2016 Mazda CX-3 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda CX-3, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical1121.2%
- Driver assistance1121.2%
- Exterior lighting713.5%
- Fuel system59.6%
- Visibility47.7%
- Engine47.7%
- Brakes23.8%
- Interior & seats23.8%
- Body & structure23.8%
- Seat belts23.8%
- Other / unspecified11.9%
- Airbags11.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADLAMPS CONTAIN AND HOLD MOISTURE CAUSING A SOFTER LIGHT AND LESS VISIBILITY. I AM AFRAID THE MOISTURE WILL CAUSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE.
WHILE DRIVING HOME AROUND 35 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD WITH NO CARS, NO BUMPS IN THE ASPHALT, AND NO TREES, MY SUNROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THIS MORNING AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND FINDING RESULTS OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS FROM KIA AND NISSAN BASED ON THE SAME PROBLEM, AS WELL AS MAZDA FORUMS WITH CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING OF SUNROOFS SUDDENLY SHATTERING, YET I WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THE GLASS IS ALREADY BROKEN THERE IS NO WAY TO VISUALLY TELL IF THERE WAS AN IMPACT OR IF IT WAS DUE TO A DEFECT, AND THE COST IS ON ME. I WANT TO NOTE THIS WITH THE NHTSA SINCE THE PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO ANYTHING I'VE DONE OR CAUSED. MY MILEAGE IS JUST OVER 16K, WHICH IS AVERAGE FOR THE PROBLEMS ONLINE THAT I'VE FOUND. A COMMON COMPLAINT IS THAT THE SUNROOF TENDS TO "BOW UP IN THE MIDDLE" WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED WITH MINE - THE IMAGE INCLUDED SHOWS THIS. THE GLASS MISSING FROM THE IMAGE BROKE AWAY AS I WAS DRIVING HOME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING MY 2016 MAZDA CX-3 ON CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 280 IT SUDDENLY STARTED LOSING POWER, I COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OF ANYTHING. NOT KNOWING THE PROBLEM I DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR ANY FURTHER, HAD TO TOW TO THE MAZDA DEALER. THEY HAVE IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND THERE WAS NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. AS THEY WORKING ON THE CAR THEY ALSO IDENTIFIED THE BRAKES WERE WORN OUT WELL BEYOND THE MINIMUM STANDARDS. ALSO THERE WAS NO BRAKE WARNING LIGHT TO ALERT ME FOR THE SUCH PROBLEM. IF THE CAR DIDN'T STALL BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEM I WOULD BE STILL DRIVING THE CAR AND ONE DAY I COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF NO BRAKE FUNCTION. THIS PROBLEM ALSO COST ME AN ADDITIONAL EXPENSE WHERE THE CALIPERS AND THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I AM REPORTING THIS PROBLEM SO THAT OTHER 2016 MAZDA CX-3 OWNERS CAN BE WARNED, OR THIS SHOULD BE RECALL DUE TO FAULTY WARNING LIGHTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THE BRAKES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE DEALER (DAVIS GAINESVILLE MAZDA: 2600 N MAIN ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32609) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
THE SEAT CONSTANTLY DEFLATES WHEN IT'S PUMPED UP TO THE TALLEST SETTING. DRIVER HAS TO KEEP ADJUSTING SEAT HEIGHT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE A HEALTHY BMI AND ONLY WEIGH 150 LBS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S HARD TO SEE OVER THE DASH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
RUST ON HATCH, SIMILAR TO RUST RESULTING IN RECALL IN 2016 IN AUSTRALIA
THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE REGARDING THE REAR LIFT GATE. IT'S BEEN MORE THAN 2 1/2 MONTHS AND STILL NO REPAIR FOR THIS AND THE WINTER IS STARTING WITH THE ROAD SALTS WHICH MAY CORRODE THE IMPROPERLY COATED REAR LIFT GATE. MAZDA HAS NOT OFFERED A REMEDY AND IT'S BEEN TOO LONG. PLEASE FOLLOW UP AND PRESSURE THEM TO COME UP WITH A REMEDY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
PASSENGER SEAT BELT RELEASED PROPELLING ME INTO THE WINDSHIELD. I'M AN AVID SEATBELT WEARER. WE WERE HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING HOME THROUGH PITTSBURGH, PA IN ABOUT AN INCH OF SNOW I CAME TO A 90 DEGREE TURN ON A RESIDENTIAL CITY STREET. I TOOK THE TURN AT NO MORE THAN 15 MPH AND THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO THE TURN, INSTEAD SLIDING INTO THE CURB CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT STEERING ASSEMBLY. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT OF THE TIRES HAVE LITTLE TO NO GRIP IN THE SNOW. PAST INCIDENTS HAVE ALL INCLUDED THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, ON A HALF INCH OR MORE OF SNOW, AND LOSING GRIP WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE OR STEER. MOST INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT SLOWER SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 25MPH. MAZDA SHOULD NOT USE THESE TIRES AS THEY POSE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD IN THE SNOW. THIS IS MORE SERIOUS THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE DRIVEN WITH ALL-SEASON TIRES AS THESE PROVIDE NO GRIP WHATSOEVER IN THE SNOW.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .