2016 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems
The 2016 Mazda Mazda3 has 6 safety recalls and 104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
Recall 23V-487: Back Over Prevention
Problem: 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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Recall 19V-272: Visibility
Problem: 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.
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
Recall 17V-393: Parking Brake
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
Recall 16V-685: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0216I.
Recall 16V-684: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.
Recall 15V-621: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repairs have been completed. Mazda will provide rental cars until that time. Owners may contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8615J.
2016 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 22 | |
| Unknown or Other | 21 | |
| Service Brakes | 14 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 13 | |
| Power Train | 9 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 | |
| Engine | 7 | |
| Air Bags | 6 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | |
| Parking Brake | 6 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Structure | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 4
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 2
- Equipment › Electrical — 1
- Seat Belts › Front › Retractor — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,500 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 2016 Mazda Mazda3 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mazda Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3: 23V-487 (back over prevention), 19V-272 (visibility), 17V-393 (parking brake), 16V-685 (fuel system, gasoline), 16V-684 (fuel system, gasoline) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (22 reports), followed by unknown or other (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,500 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.