This page covers 5 recalls, 135 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2014 Mazda Mazda3.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2014 Mazda3's complaint picture is spread across a few systems, with the fuel system and brakes drawing the most reports. On the fuel side, owners describe smelling gasoline after fill-ups, with some tracing the source to leaks at or near the top of the tank, often noticed gradually rather than all at once. Brake complaints center on pedal feel and stopping performance, with owners reporting soft or spongy pedal response and longer-than-expected stopping distances. Electrical complaints, the third most reported area, include an airbag warning light flashing on the dashboard with or without a passenger present, and backup sensors failing silently, owners report the sensors stop detecting objects or vehicles behind the car without any warning indicator alerting them to the failure. A handful of reports also mention the HVAC blend door actuator failing to direct heat, leaving the system stuck blowing cold air regardless of the cabin temperature setting.
135
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Mazda3 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fuel tank defect where a weld can break and allow fuel to leak, raising the risk of fire if a source of ignition is nearby.
The parking brake has a separate concern: water can get into the brake caliper and corrode the parking brake actuator shaft, causing it to bind so the parking brake may not fully engage or release. There is also a rearview camera issue where a faulty connector causes the image to flicker or show distortion while backing up, reducing rear visibility; this recall only affects hatchback models.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera connector may fail, causing the camera image to distort or flicker on the display.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the rearview camera, install a seal on the wiring harness, and replace the camera if needed.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may display a flickering or distorted image, making it difficult to see behind the vehicle clearly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera if needed, and install a wiring harness fastening seal.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the brake caliper and cause the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and bind, potentially affecting parking brake function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the parking brake actuator shafts and replace any that are corroded at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank's inlet check valve weld may fail due to improper handling during manufacturing, potentially allowing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the inlet check valve weld and replace the fuel tank if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weld inside the fuel tank may break, allowing fuel to leak. A fuel leak near an ignition source could cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your fuel tank and replace it if the weld is defective.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
