Vehicle report
2016 Mazda Mazda3
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2016 Mazda Mazda3 has 6 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
6
Open recalls
15
Complaints
5
Overall safety
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2016 Mazda Mazda3 recalls (6)
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
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 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
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. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
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.
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 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0216I.
PARKING BRAKE
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.
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 will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
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. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repairs have been completed. Mazda will provide rental cars until that time. Owners may contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8615J.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
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 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
2016 Mazda Mazda3 safety ratings
5
Overall
5
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2016 Mazda Mazda3 owner complaints (15)
- STEERING
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 high speeds, fearing that he would lose control of the vehicle if he did not firmly grip the steering wheel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they acknowledged that the heard the noise coming from the vehicle; however, they could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The “spidering” on the infotainment screen is spidering making it hard to see when in reverse.
- POWER TRAIN
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.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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).
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
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
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
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. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the temperature of the brakes and noticed that the brakes were hotter than normal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the parking brake actuator was rusted on the inside. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 188,900.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 the website. Thanks.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION
My 2016 Mazda 3 has had a faulty rearview camera, computerized controls, and monitor display screen for over 2 years now. I am not sure if there is a problem with the electrical system because I have lost the ability to turn on the navigation function, the stereo function, and to see the vehicle maintenance information with non-functioning electrical controls and display screen. Sometimes the monitor display would show a blank screen or a fuzzy screen which is a safety hazard especially when I'm driving my vehicle in reverse and could potentially cause an accident. There has been a recall on the rearview camera since July 2023. I have contacted the Mazda dealership multiple times, and they have repeatedly said that the rearview camera parts are still not available. This is unacceptable because it seriously compromises my safety and the safety of others if I cannot safely back up my vehicle when driving due to the faulty rearview camera, computerized controls and monitor display screen. There should also be a recall on the computerized controls and monitor display screen.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted or failed to display an image while reversing. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA Recall # 23V-487 Manufacturer Recall # 6023G issued July 14, 2023 After repeated phone calls to the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, the recall has not been fixed. I have been told that the parts are not available. As of this date, 16 months after the recall, Mazda has not fixed the problem. I have been told by the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, that parts are not available. The manufacturer told me that they have no date when parts will be available. I have asked to speak with a Manager at the Manufacturer and was told that there is no one else to talk to except Customer Service. I asked for a contact at the Corporate level that I could send an email to, and was told that there was no email address available. They have suggested that I get it fixed at my own cost and submit a claim that may or may not be reimbursed. I consider the distorted rear view camera picture to be a safety hazard when backing up. I believe that 16 months should be plenty of time to fix this problem and that Mazda just does not want to fix a manufacturing problem on a 8 year old car.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of
Checking a used Mazda Mazda3 before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2016 Mazda3 in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Mazda3's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Mazda Mazda3, or browse more Mazda models.
2016 Mazda Mazda3 — questions and answers
Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?+
Our check found 6 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2016 Mazda Mazda3. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 safe?+
The 2016 Mazda Mazda3 has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Mazda free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Mazda dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
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