Home › Mazda › Mazda3 › 2013

2013 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 has 1 safety recall and 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
117
Crashes / fires
7 / 2
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 16V-644: Structure

Reported Sep 6, 2016 · 580,455 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

2013 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting36
Electrical System32
Power Train18
Service Brakes15
Engine11
Structure11
Unknown or Other10
Seats9
Steering9
Air Bags7
Seat Belts6
Visibility/Wiper3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 8
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 41,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported May 1, 2025
The Brake Pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). The master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty ABS control unit (which, when Mazda was contacted, said that part was on backorder until September). If the manufacturer knows this is an issue and can't supply the part due to so many replacements needed in their vehicle, why is there no recall? There is no warning to the driver on the dashboard of this issue and has causes repeated issues while breaking.
Exterior Lighting · reported Feb 14, 2024
There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself. I have just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 with Skyactive Technology and I noticed that when I was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while I braked. I have been told there is a TSB on this issue (attached) and Mazda is well aware of this happening. This concern is caused by inadequate alternator output controlled by the PCM when the battery is under a heavy load. They are to the…
Power Train · reported Nov 26, 2023
Transmission Control Module malfunction. The AT light came on and the car made a jerking motion and a clunking noise. It lost power and would not shift which is very dangerous in moving traffic. It put me at risk for getting hit by another vehicle not expecting the abrupt change in speed by my vehicle. The check engine light is now lit up. There were no warning lights before the vehicle’s transmission malfunctioned. A code came up on the vehicle when tested. U0101 lost communication with TCM. From what I have read, researched, and have been told this issue is very common for certain years of…
Structure · reported Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V644000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat Belts · reported Aug 7, 2023
All my seatbuckels are tearing. I thought it could of been my dog, but I a certain I did not give up my seat or let him drive. My driver side is also tearing. I noticed the buckle catching when securing it, and now it has moved past snag and had a quarter inch tear that it catches on. The buckle is not wide enough for the belt. The belt is no longer able to constraint as good as when it was whole. Unknown

Other Mazda Mazda3 years

2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004

Compare all Mazda Mazda3 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3: 16V-644 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (36 reports), followed by electrical system (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 41,000 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.