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2014 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 108.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

88 reports with mileage · 50 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 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

21 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

Gas smell when tank is filled past 3/4

NHTSA ODI #11507956

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

Accelerating on the highway passing a semi-truck when I lost acceleration power. Nearly caused a serious accident at highway speeds. Engine light then came on. After the incident the car's engine would stutter when accelerated above 2000rpm. Was able to bring it to a local mechanic who diagnosed both fuel pumps as damaged an…

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Accelerating on the highway passing a semi-truck when I lost acceleration power. Nearly caused a serious accident at highway speeds. Engine light then came on. After the incident the car's engine would stutter when accelerated above 2000rpm. Was able to bring it to a local mechanic who diagnosed both fuel pumps as damaged and replaced. Part was not inspected by police or insurance as it did not lead to a crash.

NHTSA ODI #11493552

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

- After filling up the gas tank and putting the cap back on, there is a distinct smell of gasoline until some of the fuel is used up. In summary, it appears to be spilling or leaking fuel/fumes when we fill up the tank. -This is a problem when parking our car in our garage and we are concerned that it could cause a fire. - We…

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- After filling up the gas tank and putting the cap back on, there is a distinct smell of gasoline until some of the fuel is used up. In summary, it appears to be spilling or leaking fuel/fumes when we fill up the tank. -This is a problem when parking our car in our garage and we are concerned that it could cause a fire. - We have not yet confirmed this with a dealer or independent service center nor have we had any other entity or person confirm this. - This issue was noticed recently and within the last year or so and without any alerts and/or warning lamps. - We understand that there is a recall on the Mazda3 for model years 2014-2016 regarding the ICV Valve (deformed gas tank) and even though it appears to be the same issue, our vehicle doesn't fall within the recall group. - Please help us determine if this is the same problem as the 2014-2016 model year recalls and if your agency will need to issue a similar recall on this model year.

NHTSA ODI #11492079

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

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…

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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. Consequence A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. This is what i seem to be experiencing please expand recall...

NHTSA ODI #11433763

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

Had a gas smell in our garage for months, thought our riding mower or snowblower was the cause but realized it was this car. Took to our mechanic and they said it was the fuel leak issue from NHTSA campaign 16V684000 however this car was manufactured in Dec 2013 and the official recall campaign began with cars manufactured the …

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Had a gas smell in our garage for months, thought our riding mower or snowblower was the cause but realized it was this car. Took to our mechanic and they said it was the fuel leak issue from NHTSA campaign 16V684000 however this car was manufactured in Dec 2013 and the official recall campaign began with cars manufactured the following month aka Jan 2014. We have been unable to get assistance from the dealership or reach anyone at Mazda due to the huge hold times.

NHTSA ODI #11431971

58,000 miles · Sep 10, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

MY 2014 MAZDA3 IS LEAKING FROM A SEAM IN THE FUEL TANK. THERE IS AN EXISTING CAMPAIGN FOR OTHER 2014 MAZDA3S #16V684000 BUT MY VIN APPARENTLY IS NOT CAUGHT IN THAT CAMPAIGN. SEEMS HIGHLY SUSPECT THAT SOME VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR WERE MISSED WHEN DEVELOPING THE CAMPAIGN. MY VEHICLE IS ON THE LIFT NOW AND MY MECHANIC IS WATCHIN…

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MY 2014 MAZDA3 IS LEAKING FROM A SEAM IN THE FUEL TANK. THERE IS AN EXISTING CAMPAIGN FOR OTHER 2014 MAZDA3S #16V684000 BUT MY VIN APPARENTLY IS NOT CAUGHT IN THAT CAMPAIGN. SEEMS HIGHLY SUSPECT THAT SOME VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR WERE MISSED WHEN DEVELOPING THE CAMPAIGN. MY VEHICLE IS ON THE LIFT NOW AND MY MECHANIC IS WATCHING FUEL DRIP FROM THE SEAM IN THE TANK. NOTE THIS IS HAPPENING WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL, WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. AFTER PARKING THERE IS DISTINCT FUEL ORDER EMANATING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11254420

30,100 miles · Aug 28, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

JULY 2018 I NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL GETTING REALLY HOT AND MAKING A POPPING SOUND AFTER DRIVING IT ON HOT PAVEMENT. THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS STUCK AND I HAD TO GET A NEW ROTOR, REAR DRIVER'S BRAKE CALIPER AND NEW BRAKE PADS. I HAD TO WAIT 3 WEEKS FOR THE CALIPER TO COME IN. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS ODD ALL THE OTHER CAL…

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JULY 2018 I NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL GETTING REALLY HOT AND MAKING A POPPING SOUND AFTER DRIVING IT ON HOT PAVEMENT. THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS STUCK AND I HAD TO GET A NEW ROTOR, REAR DRIVER'S BRAKE CALIPER AND NEW BRAKE PADS. I HAD TO WAIT 3 WEEKS FOR THE CALIPER TO COME IN. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS ODD ALL THE OTHER CALIPERS WERE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY EXCEPT THE REAR PASSENGER ONE. WE LOOKED ONLINE AND NOTICED A RECALL BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. FAST FORWARD 1 YEAR - AUGUST 2019, I WAS SMELLING FUEL AROUND THE DRIVER'S WHEEL WELL AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE AFTER FILL UP. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND THERE IS A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE SEEM OF THE GAS TANK. THE WHOLE TANK HAS TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY THE FUEL PUMP. ONCE AGAIN I HAVE ANOTHER WAIT FOR THE PARTS FROM MAZDA - AT LEAST A WEEK. THESE ARE 2 VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS IN THE MATTER OF A LITTLE OVER A YEAR FOR A CAR WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT. HE SAID WHEN HE LOOKED UNDER THE BACK SEAT HE COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH FUEL LEAKED OUT. HE SAID FROM LOOKING ONLINE, MY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR BOTH OF THESE INCIDENTS SINCE OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR WERE. I CONTACTED MAZDA CORPORATE ABOUT EACH OF THESE ISSUES AND THEY TELL ME MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IMPACTED BY THE RECALL AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE IT'S NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #11252054

119,527 miles · Apr 18, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

SAFETY RECALL-ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER IN THE BACKSEAT I NOTICE MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON. AFTER THAT EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN EVEN WHEN PRESSING MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THE CAR EVEN TRIED STOPING AND THE …

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SAFETY RECALL-ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER IN THE BACKSEAT I NOTICE MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON. AFTER THAT EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN EVEN WHEN PRESSING MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THE CAR EVEN TRIED STOPING AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. WE WERE SUCCESSFULLY ABLE TO GET IT TOWED BUT I BELIEVED THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE THE DEALERS DIDN'T FIX THE RECALL AND INSTAED THEY BYPASSED IT.

NHTSA ODI #11197077

2,000 miles · May 1, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System

PURCHASED AS NEW VEHICLE. FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE I SMELLED GASOLINE IN GARAGE AFTER PARKING OVERNIGHT. AFTER 1,000 MILES/3 MONTHS THE GAS SMELL BECAME INCREASINGLY STRONGER AND GAS MILEAGE PLUMMETED FROM 30 MPG TO 18 MPG. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE SEAMS OF FUEL TANK WERE LEAKING--ENTIRE TANK HAD TO …

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PURCHASED AS NEW VEHICLE. FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE I SMELLED GASOLINE IN GARAGE AFTER PARKING OVERNIGHT. AFTER 1,000 MILES/3 MONTHS THE GAS SMELL BECAME INCREASINGLY STRONGER AND GAS MILEAGE PLUMMETED FROM 30 MPG TO 18 MPG. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE SEAMS OF FUEL TANK WERE LEAKING--ENTIRE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED; NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714143

791 miles · Jan 22, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

HARSH VIBRATION IN CABIN SIMILAR TO AN ENGINE MISFIRE OCCURS RANDOMLY NEAR IDLE OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER IGNITION. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AND WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN REPRODUCING OR ISOLATING SOURCE OF THE VIBRATION. VIDEO DOCUMENTATION OF THE FAILURE DURING ITS OCCURRENCE HAS BEEN PROVIDED …

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HARSH VIBRATION IN CABIN SIMILAR TO AN ENGINE MISFIRE OCCURS RANDOMLY NEAR IDLE OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER IGNITION. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AND WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN REPRODUCING OR ISOLATING SOURCE OF THE VIBRATION. VIDEO DOCUMENTATION OF THE FAILURE DURING ITS OCCURRENCE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO BOTH PARTIES AND HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE SENIOR REGIONAL ENGINEER FOR ANALYSIS. CURRENT OWNER HAS AN OPEN VEHICLE REPURCHASE CLAIM UNDER LEMON LAW WITH THE MANUFACTURER PENDING INVESTIGATION OF FAULT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10678354

Official recalls

4

23V487000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Jul 14, 2023

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.

17V393000 · Parking Brake

Jun 22, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

16V684000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Sep 22, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

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.

14V173000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Apr 3, 2014

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

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.