2018 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls & problems

4 recalls 108 complaints

4recalls
108owner complaints
6crashes reported
0fires reported
7 / 2injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 and 108 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is electrical system (30 reports), followed by unknown or other (26). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2018 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 →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 21V875000 · Nov 12, 2021

Problem: 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 fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

121,038 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 →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 17V745000 · Nov 21, 2017

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.

144 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2018 Mazda MAZDA3 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System 30
100
Unknown or Other 26
102
Visibility/Wiper 16
103
Back Over Prevention 15
100
Engine 12
102
Fuel/Propulsion System 7
000
Service Brakes 6
100
Forward Collision Avoidance 5
000
Power Train 5
000
Lane Departure 4
100
Fuel System, Gasoline 3
000
Wheels 2
000
Vehicle Speed Control 2
000
Structure 2
000
Steering 2
200
Seats 1
000
Seat Belts 1
000
Engine and Engine Cooling 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Unknown or Other · Aug 26, 2026 · TX

The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a small explosion. I am positive that no object struck the vehicle.

Visibility/Wiper · Jun 5, 2026 · 200,000 miles · WA

The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the windshield wipers had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the contact's auto repair shop, Tire-Rama, where the windshield wiper switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number:…

Visibility/Wiper · Mar 24, 2026 · OH

While I was driving on the highway, I went to use my front wipers and there was no response when trying to active them. The rear wiper, front and rear washer fluid sprayers all worked. No warning lights or other signs of failure were present. I took the car to a local repair shop and they diagnosed it as a bad Body Control Module. Once the module was replaced and reprogrammed,…

Electrical System · Feb 2, 2026 · DE

The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has been aware of the defect for some time and issued a TSB ( and settled a class…

Unknown or Other · Feb 2, 2026 · DE

The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has been aware of the defect for some time and issued a TSB ( and settled a class…

Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 23, 2026 · 179,550 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for…

Electrical System · Nov 19, 2025 · TX

My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30…

Engine · Nov 19, 2025 · TX

My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30…

Power Train · Nov 19, 2025 · TX

My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30…

Unknown or Other · Nov 17, 2025 · CA

The Infotainment system is cracking uncontrollably and will make the rear view camera unusable and a safety issue. It keeps resetting every minute. Mazda corporation wont pay for the repair that they are charging about 1,000 to fix it.

Unknown or Other · Oct 27, 2025 · CA

No incidents

Power Train · Oct 20, 2025 · CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump failed. This component failure prevents the car from starting or staying running. The check engine code confirmed the high-pressure fuel pump failure. The failed component is currently at the Mazda dealership and is available for inspection upon…

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 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 2018 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 2018 Mazda MAZDA3?

Based on 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (30), unknown or other (26), visibility/wiper (16).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owners reported 6 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries and 2 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.