2018 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 has 4 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

110

Crashes / fires

6 / 0

Injuries / deaths

5 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 23V-487: Back Over Prevention

Reported Jul 14, 2023 · 236,100 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

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 21V-875: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 12, 2021 · 121,038 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

Recall 19V-272: Visibility

Reported Apr 4, 2019 · 187,880 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

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-745: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Nov 21, 2017 · 144 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.

2018 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	30
Unknown or Other	26
Visibility/Wiper	16
Back Over Prevention	16
Engine	12
Fuel/Propulsion System	7
Service Brakes	6
Power Train	5
Forward Collision Avoidance	5
Fuel System, Gasoline	4
Lane Departure	4
Structure	2

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
Structure › Body — 2
Lane Departure › Warning — 2
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 2
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 29,850 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 2018 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

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

Back Over Prevention · reported Oct 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, nearly resulting in a collision with a parked vehicle. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, creating a driver distraction. In addition, the infotainment screen delaminated and experienced ghost touching with random phantom touches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the infotainment system required a new lens kit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone, and a case was filed. The…

Unknown or Other · reported Aug 26, 2026

The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a small explosion. I am positive that no object struck the vehicle.

Visibility/Wiper · at 200,000 miles · reported Jun 5, 2026

The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the windshield wipers had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the contact's auto repair shop, Tire-Rama, where the windshield wiper switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V272000 (VISIBILITY); and referred the customer to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the owner that the vehicle was not covered under the recall because the VIN was not included. The…

Visibility/Wiper · reported Mar 24, 2026

While I was driving on the highway, I went to use my front wipers and there was no response when trying to active them. The rear wiper, front and rear washer fluid sprayers all worked. No warning lights or other signs of failure were present. I took the car to a local repair shop and they diagnosed it as a bad Body Control Module. Once the module was replaced and reprogrammed, the wipers worked as intended. Safety Recall 3219D describes the issue I had perfecly. My VIN is out of the range of this recall but if I had the same issue as this recall, there might be other bad parts out there and…

Unknown or Other · reported Feb 2, 2026

The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has been aware of the defect for some time and issued a TSB ( and settled a class action lawsuit) but we never received any notification. The dealer offered no assistance as the car was out of warranty . We paid several hundred dollars to replace the screen as the car was becoming undriveable.

Other Mazda Mazda3 years

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Compare all Mazda Mazda3 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3: 23V-487 (back over prevention), 21V-875 (fuel system, gasoline), 19V-272 (visibility), 17V-745 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (30 reports), followed by unknown or other (26). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 29,850 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.