What MAZDA MAZDA3 owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See MAZDA MAZDA3 safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 76 |
| 2025 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 255 |
| 2023 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 329 |
| 2022 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 436 |
| 2021 | 52 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 634 |
| 2020 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 726 |
| 2019 | 74 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 827 |
| 2018 | 108 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 462 |
| 2017 | 83 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 510 |
| 2016 | 104 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 667 |
| 2015 | 130 | 8 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 744 |
| 2014 | 138 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 882 |
| 2013 | 117 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 504 |
| 2012 | 226 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 446 |
| 2011 | 132 | 12 | 2 | 13 | 0 | 284 |
| 2010 | 686 | 18 | 5 | 13 | 0 | 289 |
The vehicle systems named most often in MAZDA MAZDA3 complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
Making sharp right turn out of parking lot under hard acceleration, car suddenly made terrible grinding sound that shook the whole car. Continued driving, within another quarter mile the whole car started shaking again with loud noise. Had car towed to Mazda where they discovered that the rear differential had failed. Rear differential replaced under warranty. Noticed faint high pitched sound coming from rear in months leading up to incident. Had differential and transfer case fluid changed less than 1000 miles and 1 month before incident making me wonder if fluid was underfilled/wrong fluid used or the diff was just bad.
Low engine oil message appeared on dash. Had car towed to Mazda. Had valve stem seals replaced under warranty.
Car made grinding sound with notable vibration when starting to move after shifting into drive. Felt like brakes weren't releasing. Had car towed to dealership where they diagnosed that the front left brake shim was damaged and making contact with the rotor, had to pay to fix it out of pocket.
My car started displaying a telematic malfunction. The service paperwork also says U0198:00-03 CMU Communication error with emergency call unit. The Mazda dealerships maintenance department says this is currently unrepairable. According to them if I have an accident the car will not communicate that through the emergency call unit. The car was purchased new and has had no accidents. I have taken it to the dealership 4 separate times to repair this problem.
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: "Your Mazda dealer will check the parking brake actuator shafts inside the left and right rear brake calipers. If the actuator shaft is found to be rusted, the brake caliper assembly will be replaced with a modified one. If no rust is found on the actuator shaft, the protective boot…
The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a small explosion. I am positive that no object struck the vehicle.
The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) / infotainment system has experienced a complete, permanent internal electronic failure, logged by Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC U3000:49 (Control Module Internal Electronic Failure). The main display screen is completely dark at all times and never powers on or responds. The unit is available for inspection upon request. This total hardware failure creates critical safety hazards: 1. Non-Compliance with FMVSS No. 111 (Rear Visibility): Because the rearview camera relies entirely on the main display screen, the backup camera is 100% inoperative. When shifting into Reverse, the screen remains black, offering zero rearward visibility and creating an…
I was denied work on a network issue recall 3 separate times at the dealership I bought the car. The first time I was told it was because of a smell. If I clean the car, they will fix it. I noticed after they were in the car my backup camera didnât work which I also thought might be a recall but found out it wasnt. I went ahead and cleaned it twice. I came back they alleged it smelled like cat litter and urine. I asked to speak to someone else because there was nothing in my car and I know it didnât. There were also no stains, mold, anything like that. It smelled of cleaning products. But I took it home and scrubbed extensively even though I was confused by the comment. When I went ther…
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
NOTE: This service information only applies to vehicles with PYUKD engine and EGR. DESCRIPTION DTC P0402 EGR malfunctions may be falsely detected due to an internal malfunction of the MAP sensor. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Using MDARS, verify DTC P0402 is set in current or past history.
Subject: Notification of Dealer Re-Work (DRW59) â 2026MY CX-30 and 2026MY Mazda3 - Check Engine Light On With DTC P0126:00 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Dealer Re-Work on certain 2026MY CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. Concern Outline: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light may illuminate with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) stored due to improper PCM control logic. Repair Outline: Reprogram the PCM with the Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS), using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software (MDARS) by following TSB 01-006/26 repair
DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience a message "TCU Malfunction. Have the Vehicle Inspected" in the instrument cluster. Additional symptoms that may occur: Connected Vehicle One Time Passcode (OTP) may fail. Connected Vehicle Remote functions may fail. The following DTC's may be stored: B1252:87-8B:TCU - COMMUNICATION ERROR WITH CONNECTIVITY MASTER UNIT (CMU) U0198:00-03:CMU - COMMUNICATION ERROR WITH EMERGENCY CALL UNIT/TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION UNIT REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the concern. 2. Check if any of the following DTCs are stored: B1252:87-8B:TCU - COMMUNICATION ERROR WITH CONN
Mazda Connected Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-042/26 06/30/26 DESCRIPTION Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI General Informatio Opening the TCU Communication Line WI-FI How-To Conditions for Remote Engine Start Will Not Function WI-FI Trial Period Conditions for Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF
DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-ce
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 08/18/26 and 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote functions inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF Climate Control 3. MAZDA CONNECT connected vehicle reception strength icon shows "X" or " ". Index MAZDA CONNECT 2 Center Display Status Icon MAZDA CONNECT 3 Center Display Statu
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-043/25 11/26/2025 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may experience a clicking noise when opening and/or closing the front door due to a broken front door checker plate. To reduce the clicking noise, the material of the plastic component in the door checker has been modified. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. Replace the front door checker plate with the interim countermeasure part according to the instructions on MGSS FRONT DOOR CHECKER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION. NOTE: Repair
Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued Service Alerts listed below: The changes are noted in Red. Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no longer valid. Refer to the following updated Technical Service Bulletins: CX-5 / CX-9: 16-002/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (7TH GEN TYPE) Mazda3 / CX-30 (Non-Turbo): 16-008/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM Mazda3 / CX-30 (Turbo): 16-007/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOT
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-039/26 06/15/26 Mazda Connect Symptom Troubleshooting DESCRIPTION Customers having MAZDA CONNECT concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-006/23 01/23/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock and/or tire pressures and/or tire pressure missing. This may be caused by: Incorrect calendar entry (month/day/year) after a battery disconnect Infotainment system software update. BCM TPMS unlearn during vehicle storage or transport. Wheel/Tire change REPAIR PROCEDURE This can be corrected by the customer driving the vehicle for a day or two so
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2026, owners most often name: unknown or other, electrical system, structure. 1,939 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
