VehicleVerdict

2015 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2015 Mazda Mazda3 sits mid-pack among Mazda3 years: 154 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 139, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (29), other (27), and electrical system (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

154

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Mazda3 years?

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2919%
Other2718%
Electrical System2416%
Fuel System149%
Driver Assistance149%
Body & Structure64%
Engine64%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Seats64%
Lighting53%
Transmission53%
Airbags43%
Steering32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Speed Control11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2015 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.

15V621000Fuel SystemOctober 2, 2015 · 14,411 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I WENT TO GO STEP ON BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AS I WAS COMING UP ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED DUE TO TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WHEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I SLID RIGHT INTO THE GUY. I TRIED TO TURN MY WHEEL TO GO ON SHOULDER, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND IN TRAFFIC. I WASN'T…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 22, 2017 · crash

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 8, 2016 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM, THE BLUETOOTH FUNCTION, AND THE USB SYSTEM REBOOTED AND FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 2, 2015

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 8, 2016 · fire

This in regards to NHTSA Recall #: 23V-487. It has been 173 days since this recall was announced and I have not received any correspondence from the manufacturer. The recall has been sitting with no remedy available for 6 months. I want to know when Mazda is expected to have a fix to this vehicle?

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 3, 2024

2015 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2015 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda3: 154 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2015 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (29 complaints), other (27 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints).

Does the 2015 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 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 2015 Mazda Mazda3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 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.