Recalls · problems · safety

2013 Mazda Mazda3: recalls and problems

1 recall and 117 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is exterior lighting.

1recalls
117complaints
7crashes reported
2fires reported
4injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Exterior Lighting36 · 31%
  • Electrical System32 · 27%
  • Power Train18 · 15%
  • Service Brakes15 · 13%
  • Structure11 · 9%
  • Engine11 · 9%
  • Unknown Or Other10 · 9%
  • Steering9 · 8%
  • Seats9 · 8%
  • Air Bags7 · 6%

What owners report

Service Brakes

The brake pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). the master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty abs control unit (which, when mazda was contacted, said that part was on backorder until september). if the manufacturer knows this is an issue and can't supply the part due to so many replacements needed in their vehicle, why is there

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting

There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 mazda 3 sedans (with skyactiv-g 2.0l and halogen type headlights) that are dealing with the same issue i am dealing with myself. i have just purchased a used 2013 mazda 3 with skyactive technology and i noticed that when i was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while i braked. i have been told there is a tsb on this issue (attach

Power Train

Transmission control module malfunction. the at light came on and the car made a jerking motion and a clunking noise. it lost power and would not shift which is very dangerous in moving traffic. it put me at risk for getting hit by another vehicle not expecting the abrupt change in speed by my vehicle. the check engine light is now lit up. there were no warning lights before the vehicle’s transmission malfunctioned.

Structure

The contact owns a 2013 mazda mazda3. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v644000 (structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. the local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. parts distribution disconn

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2013 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Mazda3. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.