2013 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
- 117
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 117 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.
Exterior lighting
31% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing concealment devices and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-14
Also filed under Electrical system
I have a 2013 Mazda 3I 5-door hatchback with approximately 61,000 miles, 90% highway driving to and from work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-04
Also filed under Electrical system and electronic stability control (esc)
Electrical system
27% · 32 reportsPower train
15% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Transmission Control Module malfunction. The AT light came on and the car made a jerking motion and a clunking noise. It lost power and would not shift which is very dangerous in moving traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-26
Service brakes
13% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Driving down the street at 15 MPH, the car in front of myself had slowed down and stopped at a light. When I seen she was stopping, I pressed down my brakes so I would stop but the brake peddle pushed all the way to the floor. My car didn't stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-07
Engine
9% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I am a fire investigator with lexington fire department. I responded to a structure fire on the listed date. It was determined that the fire originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle and spread to the building.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-10
Safety timeline
1 recall · 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.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V644000 · Structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.