2016 Mazda CX-3

○ Not enough data
2016 Mazda CX-3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T09:43:41.542Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
48
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

23% of complaints

Complaints per year

2014: 3 complaints 2014 2016: 48 complaints 2016 48 2017: 21 complaints 2017 2018: 10 complaints 2018 2019: 27 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint 2020 2021: 4 complaints 2021
2014: 3 complaints 2014 2016: 48 complaints 2016 48 2017: 21 complaints 2017 2018: 10 complaints 2018 2019: 27 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint 2020 2021: 4 complaints 2021
2014: 3 complaints 2014 2016: 48 complaints 2016 48 2017: 21 complaints 2017 2018: 10 complaints 2018 2019: 27 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint 2020 2021: 4 complaints 2021

2016: 48 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20143
201648
201721
201810
201927
20201
20214

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

23% · 11 reports

Exterior lighting

15% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Show complaint excerpts

I was recently served a notice in regards to our back up camera. Of greater concern is the moisture issue in the headlight that MAZDA seems to not be concerned about.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-23

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. While driving unknown speeds, the headlights failed to produce adequate illumination when turning the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-14

Back over prevention

15% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and rearview system braking.

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 5 reports

Visibility/wiper

8% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2016-05-10Steering16V203000 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...

    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.

  2. R
    2017-03-08Structure16V644000 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...

    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.

  3. R
    2024-08-14Back over prevention23V487000 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.

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Mazda CX-3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Back over prevention: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V203000 · Steering
  • Recall 16V644000 · Structure
  • Recall 23V487000 · Back over prevention

FAQ

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.