2016 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls & problems

6 recalls 104 complaints

6recalls
104owner complaints
7crashes reported
1fires reported
6 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 and 104 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is electrical system (22 reports), followed by unknown or other (21). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2016 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

Back Over Prevention · NHTSA 23V487000 · Jul 14, 2023

Problem: 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.

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: 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…

236,100 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Visibility · NHTSA 19V272000 · Apr 4, 2019

Problem: 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.

Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Fix: 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.

187,880 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Parking Brake · NHTSA 17V393000 · Jun 22, 2017

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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…

227,814 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 16V685000 · Sep 23, 2016

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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…

3,849 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 16V684000 · Sep 22, 2016

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

17,484 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 15V621000 · Oct 2, 2015

Do not drive – the manufacturer advises owners not to drive these vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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…

14,411 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2016 Mazda MAZDA3 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System 22
010
Unknown or Other 21
000
Service Brakes 14
100
Back Over Prevention 13
000
Power Train 9
100
Engine 7
000
Visibility/Wiper 7
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 6
000
Air Bags 6
304
Parking Brake 6
100
Seats 4
101
Structure 4
100
Seat Belts 3
000
Steering 3
000
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness 2
100
Suspension 2
000
Vehicle Speed Control 2
000
Lane Departure 1
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 1
000
Exterior Lighting 1
010
Tether, Lower Anchor (on Car Seat or Vehicle) 1
100
Carry Handle, Shell, Base 1
100
Equipment 1
000
Wheels 1
101

Latest owner complaints

Service Brakes · Sep 11, 2026 · OH

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…

Steering · May 12, 2026 · 117,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3.The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle's steering wheel would fail to operate as needed. The contact stated that an abnormal, clunking noise would emit from the steering wheel while turning at various speeds. The contact also stated that the steering wheel felt loose while driving at…

Electrical System · Jan 8, 2026 · 142,000 miles · NH

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…

Unknown or Other · Aug 15, 2025 · OH

The “spidering” on the infotainment screen is spidering making it hard to see when in reverse.

Power Train · Aug 6, 2025 · CA

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…

Unknown or Other · Jul 28, 2025 · TN

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…

Unknown or Other · Jun 18, 2025 · GA

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.

Seat Belts · Apr 24, 2025 · 60,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side seat belt became inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt latch failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Unknown or Other · Feb 6, 2025 · CA

The 2014 Mazda3 I own has a known "Mazda Connect Touch Screen Concern" in August 2019 in which the Mazda Connect touch screen does not accept touch commands in part of the screen. I called Mazda and they said there are not any recalls for this but they did acknowledge this was an issue.

Parking Brake · Jan 23, 2025 · 188,900 miles · MN

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.…

Electrical System · Jan 15, 2025 · NY

When I checked for recall information 2 recalls were listed under my car's vin #: Recall #1: 3219D with Closed status. Recall #2: 6023G is listed as Active. But, when I tried to schedule a repair for the active recall, the manufacturing website ONLY listed the "closed" recall (3219D) was listed as available for repair, which is bizarre. Please see the attached screenshot of…

Unknown or Other · Dec 4, 2024 · MD

I am now experiencing the problems outlined in [XXX] approximately 18 months after the extended warranty period has ended for me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Other Mazda MAZDA3 years

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls covering the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent one (23V487000) for back over prevention. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?

Based on 104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (22), unknown or other (21), service brakes (14).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.