Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
330–25K
1025–50K
1850–75K
975–100K
3100–150K
2150K+
75 reports with mileage · 55 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.
Service Brakes. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Back Over Prevention. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
8 crash reports2 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
130 reports
2,000 miles · Mar 9, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10845779
22,000 miles · Feb 8, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherFire
INTERIOR DOME LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING, LOOKED UP TO SEE WHY, THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FLAMES COULD BE SEEN. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED, APPROX. 65 MPH. CAR HAD 22,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #10824893
1,429 miles · Jan 17, 2016
Service Brakes
TOOK CAR IN FOR FIRST OIL CHANGE AT 1429 MILES AND WAS TOLD BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE GROOVED AND THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10820726
3,000 miles · Jan 11, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructureCrash
TURNING TO PARK HER VEHICLE, IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT TWO PARKED CARS IN FRONT.
NHTSA ODI #10819278
2,000 miles · Dec 2, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V621000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V621000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WOULD BE KEPT UNTIL THE RECALL REMEDY COULD BE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT FELT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
NHTSA ODI #10807980
732 miles · Oct 30, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL TANK KIT, THE GASKET, THE NUT AND THE RETAINER WERE REPLACED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL TANK KIT, THE GASKET, THE NUT AND THE RETAINER WERE REPLACED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V621000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 732. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10787288
200 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V621000(FUEL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V621000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
NHTSA ODI #10786532
3,500 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Unknown Or Other
RADIATOR HOSE DISCONNECTED WHICH DRAINED ANTIFREEZE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO RUN HOT.
NHTSA ODI #10786254
200 miles · Oct 19, 2015
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED VERY LOW AND PROVIDE ZERO LIGHT ABOVE A LOW VERTICAL CUT OFF POINT. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY AIMED THE LIGHTS HIGHER, BUT I DO NOT NOTICE A DIFFERENCE. LOOKED AT CHANGING THE AIM MYSELF, BUT THERE IS NO OBVIOUS ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS FREQUENT…
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HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED VERY LOW AND PROVIDE ZERO LIGHT ABOVE A LOW VERTICAL CUT OFF POINT. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY AIMED THE LIGHTS HIGHER, BUT I DO NOT NOTICE A DIFFERENCE. LOOKED AT CHANGING THE AIM MYSELF, BUT THERE IS NO OBVIOUS ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS FREQUENTLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE *ANYTHING* MORE THAN 8, 20, OR 70 FEET AHEAD WHEN THE GRADE OF THE ROADWAY CHANGES IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION, FOR INSTANCE AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL WHEN THE ROADWAY BEGINS TO TRANSITION FROM LEVEL TO A POSITIVE GRADE UPHILL, OR AS YOU ARE TRAVELING DOWNHILL, REACH THE BOTTOM OF A HILL AND THE CAR IS POINTED DOWNHILL BUT THE ROAD AHEAD IS LEVEL. THIS IS ALSO A PROBLEM WHEN YOU ARE ON A HILL AND THE GRADE OF THE HILL CHANGES. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE FINE ON PERFECTLY LEVEL ROADS, BUT ARE A CRASH WAITING TO HAPPEN ANYWHERE ELSE.
NHTSA ODI #10783528
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2015
Unknown Or Other
WHEN THE CAR IS GETTING WET AND RUNNING IN A HUMPS WE ALWAYS HEARD A SQUEAKING OR CRACKING SOUNDS ON THE FRONT WHEEL, LIKELY ITS IN FRONT SHOCK, I GUESS
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 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.
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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's fuel shut-off valve. As needed, the fuel shut-off valve and the affected fuel tank emissions system components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repairs have been completed. Mazda will provide rental cars until that time. Owners may contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8615J.
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.
2015 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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