Recalls · problems · safety

2016 Mazda Mazda3: recalls and problems

6 recalls and 103 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system.

6recalls
103complaints
7crashes reported
1fires reported
5injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Electrical System22 · 21%
  • Unknown Or Other20 · 19%
  • Service Brakes14 · 14%
  • Back Over Prevention12 · 12%
  • Power Train9 · 9%
  • Visibility/Wiper7 · 7%
  • Engine7 · 7%
  • Parking Brake6 · 6%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System6 · 6%
  • Air Bags6 · 6%

What owners report

Service Brakes

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 an option. please see excerpt below: "you

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 cont

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

Unknown Or Other

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

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

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2016 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2016 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

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