VehicleVerdict

2017 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Mazda Mazda3 sits mid-pack among Mazda3 years: 105 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 138, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Other leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

105

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted920 complaints2004: 185 complaints2005: 127 complaints2006: 224 complaints2007: 301 complaints2008: 387 complaints2009: 140 complaints2010: 920 complaints2011: 179 complaints2012: 328 complaints2013: 176 complaints2014: 180 complaints2015: 154 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 105 complaints2018: 139 complaints2019: 117 complaints2020: 50 complaints2021: 66 complaints2022: 31 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 20 complaints2025: 8 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2726%
Electrical System2221%
Driver Assistance1514%
Brakes77%
Visibility & Wipers55%
Engine55%
Body & Structure44%
Fuel System33%
Transmission33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Suspension33%
Airbags22%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Seats11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 10, 2025 · crash

“The car was experiencing the Mazda Ghost Touch in which the navigation/infotainment screen randomly pushes buttons resulting in distracted driving. Mazda has authorized repairs for 2014-2016 models, but refuses to fix later models. For reference, see [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 17, 2024

“I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 10, 2025 · crash

“CAR WAS PARKED IN A CARPORT ON FLAT GROUND. CAME OUTSIDE CAR WAS GONE .. ROLLED OUT OF THE CARPORT DOWN A 500 FT DRIVEWAY, TURNED INTO THE DRIVEWAY ACROSS THE HIGHWAY INTO A VEHICLE PARKED THERE.. ELECTRONIC BRAKING WAS APPLIED AND STILL ENGAGED.. PARKED THE CAR BACK INTO THE CARPORT AND TRIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 3, 2022 · crash

“Intermittent faulty display (or no display) from rear-view camera as described in Recall 23V-487. Recall was issued in July 2023, but as of August 27, 2024, the parts to fix the recall issue are still not available and Mazda customer service has no idea when the parts will be available. In my view,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 15, 2023

2017 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda3: 105 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (27 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), driver assistance (15 complaints).

Does the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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 2017 Mazda Mazda3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 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.