This page covers 11 recalls and 72 owner complaints for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3.
For the 2019 Mazda3, the complaint set is relatively modest at 72 reports, and the issues are spread across several systems rather than concentrated in one. Engine complaints lead by volume, with owners describing stalling, rough running, and warning lights. Forward collision avoidance draws the second-highest count, with owners reporting the system triggering unexpected alerts or malfunctioning warnings, several describe dashboard warnings for the brake and driver-assistance systems illuminating after routine braking situations. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, covering hesitation and drivetrain behavior concerns. A handful of reports mention seatbelts failing to retract, with owners noting the belt goes slack and won't return to position. A single report describes curtain airbags deploying without any collision, and another mentions a driver-side door handle failing mechanically, preventing normal entry and exit.
72
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Mazda3 has 11 recalls, the most serious involving automatic emergency braking that can activate without cause, stopping the car suddenly and raising the risk of a rear-end collision, as well as loose wheel lug nuts that can allow a wheel to separate from the vehicle while driving.
A software error in the powertrain control module can also cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. On the occupant safety side, seat cover material on both front seats can interfere with the head restraint release button, leaving the restraints free to move up and down or detach in a crash. There are also two indicator light concerns: the passenger airbag deactivation light can incorrectly go dark even when the airbag is turned off, and seat belt status lights for rear passengers may not accurately reflect whether occupants are buckled. Finally, on vehicles with manual dimming mirrors, the rearview mirror glass can separate from its housing and fall, eliminating rear visibility.
At a glance
What can fail
The Smart Brake System may falsely detect an obstacle while driving and activate automatic emergency braking, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Smart Brake System software. Some vehicles will also receive instrument cluster software updates or replacement and a replacement owner's manual.
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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 Smart Brake Support system may incorrectly detect obstacles ahead and apply brakes automatically even when there is no crash risk.
What the fix does
Mazda will update the SBS control software at a dealer. Some vehicles will also have the instrument cluster reprogrammed or replaced, and owners will receive an updated manual.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive bonding the interior rearview mirror to its housing may fail, causing the mirror to detach. This affects 2019 Mazda3 vehicles with manual dimming mirrors only.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The interior rearview mirror glass may not be securely attached and could fall off while driving.
What the fix does
Mazda will mail you instructions to have a dealer replace your interior rearview mirror.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat cover material can catch on the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick and prevent the head restraint from locking in place.
What the fix does
Dealers will install spacers beneath the lock release buttons on both front head restraints to prevent interference.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seatback material may be installed incorrectly and interfere with the head restraint release button, causing it to stick in the released position. This allows the head restraint to move freely and detach in a crash.
What the fix does
A plastic spacer will be installed at the bottom of the head restraint release button to prevent interference with the seatback material.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the powertrain control module may cause the engine to stall unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module software at no charge to correct the error.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wheel lug nuts may not be properly tightened at the factory, causing them to loosen or fall off and potentially allowing a wheel to separate from the car.
What the fix does
Dealers will re-tighten the front and rear wheel nuts to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lug nuts holding the wheels may loosen over time, which could allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten all four wheel lug nuts to the correct specification at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag status light, passenger seat belt status light, and rear seat belt status lights may turn off incorrectly, even when the airbag is off or seat belts are unbuckled. The airbag system itself works normally.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt indicator assembly to restore proper operation of all status lights.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator and seat belt status indicator lights may turn off incorrectly, even though the air bag is deactivated or seat belts are unfastened.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag and seat belt status indicator assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
