VehicleVerdict

2016 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2016 Mazda Mazda3 is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 6 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 137 owner complaints run below the Mazda3 median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (25), electrical system (24), and brakes (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

137

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Mazda3 years?

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2518%
Electrical System2418%
Brakes1914%
Driver Assistance1410%
Transmission97%
Engine75%
Visibility & Wipers75%
Airbags64%
Fuel System64%
Seats43%
Body & Structure43%
Seat Belts32%
Steering32%
Suspension21%
Speed Control21%
Tires & Wheels11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

6 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.

19V272000Visibility & WipersApril 4, 2019 · 187,880 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.

Consequence

Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.

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.

16V685000Fuel SystemSeptember 23, 2016 · 3,849 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.

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 recirculation pipe 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 0216I.

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.

The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 11, 2024 · crash

Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified. No warning lamps or messages.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 11, 2024 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND UNOCCUPIED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DISENGAGED AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED BACK AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 22, 2018 · crash

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 13, 2023

I PARKED AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLIGHT INCLINE POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS IN SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). IT WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION AT THAT TIME. MY FAMILY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WE WENT INSIDE OUR HOME. APPROXIMATELY A HALF OUR LATER I NOTICE MY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 2, 2020 · crash

2016 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda3: 137 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (25 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints), brakes (19 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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 2016 Mazda Mazda3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.