Mazda 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 bags, due to a low battery condition.
2004-2025 · 22 model years
Mazda MAZDA3 Problems by year
Owners have filed 3,018 complaints about the Mazda MAZDA3 across 22 model years, and it has 30 recalls. The 2010 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (686), while 2020, 2022 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the steering, followed by the electrical system.
- Complaints
- 3,018
- Recalls
- 30
- Crashes
- 223
- Fires
- 31
- Injuries
- 164
- Deaths
- 2
MAZDA3 complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common MAZDA3 problems
Mazda MAZDA3 recalls 30
Mazda 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 automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning...
Mazda 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 on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements...
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.
Mazda 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-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to...
Mazda 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 shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Mazda 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 assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Mazda 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 automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the...
Covers2019 Mazda MAZDA3
Mazda 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 button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head...
Covers2019 Mazda MAZDA3
Mazda 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 engine to stall.
Latest MAZDA3 complaints
My 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD experienced major drivetrain component failures at approximately 65,800 miles. Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth inspected the vehicle and diagnosed failures involving the rear differential and coupling assembly, transfer case, and driveshaft. The dealership recommended replacing these major drivetrain components, with a total repair estimate of $12,107.35. I am concerned that multiple critical AWD drivetrain components have failed at such relatively low mileage. A failure involving the...
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differential, transfer case, or driveshaft could potentially affect vehicle propulsion or control, depending on the nature and circumstances of the failure. Mazda previously issued Service Alert SA-033/21, dated May 11, 2021, addressing certain rear differential and coupling assembly failures affecting 2021 Mazda3 AWD vehicles. I believe my vehicle's failure warrants investigation to determine whether it is related to this previously documented issue. The failures were diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership. I have not experienced an accident or unusual impact that would explain the damage. I contacted Mazda North American Operations and requested assistance. Mazda denied assistance twice, including after escalation. I am reporting these failures because of the potential safety implications of multiple AWD drivetrain components failing prematurely. I request that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it represents a broader vehicle safety defect.
Radiator leaking coolant requiring replacement at 60k miles. Mazda updated the part which means they know it's bad, should be fixed for free for all affected owners.
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, nearly resulting in a collision with a parked vehicle. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, creating a driver distraction. In addition, the infotainment screen delaminated and experienced ghost touching with random phantom touches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the infotainment system required a new lens kit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
The display is peeling internally/has spiderweb cracks such that it is not viewable and the backup camera display function is therefore unclear. In addition, the system randomly changes radio stations OR TURNS ON AND PLAYS RANDOM MUSIC. ALL OF THIS FEELS UNSAFE.
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 45 MPH, the vehicle sputtered, hesitated to accelerate, and the check engine warning light illuminated. When the contact firmly depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine made a knocking noise, and the vehicle stalled. Diagnostic testing at AutoZone retrieved DTC related to the knock sensor. The vehicle underwent a tune-up, and the knock sensors and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. While driving, the...
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vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and drove to the residence with the hazard lights activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) was completed. The contact associated the engine hesitation and stalling failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V745000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was excluded from both recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
While driving to work, the dashboard displayed "Charging system malfunction, pull over." The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle has electric power steering, so a loss of charging power while driving could reduce steering assist and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This happened three days after a Mazda dealer replaced the front passenger-side lower control arm. That part had failed at 111,777 miles, causing clunking under braking and making the car unsafe to drive (previously reported to NHTSA). This is the second safety-related failure on this vehicle in two weeks. The vehicle is again off the road pending dealer diagnosis. Reported to Mazda Customer Experience, case #00503860.
Questions about the Mazda MAZDA3
Which Mazda MAZDA3 years have the most problems?
Which Mazda MAZDA3 years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Mazda MAZDA3 problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the steering (393), electrical system (369), engine & cooling (314) most often.
How many recalls does the Mazda MAZDA3 have?
NHTSA lists 30 recalls across all Mazda MAZDA3 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data