VehicleVerdict

2014 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2014 Mazda Mazda3 sits mid-pack among Mazda3 years: 180 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 140, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (32), brakes (29), and other (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

180

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Mazda3 years?

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3218%
Brakes2916%
Other2816%
Fuel System2413%
Engine148%
Driver Assistance127%
Speed Control95%
Transmission74%
Visibility & Wipers53%
Seat Belts53%
Tires & Wheels42%
Airbags42%
Steering32%
Suspension21%
Seats11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2014 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

4 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.

17V393000BrakesJune 22, 2017 · 227,814 units

Defect

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

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.

16V684000Fuel SystemSeptember 22, 2016 · 17,484 units

Defect

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.

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.

14V173000Electrical SystemApril 3, 2014 · 5,700 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD AND FEELS LIKE IT MIGHT BE JAMMED. THE CAR WILL THEN PROPEL INTO GEAR CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SKID OUT. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. IT APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING THE WORST WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS. THIS HAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 14, 2017 · crash

Today on 3/6/23 I was parked outside a restaurant picking up food as I was inside the restaurant my hand brake failed to hold and my car rolled back and hit another customers car. My car is a manual and I had it in neutral and I was then approached by the owner of the vehicle I hit asking for my…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 6, 2023 · crash

There is currently a recall for 2014 Mazda 3 hatchbacks due to a faulty rearview back-up camera, but the dates are too limited. Production dates start in Dec 2013, but my particular vehicle was manufactured before that and still has the defective camera/mount. My car is in the shop getting fixed…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 3, 2023

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 30, 2015

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD AND FEELS LIKE IT MIGHT BE JAMMED. THE CAR WILL THEN PROPEL INTO GEAR CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SKID OUT. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. IT APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING THE WORST WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS. THIS HAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 14, 2017 · crash

2014 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2014 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda3: 180 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2014 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (32 complaints), brakes (29 complaints), other (28 complaints).

Does the 2014 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda3 years to avoid are 2010, 2008, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2011, 2013. The cleanest record among Mazda3 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2014 Mazda Mazda3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Mazda Mazda3 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.