2015 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 145 |
| 2005 | 97 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 131 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 137 |
| 2015 | 130 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2018 | 107 |
| 2019 | 73 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Description On 12-15-2025, in 18°F weather, the vehicle was parked on a residential sloped driveway with the manual parking brake fully engaged. While the driver was outside the vehicle, the parking brake system failed to hold the carâs weight.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260115
COMMING TO A STOP CAR DIDNT SLOW DOWN AND WHEN EMERGENCY LEVER WAS PULLED FOR A STOP IT DIDNT WORK! RECALL NOTICE1217F NHTSA NUMBER17V393
NHTSA ODI report, 20190305
18% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The "infotainment" system, which includes media, navigation, hands-free calling, and the backup camera function, frequently malfunctions. The system will either freeze, or it will execute button presses on its own.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231027
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: back over prevention — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that on numerous occasions after he opened and closed the trunk of the vehicle or while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera image intermittently became distorted or blank.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230928
5% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015.
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.
Campaign 15V621000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015.
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.
Campaign 16V684000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V393000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V487000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V684000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V393000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V487000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.