2011 Mazda MAZDA3
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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
- 132
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 132 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 145 |
| 2005 | 97 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 132 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2015 | 130 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 84 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
23% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
The airbag system failed to deploy during a major accident I was in, where my car rolled multiple times, and the collision that totaled my car. This includes the front airbags, impact sensors, and/or the airbag control module not activating.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-28
Takata recall: I bought my first car MAZDA3 in jan 2011. On the passenger side, the airbag light does not turn off even though a over 100 pounds person is sitting on the chair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-21
My wife was involved in a serious accident were the automobile was declared a total loss. The air bags never deploy. The car was in motion and she was severely rear ended. The approximate travel speed was 65 miles per hr on there freeway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-10
Seats
15% · 20 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Driver seat gets really hot and burns your back. Have to turn off after 10 mins. Even on lowest setting. Keeps getting too hot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-16
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mazda MAZDA3. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into his from the rear. The contact stated that the driver's seat moved backward abnormally. The contact sustained injuries as a result.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-13
Defective Driver's seat construction made by Mazda Mfg Corp. I was the first person to report this cheaply made driver's seat failure to Mazda Corp in Irvine, CA in early 2015 or 2016.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-22
Also filed under Engine
Electrical system
11% · 15 reportsSteering
10% · 13 reportsStructure
10% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
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R
2017-04-07Seats17V082000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V644000 · Structure
- Recall 17V082000 · Seats
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
- 2 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.