THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE RECEPTION FOR THE RADIO. IT CONSTANTLY FADES IN AND OUT AND IS SO BAD THAT I CANNOT USE MY RADIO IN A LARGE METROPOLITAN AREA. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER TO RECREATE THE ISSUE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T HEAR IT. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all MAZDA3 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
138 reportsMY MOTHER WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY WITH 2 PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS THE CAR WENT FROM 60 MPH TO OVER 120 MPH. SHE TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS SHE COULD BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND. SHE HAD …
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MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY WITH 2 PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS THE CAR WENT FROM 60 MPH TO OVER 120 MPH. SHE TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS SHE COULD BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND. SHE HAD TO *JSDODGE ABOUT 7 CARS AS SHE TRIED TO GET THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN. SHE THEN PULLED THE EMERGENCY BREAK BUT THE CAR WAS MOVING SO FAST THAT IT BARELY SLOWED THE CAR DOWN. SHE GOT HER CAR TO THE SIDE (LAST LANE) OF THE HIGHWAY AND DECIDED TO PRESS THE PUSH TO START BUTTON AND THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO A HALT. THERE WAS NOT TOO MUCH TRAFFIC SO SHE WAS ABLE TO SURVIVE THE CARS SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITHOUT GETTING HURT OR DAMAGING THE CAR. A WITNESS ON THE HIGHWAY SAW MY MOTHERS CAR SPEEDING OUT OF CONTROL AND CALLED THE POLICE. THE POLICE CAME AND FILLED OUT A POLICE REPORT AND LEFT. WE GOT THE CAR TOWED TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT THERE OVERNIGHT SO THEY COULD FIGURE OUT THE ISSUES AS THERE WAS CLEARLY A DEFECT WITH THE CAR. THEY CALLED US BACK SAYING THAT EVERYTHING WAS CHECKING OUT NORMAL ON THE CAR AND THEY DECIDED TO HAVE THE CAR TECHNICIAN DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND BACK TO WORK THE NEXT TIME IN AN ATTEMPT TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THEY CALLED US THE NEXT DAY SAYING THEY DROVE THE CAR 58 MILES AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND TOLD US THAT WE HAD TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. THEY SAID THAT MY FAMILY FEELING SAFE IN THE MAZDA VEHICLE WAS THEIR PRIORITY BUT THAT WAS CLEARLY NOT THE CASE. THEY REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IF THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN AND WE GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND ALSO REFUSED TO PROVIDE US WITH A LOANER CAR OR A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE OR PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN TRADING IN THE CAR FOR A NEW ONE. THEY SAID THEY HAD DONE ALL THEY COULD AND UNTIL THIS HAPPENED AGAIN THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST US. MY MOM COULD'VE DIED IN THAT CAR. *JS
WHILE EXITING A TRAFFIC CIRCLE, I HEARD A POP AND THE CAR SWERVED. I CORRECTED BUT WAS TOO LATE AS THE FRONT WHEEL HIT THE CURBING CAUSING THE ALUMINUM RIM TO CRACK ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND A LARGE RECTANGULAR PIECE OF THE TIRE SIDE WALL MISSING. THE SIDE WALL SEPARATION WAS THE TIRE ON THE PASSENGER REA…
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WHILE EXITING A TRAFFIC CIRCLE, I HEARD A POP AND THE CAR SWERVED. I CORRECTED BUT WAS TOO LATE AS THE FRONT WHEEL HIT THE CURBING CAUSING THE ALUMINUM RIM TO CRACK ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND A LARGE RECTANGULAR PIECE OF THE TIRE SIDE WALL MISSING. THE SIDE WALL SEPARATION WAS THE TIRE ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE. THE RAPID DEFLATION CAUSED THE CAR TO SWERVE WHILE EXITING THE TURN. FORTUNATELY I WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED! *TR
ON MAY 7, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00 PM I PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE, ON A HILL, AT TOWSON WOODS APARTMENT COMPLEX. I TURNED THE CAR OFF WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AT OVER 3/4 OF THE WAY UP. I WAS STANDING ABOUT 10 FEET OUTSIDE MY CAR, WHICH WAS OFF AND STATIONARY, TALKING TO A FRIEND FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN …
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ON MAY 7, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00 PM I PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE, ON A HILL, AT TOWSON WOODS APARTMENT COMPLEX. I TURNED THE CAR OFF WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AT OVER 3/4 OF THE WAY UP. I WAS STANDING ABOUT 10 FEET OUTSIDE MY CAR, WHICH WAS OFF AND STATIONARY, TALKING TO A FRIEND FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS OF ITS OWN ACCORD. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH IT, WHICH FAILED, AND THEN I JUMPED INTO THE DRIVERS SEAT AND TRIED TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP AS FAR AS IT COULD GO, WHICH DID NOT STOP THE CAR. IT THEN CRASHED INTO THE BUMPER OF ANOTHER CAR. BECAUSE THE WHEEL HAD BEEN TURNED TO THE LEFT WHEN I PARKED, THE CAR HAD ROLLED AT AN ANGLE SO THAT ONLY THE RIGHT SIDE BUMPER MADE CONTACT WITH THE OTHER CAR?S BIG ALUMINUM BUMPER THAT STICKS OUT. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR OUT FROM AGAINST THE BUMPER, I FOUND THERE TO BE COSMETIC DAMAGE THAT INCLUDED THE BUMPER STICKING OUT. (ESTIMATE $855) MAY 16, 2014 AT 9:00 AM. AFTER APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR AND A HALF I WAS TOLD THAT THE TECHNICIANS FOUND THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLIED WHEN THE HANDLE WAS APPLIED ALL THE WAY UP, WHICH THEY TERMED ?WITHIN NORMAL OPERATION." HOWEVER, FOR ?PEACE OF MIND,? THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY TIGHTENED THE BRAKE SO THAT NOW IT ONLY GOES UP 5 CLICKS. THE ACTUAL WORDING USED IS ?TECH MADE MINOR ADJUSTMENT SO EBRAKE DOES NOT GO ALL THE WAY UP.? ON MAY 21, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 7:05 PM, I STARTED MY CAR AND A FLASHING LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD APPEARED. THIS IS THE ?BSM OFF? LIGHT, IN REGARDS TO THE BLIND SPOT MONITORING. I READ THE MANUAL AND IT SAID TO CLEAN THE AREA WHERE THE BSM SENSORS ARE, WHICH I DID. IT STILL WAS MALFUNCTIONING SO I DID THE NEXT STEP IN THE MANUAL, WHICH WAS TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. ESTIMATE $250 ON JUNE 2 THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. THE PARKING BRAKE GOES ALL THE WAY UP. WE ARE TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN TO HAVE IT FIXED. *TR
HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO SYSTEM. MY RADIO FADES IN AND OUT CONTINUOUSLY. IT PLAYS FINE WHEN I USE THE CD PLAYER OR PLAY PANDORA BUT WHEN I PLAY THE RADIO IT IS HORRIBLE! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION, AIR PRESSURE, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION, AIR PRESSURE, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER MODULE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER MODULE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,200. UPDATED 07/16/14 MA
BOUGHT NEW VEHICLE AT END OF JANUARY 2014 AND PROBLEMS ARISES FEBRUARY 2014. STEERING OF THE VEHICLE IS FAULTY. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CANNOT EASILY MAINTAIN STABLE LINE. TO STAY STRAIGHT HAVING TO KEEP THE WHEEL ABOUT 5 DEGREES TURNED TO THE LEFT. WHILE MAKING SLIGHT RIGHT TURNS, VEHICLE WHEEL BECOMES UNSTABLE AND JERKS LEFT IF …
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BOUGHT NEW VEHICLE AT END OF JANUARY 2014 AND PROBLEMS ARISES FEBRUARY 2014. STEERING OF THE VEHICLE IS FAULTY. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CANNOT EASILY MAINTAIN STABLE LINE. TO STAY STRAIGHT HAVING TO KEEP THE WHEEL ABOUT 5 DEGREES TURNED TO THE LEFT. WHILE MAKING SLIGHT RIGHT TURNS, VEHICLE WHEEL BECOMES UNSTABLE AND JERKS LEFT IF GOING ON BUMPS OR DIPS. VERY UNSAFE. DEALER ADMITS THE PROBLEMS BUT WILL NOT REPLACE PART BECAUSE MAZDA ENGINEER SAID ITS WITHIN SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR MAZDA. HOW IS A NEW VEHICLE OK TO DRIVE WHEN IT CAN'T DRIVE STRAIGHT AND TAKES EXTRA EFFORT AND HOLD THE WHEEL AWAY FROM THE NORM TO DRIVE? *TR
Official recalls
423V487000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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