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2019 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 108.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

42 reports with mileage · 32 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 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Forward Collision Avoidance complaints

9 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

To whom it may concern, I was on a back road late in the evening not far from home [XXX] and a small deer ran into the road. I needed to brake to avoid hitting the deer. After breaking, a Brake System Malfunction warning message and i-ACTIVESENSE System Malfunction warning illuminated on my dashboard. I brought the car to a Ma…

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To whom it may concern, I was on a back road late in the evening not far from home [XXX] and a small deer ran into the road. I needed to brake to avoid hitting the deer. After breaking, a Brake System Malfunction warning message and i-ACTIVESENSE System Malfunction warning illuminated on my dashboard. I brought the car to a Mazda dealership the next morning. The technician determined that the brake fluid level sensor became stuck, requiring replacement of the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid level sensor. What failed: The repairs include replacement of the Brake Fluid Reservoir and the Brake Fluid Level Sensor. This is the link to the dealer report [XXX] . No one other than the dealer has inspected these parts to my knowledge. There was no accident of any kind. I personally felt unsafe after these parts failing and reached out to Mazda Customer Care to request investigation of the issue. The case manager just called me back today to say they could not help me. Mazda has denied warranty coverage, claiming the parts are not covered. However, I really do feel this is a critical safety system component that failed after normal emergency use with no collision or impact. Why I feel this is a safety concern: - The brake warning system became unreliable after a single emergency stop. - My car only has 42k miles and is in excellent condition and is fully dealer serviced. - A driver could lose the ability to receive proper brake system warnings if this failure occurs again. - A critical brake sensor should not fail under normal driving conditions, and its failure could lead to delayed driver response in an actual brake fluid loss scenario. It makes me worry for the future. For your consideration: I believe this represents a safety-related defect that should be investigated, as it affects the reliability of the brake system warning indicators in the 2019 Mazda 3. I appreciate your time and consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11678802

15,000 miles · Aug 18, 2022
Forward Collision Avoidance

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated and the vehicle would brake suddenly without the driver depressing the brake pedal. The failure had become recurring. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that th…

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The contact owns a 2019 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated and the vehicle would brake suddenly without the driver depressing the brake pedal. The failure had become recurring. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V907000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA ODI #11480028

Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2022
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidancePower Train

the vehicle started surging at low soeeds and accelarating and control module issues for the transmission

NHTSA ODI #11461434

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance

was driving in a car park and it randomly braked thinking someone was infront of me but there was nothing and the car behind me almost rear ended. Already fixed the recall last year according to Mazda. This is extremely scary and not sure what would have happened if this was on a highway

NHTSA ODI #11421785

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance

MAZDA DEALER IS REFUSING TO UPDATE SOFTWARE PER SSPC5 TO CORRECT A SAFETY ISSUE RELATING TO THE MRCC (MAZDA RADAR CRUISE CONTROL) UNLESS I FIRST AGREE TO HAVING MAZDA CONNECTED SERVICES INSTALLED ON MY 2019 MAZDA 3 SEDAN (CSP06). WHEN I PURCHASED MY NEW CAR MAZDA CONNECTED SERVICES WAS NOT INCLUDED IN MY CAR. I AM NOW BEING COER…

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MAZDA DEALER IS REFUSING TO UPDATE SOFTWARE PER SSPC5 TO CORRECT A SAFETY ISSUE RELATING TO THE MRCC (MAZDA RADAR CRUISE CONTROL) UNLESS I FIRST AGREE TO HAVING MAZDA CONNECTED SERVICES INSTALLED ON MY 2019 MAZDA 3 SEDAN (CSP06). WHEN I PURCHASED MY NEW CAR MAZDA CONNECTED SERVICES WAS NOT INCLUDED IN MY CAR. I AM NOW BEING COERCED INTO HAVING MAZDA CONNECTED SERVICES INSTALLED INTO MY VEHICLE BEFORE THEY WILL CORRECT A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. MY VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT UNLESS I AGREE TO HAVING THEIR TELEMETRICS CONTROL UNIT (TCU) INSTALLED, THEY REFUSE TO INSTALL THE SOFTWARE TO CORRECT THE DANGEROUS ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONCERN PER SSPC5.

NHTSA ODI #11414279

8,400 miles · Dec 21, 2020
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

I WAS ACCELERATING AFTER A TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE CAR STARTED BRAKING AUTOMATICALLY AND CAME TO A FULL STOP. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO REASON. I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE TWO SENSORS AND NEI…

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I WAS ACCELERATING AFTER A TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE CAR STARTED BRAKING AUTOMATICALLY AND CAME TO A FULL STOP. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO REASON. I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE TWO SENSORS AND NEITHER ONE WAS BLOCKED (IT HAD SNOWED HERE RECENTLY). I'M HONESTLY SCARED THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND MAZDA IS SAYING THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ABOUT THIS FOR MY CAR AND THAT THE CAR IS FINE.

NHTSA ODI #11384444

120,000 miles · Dec 11, 2020
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

WITHOUT CAUSE: THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY DETECT THE PRESENCE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND/OR SENSE AN IMMINENT COLLISION AND SUBSEQUENTLY APPLIES THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM, CAUSING THE VEHICLE SPEED TO SUDDENLY DECREASE. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE COURSE OF DRIVING THE CAR AND RESULTED IN BEING ALMOST REAR ENDED NUMEROUS…

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WITHOUT CAUSE: THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY DETECT THE PRESENCE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND/OR SENSE AN IMMINENT COLLISION AND SUBSEQUENTLY APPLIES THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM, CAUSING THE VEHICLE SPEED TO SUDDENLY DECREASE. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE COURSE OF DRIVING THE CAR AND RESULTED IN BEING ALMOST REAR ENDED NUMEROUS TIMES. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SCENARIO AND COULD EASILY CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY ON THE FREEWAY WHEN EVERYONE AROUND IS GOING REALLY FAST AND NEEDS MORE TIME TO REACT TO THE SUDDEN AND SHARP SLOWING DOWN OF MY VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS, FREEWAY, HIGHWAY, OR IN THE CITY. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE THIS FIXED, BUT GET A DIFFERENT ANSWER EVERY TIME I TAKE IT IN. BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS UNRESOLVED AND CONTINUES TO PLACE ME, MY PASSENGERS, OTHER DRIVERS, AND EVEN PEDESTRIANS IN HARMS WAY.

NHTSA ODI #11383002

1,491 miles · Aug 4, 2020
Electrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AUTO ALARM ACTIVATED CAUSING THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN 19V907000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) FOR WHICH THE REMEDY WAS COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AUTO ALARM ACTIVATED CAUSING THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN 19V907000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) FOR WHICH THE REMEDY WAS COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NETWORK MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT, VEHICLE INSPECTION NEEDED, SAFETY AND DRIVER SUPPORT SYSTEM DISABLED AND FRONT RADAR OBSCURED WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE LANE DEPARTURE ALARM ACTIVATED, AND THE AUTO CORRECT ACTIVATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL BOTH TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (RUSS DARROW METRO MAZDA - ADDRESS: 11330 W METRO AUTO MALL DRIVE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53224 PHONE: (414) 409-9201) WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL REMEDY ALONG WITH 8 OTHER UNSPECIFIED RECALL REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE FAILURES PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,491.

NHTSA ODI #11343152

7,000 miles · Nov 1, 2019
Forward Collision AvoidanceCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE AFTER THE BRAKE ASSIST WAS ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE AFTER THE BRAKE ASSIST WAS ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

NHTSA ODI #11277532

Official recalls

6

19V907000 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

Dec 19, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.

19V558000 · Visibility:glass, Side/rear

Jul 29, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3919G.

19V514000 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

Jul 5, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3819F.

19V497000 · Engine; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jun 27, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

19V425000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Jun 7, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A wheel separating from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the front and rear wheel lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3519F.

19V363000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

May 14, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.

Consequence: Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.

Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.

Consequence: Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.

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.