NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
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
This page covers 8 recalls, 103 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 Mazda3 centers on the backup camera and infotainment display. Owners frequently report the touchscreen developing a "spidering" or delamination effect, a web-like cracking of the screen surface, that obscures the rear camera image when reversing. The electrical system draws the next-highest volume of complaints, with owners describing the instrument cluster going dark or failing to display vehicle information, and the infotainment unit cycling through menus, placing calls, or changing settings on its own without driver input. Service brake complaints round out the top three, though at a lower volume. A handful of owners also describe steering-related clunking noises while turning, and at least one report mentions a sudden clutch failure on the manual transmission variant with no warning beforehand.
103
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mazda3 has 8 recalls, the most serious being multiple fuel tank defects where welds or valves can fail and allow fuel to leak, raising the risk of fire if an ignition source is nearby.
Several distinct fuel system issues are present across different build date ranges. On some vehicles, a deformed tank can cause fuel to leak at the recirculation pipe connection, while on others a weld on the inlet check valve can break and allow fuel to escape. A third issue involves a shut-off valve that can let fuel migrate into the emissions system, where it may leak onto the ground or cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. On the brake side, water can get into the rear brake calipers and corrode the parking brake actuator shaft, causing the parking brake to stick engaged or fail to hold the vehicle. A faulty wiper relay can cause the windshield wipers to stop working entirely, cutting visibility in rain. There is also a rearview camera concern on vehicles equipped with one: the image can flicker or distort while backing up, reducing the driver's view behind the vehicle.
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
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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 →
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
An electrical problem may cause the windshield wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Mazda will replace the front body control module with an improved version at a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty windshield wiper relay can stop the wipers from working, reducing your ability to see the road.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your front body control module with an improved one that has a better wiper relay.
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 may be deformed from manufacturing, causing fuel to leak from the welded recirculation pipe connection.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the recirculation pipe 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
The fuel tank may have a faulty weld that could break, causing fuel to leak. A leak near a heat source or spark could ignite and cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your fuel tank and replace it if the weld defect is found.
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
The fuel tank shut-off valve can malfunction and allow fuel to enter the emissions system. Too much fuel entering this system may leak onto the ground or cause the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the shut-off valve and replace it along with affected emissions components as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
