Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
130–25K
325–50K
550–75K
375–100K
0100–150K
0150K+
24 reports with mileage · 24 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Back Over Prevention. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
48 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Engine stalled while driving and all the dashboard lights turned on. Could not turn engine back on again. Upon inspection, it was found that the fuel injector pump was faulty and was subsequently replaced by the dealership. Fast forward a year, check engine light came on and vehicle began to stall again. Dealership states that …
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Engine stalled while driving and all the dashboard lights turned on. Could not turn engine back on again. Upon inspection, it was found that the fuel injector pump was faulty and was subsequently replaced by the dealership. Fast forward a year, check engine light came on and vehicle began to stall again. Dealership states that the fuel injector burnt out due to the initial fault in the fuel injector pump. Furthermore, it burnt out my catalyst.
NHTSA ODI #11444038
Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2021
Exterior Lighting
The seals around headlights are failing and causing moisture infiltration. Limiting distance of visibility during night driving. I have found through forums that this is a common occurrence.
NHTSA ODI #11441882
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System
Vehicle stalled while driving. On 9/29/21 Suburban Mazda of Troy removed the Mazda mobile start. On 10/13/21, the engine stalled and shut off at approximately 50 mph and coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. There were no warning light prior and the vehicle had approximately 1/4 tank of gas (according to the gauge). AAA c…
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Vehicle stalled while driving. On 9/29/21 Suburban Mazda of Troy removed the Mazda mobile start. On 10/13/21, the engine stalled and shut off at approximately 50 mph and coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. There were no warning light prior and the vehicle had approximately 1/4 tank of gas (according to the gauge). AAA came and put 2 gallons of gas in and the vehicle started and drove normally afterwards. After reviewing the NHTSA website for 2016 Mazda CX-3 I found at least two other complaints for vehicles stalling while driving with 1/4-1/8 tanks of gas. I am concerned that this is a trending issue and an unreasonable risk to safety
NHTSA ODI #11436991
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2021
Electrical System
The media console screen on my Mazda CX-3 has spiderweb-like cracking. This causes "ghost touch" which means that while I am driving, the system makes consistent loud beeping noises, frantically changes screens, changes music, calls people (if my phone is connected to bluetooth), etc.. There is no way to turn this off and it is …
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The media console screen on my Mazda CX-3 has spiderweb-like cracking. This causes "ghost touch" which means that while I am driving, the system makes consistent loud beeping noises, frantically changes screens, changes music, calls people (if my phone is connected to bluetooth), etc.. There is no way to turn this off and it is incredibly distracting and startling while I am on the road. I know that this same issue has occurred in other Mazda vehicles (like the Mazda3) and the part has been recalled/been covered for replacement under an extended warranty. My local Mazda dealership diagnosed this issue and acknowledged that it is a problem that this is not covered under warranty to fix. They gave me a $2,000 quote to replace the screen (this is money I do not have and believe I should not have to pay to ensure my safety).
NHTSA ODI #11432537
41,700 miles · Nov 13, 2020
Air BagsLane DepartureSeat Belts
PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION CHIME SOUNDED EVERY 5 SECONDS FOR 35 MINUTES. PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE NOW DISABLED. BLIND SPOT MONITORING ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES....A MIND OF ITS OWN.
NHTSA ODI #11374562
35,400 miles · Aug 6, 2020
StructureUnknown Or Other
RUST ON HATCH, SIMILAR TO RUST RESULTING IN RECALL IN 2016 IN AUSTRALIA
NHTSA ODI #11343720
20,000 miles · Jun 16, 2020
Unknown Or Other
THERE IS A CRACK IN THE CORNER OF THE MAZDA CONNECT CENTER DISPLAY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED LAST YEAR AND THE CRACK WAS ALREADY THERE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11329143
58,700 miles · Apr 9, 2020
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EVAPORATOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING WARM AIR INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BELLAMY STRICKLAND CHEVROLET BUICK PARTS (145 INDUSTRIAL BLVD, MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 770-30253). THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND A PRESSURE TEST FOUND A LEAK I…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EVAPORATOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING WARM AIR INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BELLAMY STRICKLAND CHEVROLET BUICK PARTS (145 INDUSTRIAL BLVD, MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 770-30253). THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND A PRESSURE TEST FOUND A LEAK IN THE EVAPORATOR. A TSB WAS FOUND WHICH WOULD COVER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO HENNESSY MAZDA (7261 JONESBORO RD BUILDING 2, MORROW, GA 30260 844-237-2079). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TSB EXPIRED AND WOULD NO LONGER COVER THE VEHICLE UNDER A WARRANTY REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DECLINED TO OFFER A FREE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,700.
NHTSA ODI #11320657
Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2020
Electrical System
THE HEADLAMPS HOLD MOISTURE. THERE ARE NO CRACKS IN THE HEADLAMPS. I FEAR THIS WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE.
NHTSA ODI #11298373
55,000 miles · Jan 1, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE CAR LOST POWER ALL WARNING LIGHTS WENT ON THEN DIED COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD COULD NOT RESTART CAR HAD ABOUT 1/8 TANK GAS DOT CAME AND PUT IN SOME MORE GAS RESTARTED WENT TO GAS STATION AND OIL CHANGE SHOP THAT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING TO REPAIR RESET WARNING LIGHTS
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2016 Mazda CX-3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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