLDER CONNECTION.
04V4680002004Air BagsON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SENSOR, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT AND ILLUMINATING THE AIR BAG WARNING LI