2016 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
21% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240113
13% of complaints: service brakes — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 7 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY 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 model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the recirculation pipe weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016.
Campaign 16V685000 — 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 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
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.
Campaign 19V272000 — 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
2016 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 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 16V685000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V393000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V272000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V487000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
6 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.