2016 Mazda CX-3 Owner Complaints

It’s a safety risk with this car. The converter burns super fast, causing issues that seem like it’s related to transmission or alternator.

NHTSA ID

11735158

Incident

May 1, 2026

While driving on the highway on a posted 65mph, the fuel remaining on the vehicle was posted at 1/4, approx. 75miles remaining. The vehicle abruptly stalled and I managed to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle then refused to start again. Had to bring it to a fuel station and refueled leading to the vehicle starting again. Dealership diagnosed a bad fuel pump and fuel rail.

NHTSA ID

11635954

Incident

Dec 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11633100

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted on several occasions, and was black on other occasions. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11619261

Incident

Apr 11, 2023

Mileage

45,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11595717

Incident

Jun 21, 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical component issues have bled over to the digital speedometer, making it difficult to see the speed at which you are driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

NHTSA ID

11589104

Incident

May 15, 2024

My recent experience with the service at Putnam Mazda was extremely disappointing and frustrating. What should have been a routine visit turned into a distressing ordeal. My car suddenly died on the freeway without warning lights, prompting me to bring it in for servicing. Initially, I appreciated being offered a loaner car. However, subsequent communication regarding the repair was inadequate and concerning. I received an email stating the necessary part wouldn't be available until July and was abruptly instructed to return the loaner car immediately, with no consideration for my circumstances. This lack of empathy was shocking, especially as a loyal Mazda customer. Furthermore, I experienced racial and gender profiling throughout the ordeal. Instead of addressing my concerns, I was met with aggression and threats of police involvement, making me feel targeted and discriminated against. When I questioned this response, I was told my email was "direct," justifying the aggression. Additionally, the loaner agreement lacked an expiration date. Despite being assured they would provide a grace period if needed, I was demanded to return the car immediately, with false claims about the agreement. This manipulation, gaslighting, and harassment are not only unethical but also against the law. To exacerbate matters, safety concerns with my vehicle were brushed aside. Despite my car having a non-working engine, the dealership suggested I drive it off the lot. This reckless recommendation not only endangered my safety but also the safety of others on the road. Despite repeatedly expressing these safety concerns, the dealership did nothing to address them. Responding to a concerned customer with threats of police involvement is never justified. Instead of addressing my concerns, I was met with aggression and threats. They threatened to report the car stolen and demanded I drive my car without a working engine. This behavior was unwarranted and left me feeling insulted and degrad

NHTSA ID

11582003

Incident

Mar 27, 2024

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE CONTAINED MOISTURE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, CAUSING DIFFUSED, DIMMED VISIBILITY AT NIGHT...VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO, CONCERNED THAT ELECTRICAL MAY BE AFFECTED EVENTUALLY.... Mazda still will not recall and repair?? on fixed income, to pricey for me to repair!

NHTSA ID

11573867

Incident

Jan 1, 2018

The infotainment center has a mind of its own. It's going berserk. Others have said that it is like a ghost is taking over control. When in park, or at a stop light, I have no control over the screen. It changes channels, or calls random people (If I have my phone connected via bluetooth.) This doesn't happen when in drive, above a certain speed. (Mazda has the infotainment set for the touchscreen to not function above a certain speed.) This is a safety issue because it is distracting. I have contacted Mazda and they currently are refusing to pay for the replacement.

NHTSA ID

11571628

Incident

Oct 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse (R), the back over prevention camera flickered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11570601

Incident

Sep 15, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the rearview camera had failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11564570

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

Mileage

58,000 mi

My Mazda CX3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost presses” without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone multiple times. Many others have also experienced the same issue with their Mazda infotainment systems. This should be a recall as the sudden distraction and panic caused by this poses a serious safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11561796

Incident

Dec 16, 2023

Mazda CX3 Connect touch screen in the center display may not accept touch commands properly and faded. The film inside the touch screen may be corroded due to moisture

NHTSA ID

11547818

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

Drivers seat constantly sinks down as you are driving. It will not stay in place. It has a manual seat up and down lever. I have been having this problem every since purchased. I have look for solutions but found none. I am not the only one with this problem as I found out online. It is a seat manufacturer problem!

NHTSA ID

11547627

Incident

Jan 11, 2019

I was recently served a notice in regards to our back up camera. Of greater concern is the moisture issue in the headlight that MAZDA seems to not be concerned about. However my inspection mechanic seems to be offended and warns it shan't pass PA inspection. Why won't Mazda deal with this defect? If you poll other owners the concern is not random. Many folks have paid hundreds of dollars for a replacement. As retired folks this is an obstacle due to very limited SS income. As a senior I have driven over 50 years WITHOUT a gadget showing me a picture. I use my mirrors as I was taught by the policeman instructor. However I was ALWAYS in need of my headlights! Seems obvious which should be priority. What help can your team offer this discouraged Mazda owner? [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11546137

Incident

Apr 23, 2020

The Lane Departure Warning on both left and right side mirrors sporadically does not work. This is the first time I'm reporting it to NHTSA. but the problem has been going on for at least three months. The LDW lights appear when I turn on the engine, but sporadically do not appear in traffic when there is a vehicle near my left or right side. Sometimes the LDW works fine, and other times, not at all. I never know until I'm in traffic if the LDW will work -- which puts me at risk when changing lanes unless I physically turn my head to check traffic, which defeats the whole purpose of LDW. The car mechanic who changes my oil every three months did a diagnostic check and could not explain the on-again/off-again LDW lights.

NHTSA ID

11542908

Incident

Sep 6, 2023

Condensation in the headlights assembly. It’s a common problem. I have already drivers side front replaced at the dealer, now the passenger side front is showing lots of moisture inside the headlamp. Super dangerous as it defuses the light, limiting visibility in the dark. Mazda, please do something!!! This is ridiculous. I have attached a photo of the headlight that has water in it. The second attachment is the paperwork that came when they replaced the drivers side for the same issue under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11530294

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

THE HEADLAMPS CONTAIN AND HOLD MOISTURE, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO CRACKS. THIS IS CAUSING MOISTURE, AND THERE IS A CONCERN THAT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.

NHTSA ID

11523920

Incident

May 25, 2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while her daughter's vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to stop upon the depression of the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter engaged the parking brake; however, the vehicle continued to roll back until the vehicle hit a curb and stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who noted that the failure was not brake related but was a computer malfunction. The contact called a dealer who referred her to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ID

11506483

Incident

Feb 6, 2023

Mileage

57,000 mi

Infotainment system and screen failure. The screen develops "spiderweb" cracking. This cracking first appeared 3 years ago. Now the computer reboots continuously. This causes zero access to radio, GPS, or other features to operate the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, at the suggestion of Mazda USA. For a "diagnostic" fee of $180 I was told what I already knew. The system is broken. This is a rampant problem with multiple complaints online regarding Mazda Infotainment systems. They expect consumers to pay $2,800 to repair the system.

NHTSA ID

11456732

Incident

Mar 2, 2022

Engine stalled while driving and all the dashboard lights turned on. Could not turn engine back on again. Upon inspection, it was found that the fuel injector pump was faulty and was subsequently replaced by the dealership. Fast forward a year, check engine light came on and vehicle began to stall again. Dealership states that the fuel injector burnt out due to the initial fault in the fuel injector pump. Furthermore, it burnt out my catalyst.

NHTSA ID

11444038

Incident

Dec 15, 2021

The seals around headlights are failing and causing moisture infiltration. Limiting distance of visibility during night driving. I have found through forums that this is a common occurrence.

NHTSA ID

11441882

Incident

Sep 30, 2021

Vehicle stalled while driving. On 9/29/21 Suburban Mazda of Troy removed the Mazda mobile start. On 10/13/21, the engine stalled and shut off at approximately 50 mph and coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. There were no warning light prior and the vehicle had approximately 1/4 tank of gas (according to the gauge). AAA came and put 2 gallons of gas in and the vehicle started and drove normally afterwards. After reviewing the NHTSA website for 2016 Mazda CX-3 I found at least two other complaints for vehicles stalling while driving with 1/4-1/8 tanks of gas. I am concerned that this is a trending issue and an unreasonable risk to safety

NHTSA ID

11436991

Incident

Oct 13, 2021

The media console screen on my Mazda CX-3 has spiderweb-like cracking. This causes "ghost touch" which means that while I am driving, the system makes consistent loud beeping noises, frantically changes screens, changes music, calls people (if my phone is connected to bluetooth), etc.. There is no way to turn this off and it is incredibly distracting and startling while I am on the road. I know that this same issue has occurred in other Mazda vehicles (like the Mazda3) and the part has been recalled/been covered for replacement under an extended warranty. My local Mazda dealership diagnosed this issue and acknowledged that it is a problem that this is not covered under warranty to fix. They gave me a $2,000 quote to replace the screen (this is money I do not have and believe I should not have to pay to ensure my safety).

NHTSA ID

11432537

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION CHIME SOUNDED EVERY 5 SECONDS FOR 35 MINUTES. PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE NOW DISABLED. BLIND SPOT MONITORING ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES....A MIND OF ITS OWN.

NHTSA ID

11374562

Incident

Nov 11, 2020

Mileage

41,700 mi