VehicleVerdict

2016 Mazda CX-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 63 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median CX-3 year — the 2016 model ranks #1 of 7 CX-3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (12), other (10), and driver assistance (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

63

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other CX-3 years?

CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted63 complaints2014: 4 complaints2016: 63 complaints2017: 27 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints
CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1219%
Other1016%
Driver Assistance914%
Lighting711%
Fuel System58%
Visibility & Wipers46%
Engine46%
Brakes23%
Seat Belts23%
Seats23%
Speed Control23%
Body & Structure23%
Tires & Wheels12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V487000Driver AssistanceJuly 14, 2023 · 236,100 units

Defect

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

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.

16V644000Body & StructureSeptember 6, 2016 · 580,455 units

Defect

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

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.

16V203000SteeringApril 11, 2016 · 578 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE A/C QUIT WORKING AFTER LESS THAN 3 YRS, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY NO LESS. DEALER WANTS NEARLY $2K FOR REPAIR. TURNS OUT THE CAUSE IS A DEFECTIVE PART MAZDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF SINCE 2016. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE THREE SEPARATE TSB'S ABOUT THE ISSUE AND A MAZDA SERVICE PROGRAM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 17, 2019

“I BOUGHT A MAZDA CX-3 ON DECEMBER 31ST 2015. ON JANUARY 27TH I DROVE THE CAR FROM HOME TO WORK FOR 20 MINUTES AND I ENTERED PARKING LOT WITH MAY BE 15 MILES AN HOUR! I MADE MY 90 DEGREE TURN INTO PARKING STALL WITH MAY BE 5 MILES AN HOUR AND PUSHED THE BRAKE TO FULLY STOP! CAR ALMOST STOPPED BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 27, 2016 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse (R), the back over prevention camera flickered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 15, 2021

“THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE CONTAINED MOISTURE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, CAUSING DIFFUSED, DIMMED VISIBILITY AT NIGHT...VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO, CONCERNED THAT ELECTRICAL MAY BE AFFECTED EVENTUALLY.... Mazda still will not recall and repair?? on fixed income, to pricey for me to repair!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 1, 2018

“While driving on the highway on a posted 65mph, the fuel remaining on the vehicle was posted at 1/4, approx. 75miles remaining. The vehicle abruptly stalled and I managed to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle then refused to start again. Had to bring it to a fuel station and refueled…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 11, 2024

2016 Mazda CX-3 — common questions

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 63 complaints put the 2016 model at #1 of 7 CX-3 years. It is one of the CX-3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 CX-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), other (10 complaints), driver assistance (9 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-3 years to avoid are 2016, 2019. The cleanest record among CX-3 years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2016 Mazda CX-3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.