2013 Mazda Mazda3 Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11658244

Incident

Feb 1, 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 point now of charging people for a doing the TSB on the car that is causing the problem of the alternator not producing the proper wattage to support both the headlights and the brake lights at the same time. There are numerous online forum entries that speak of this issue with 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3's. I am very concerned that my headlights may stop working which could result in my death or the death of my occupants of my vehicle not to mention the other motorists on the road around me if my head lights were to eventually fail at night due to lack of proper wattage to the headlights. There are videos on you tube that show these pulsing headlights on Mazda's. I believe that headlights are important enough safety issue that their failing could result in death if the headlights completely failed due to the known fault in these vehicles over time.

NHTSA ID

11572005

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

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 Mazda 3’s including mine.

NHTSA ID

11556887

Incident

Nov 8, 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.

NHTSA ID

11540603

Incident

Aug 24, 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

NHTSA ID

11537049

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

After filing up the gas tank, there is a strong smell of fuel coming from the car. It remains strong until the tank is run down to about 3/4. Gas can be seen dripping down the tank under the car. Gas drips are clearly visible on the ground. This has been an ongoing problem for approximately two years.

NHTSA ID

11526376

Incident

Jun 10, 2023

Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882

NHTSA ID

11507600

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

ABS Module suddenly start failing causing brake sinks down. Almost crashed because of it. It appears to be a very common issue but Mazda still does not recall these ABS modules made by Ford/ATE. Also, it does not show any ABS warning light, which might be why not many people have called on this as they probably thought it was normal. There is all sort of communication error codes if you read with a OBDII scanner. In fact, Ford had a recall for these ABS modules, citing "stuck or slow-responding valves due to reaction with brake fluid".

NHTSA ID

11504342

Incident

Dec 22, 2022

I had the dashboard recalled and replaced. The new dashboard is separating from the computer screen on dash.

NHTSA ID

11477650

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

TRACKING NUMBER 11461728 ADDED INFORMATION EMAIL FROM MANUFACTURE MITSUBUSHI ELECTRIC INCORPORATED

NHTSA ID

11461825

Incident

Apr 22, 2022

The TCM - Transmission Control Module defected - gear lights disappear, down shifting problems, driving, stop in the middle of highway or road while driving, kick / jerk when ATF lights comes on goes off then check engine lights comes on all fluids has been changed drove good for a few days started again took to advance auto parts and auto zone codes stated electrical TCM computer issues, delayed shifting, check engine and ATF lights comes on , DTC codes U1000, LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TCM. The TCM overheats because it is sitting directly on the transmission, under the battery box. My child safety was put at risk daily. This car fails to stop at a traffic light, a slow response when approaching a stop sign or traffic light is dangerous and scary. Mazda's are not safe to drive with a bad TCM, When a driver cannot anticipate the acceleration or deceleration of this vehicle or any Mazda with a TCM the situation is very dangerous. I visited Flow Mazda 04/21/2022 Fayetteville North Carolina invoice number Q10296 took the part for viewing. THE dealership informed us that no one has this part and do not know if the will ever have another shipment. we contacted salvage yards received the same answer. I have sent 8 emails stating problems to the manufacture (Mitsubishi electric company) no response thus far. This is my daughter first year in college she saved her summer money 6600.00$ and purchased this car in March 16, 2022 from Knox auto sales 107 NC-55E, Dunn NC 28334. First day we had all fluids changed. The third day she went to visit her dad 20 minute drive ATF light came on went to auto zone code warning electrical communication, purchased new battery drove car for 5 days good took car to college in Charlotte came home birthday Friday check engine light and TCM code went to church Easter Sunday almost didn't make it home. According to the you tube channels and social media this is a known failure for Mazda automobiles Why are the cars being sold?

NHTSA ID

11461728

Incident

Apr 17, 2022

Blower motor stopped working summer of 2020. Had it replaced at the dealership and it again stopped working in summer of 2021. Had it replaced once again and it is now making horrible noises again as it did right before it blew up the last two times

NHTSA ID

11443727

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for this vehicle. A similar problem exists on the 2014 Mazda's and a recall does exist for that vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11436434

Incident

Jul 19, 2021

There is a loud winding sound sound coming from the transmission and sound of metal (broken teeth) as well. We took it to a Mazda dealer and they quickly identified the issue as a failing transmission. As a result I was able to find that a service bulletin aligned with this issue (TSB No. 0500414) and confirmed this with the dealer. This service bulletin indicates a manufacturing issue but only applied a warranty of 6 years or 60,000 miles. Yes, our car is over the 6 yrs and only 800 miles over the 60,000 miles, however, my concern is that this is a known issue that clearly becomes a safety issue. We got a price from the dealer of $4,500 for a new transmission so I took it to a transmission shop for a 2nd opinion. They confirmed the failing transmission and indicated the car should not be driven for safety reasons. They said the transmission is in bad shape and when it fails the car will just stop creating a very unsafe condition. They are able to find a used transmission and install it for an estimate of $2,700 but I believe this should be covered by Mazda due to the safety concerns. I have no choice to proceed with this replacement but hope that you can help to get Mazda's attention and have them stand behind this and cover this cost.

NHTSA ID

11420064

Incident

May 22, 2021

EXACT SAME ISSUE AS CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V082 THE SEATS IN THIS YEAR OF MAZDA 3 ARE THE SAME AS IN THE 2010-2011 MODELS. THE METAL HAS SNAPPED IN HALF CAUSING THE NEED FOR REPAIR FOR SAFE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING A CORNER ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 30KM/H DRIVER IS 260LBS

NHTSA ID

11415704

Incident

May 7, 2021

Mileage

116,427 mi

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS COME LOOSE, AND THERE IS A OPENING, THE INSIDE OF IT IS CHIPPED AS WELL AND IT IS FOGGY. JUST NORMAL DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. MAZDA OFFERED A SPECIAL SERVICE WARRANTY, WHICH MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE THIS GAP HAD NOT OCCURRED YET. CONVENIENTLY, THE EXTENSION EXPIRED BEFORE MY PANEL STARTED COMING APART. I SPOKE WITH MAZDA TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME I WAS TO LATE. WELL I WAS INELIGIBLE BECAUSE IT HADN'T COME APART YET. APPARENTLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AS THEY DID OFF A SPECIAL WARRANTY FOR IT. ALL MODELS THAT HAD THESE DEFECTIVE PANELS OR BAD ADHESIVE FROM THE SAME LOT REGARDLESS IF THEY HAD STARTED TO COME APART YET, SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED SO THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN. I UNDERSTAND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IF THIS IS JUST CHOCKED UP TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR THE REST OF THE INTERIOR SHOULD ALSO BE FALLING APART, BECAUSE THE WHOLE CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO THE SAME ENVIRONMENT AND THAT IS NOT FALLING APART YET. I AM ONE PERSON, WITH ONE VOICE MAYBE OTHER MAZDA OWNERS WHO WERE DENIED ELIGIBILITY TO HAVE THIS INSTRUMENT PANEL REPLACED, WILL ALSO COMPLAIN AND SOMETHING CAN HAPPEN TO FIX THIS MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. AS THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD HAVE PASSED QUALITY CONTROL. DATE IS APPROXIMATE AS IT OCCURRED GRADUALLY OVER TIME AND DID NOT BECOME NOTICEABLE UNTIL LATE LAST YEAR.

NHTSA ID

11408464

Incident

Dec 30, 2020

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND FLICKER UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. NIGHTTIME VIABILITY IS SUBSTANTIALLY DIMINISHED WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS AND FLICKERING SEAMS TO SEND A SIGNAL TO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. THIS DEFECT OCCURS 100% OF THE TIME WHEN APPLYING THE BEAKS AT NIGHT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON.

NHTSA ID

11402981

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES ALL THE VEHICLES LIGHTS FLASHING FROM BRIGHT TO DEEM THE HEADLIGHTS, INSIDE PANEL LIGHTS FLASHING FROM BRIGHT TO DEEM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT IT ACTS LIKE CAR IS LOSING POWER

NHTSA ID

11402536

Incident

Feb 22, 2021

Mileage

173,001 mi

ONGOING PROBLEM - REPORTED BY OTHERS IN MANY FORUMS. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED. DURING BREAKING HEADLIGHTS PULSE BRIGHTER AND DIMMER

NHTSA ID

11395445

Incident

Feb 9, 2021

Mileage

72,000 mi

I HAVE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2013 AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL I GOT A NEW BATTERY FOR MY CAR. AS SOON AS I GOT A BATTERY MY CAR WOULD DIE EVERY OTHER DAY. I TOOK IT TO MANY MECHANICS AND BACK TO THE MAZDA DEALER TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX IT. THE MECHANICS DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO MAZDA THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE MY CAR DOOR LIGHT WAS ON, EVEN THOUGH IT NEVER WAS. THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED IT AND TWO DAYS LATER MY CAR WAS DEAD AGAIN. EVERY MECHANIC AND THE MAZDA DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE VEHICLE SITS NOW BECAUSE I CAN'T KEEP CALLING MY INSURANCE COMPANY EVERY OTHER DAY TO COME OUT AND JUMP START MY CAR FOR ME.

NHTSA ID

11384241

Incident

Feb 4, 2020

MY MAZDA 3 SEDAN WITH A 6 MT HAS AN ISSUE WHILE COASTING IN 4TH GEAR BETWEEN 25-40 MPH AND ACCELERATING UP HILL THAT THE GEAR WILL JUMP INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT DEPRESSION OF THE CLUTCH. THERE IS NO GRINDING OR OTHER ODD NOISES OTHER THAN THE SHIFTER SNAPPING OUT OF GEAR. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN ENOUGH THAT I HAVE BEGUN TO SKIP THE GEAR ENTIRELY.

NHTSA ID

11377553

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

Mileage

60,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2013 MAZDA 3 IN MARCH OR 2020 WITH ABOUT 35000MILES. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER I PUT DOWN MY BACK SEATS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND NOTICED THE MIDDLE SEAT BUCKLE WAS FRINGED AND LOOKED CUT ABOUT A HALF OF INCH IN. IT COULD NOT RETRACT DUE TO THE BUCKLE SNAGGING ON THE CUT. IT IS NOVEMBER 2020 AND I HAVE NOW DESCOVERES THAT THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER BUCKLES AS WELL. I RARELY HAVE ANYONE IN MY BACK SEAT, MAYBE TWICE SINCE THE PURCHASE, SO THE BUCKLES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY USED. I THINK SOMETHING IS CUTTING THE BELT CAUSING THE BUCKLES TO STOP RETRACTING- RENDERING THEM USELESS. MY CAR HAS 49000MILES NOW. I DISCOVERED ALL OF THE BELTS WHILE STATIONARY. BUT THE DRIVERS ONE WOULD NOT RETRACT CAUSING ME TO LOOK FOR IT.

NHTSA ID

11376669

Incident

May 8, 2020

Mileage

38,000 mi

LIGHTING:WHEN APPLYING BREAKS, HEADLIGHTS FLICKER. WINDSHIELD: LEAKS. ADHESIVE EXPANDED, CAUSING SEAL TO BREAK. WATER POURS IN ON DASH FROM SIDE DURING BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS OR CAR WASH. ADHESIVE ALSO EXPANDED ON GAUGE PANEL, CAUSING DISPLAY WINDOW TO LIFT. WAS THIS WAY WHEN PURCHASED. DID NOT NOTICE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDOW SEAL AT TIME OF PURCHASE.

NHTSA ID

11315401

Incident

Oct 1, 2019

DESCRIPTION THIS VEHICLE EXHIBITS THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DECELERATING (BY APPLYING THE BRAKES) WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON. THIS CONCERN IS CAUSED BY INADEQUATE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT (CONTROLLED BY THE PCM) WHEN THE BATTERY IS UNDER HEAVY LOAD. TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE CONTROL LOGIC OF THE PCM HAS BEEN CHANGED. MAZDA WILL NOT UPDATE THE PCM WITHOUT CHARGING CUSTOMERS A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPROGRAMMING FEE IN THE US.

NHTSA ID

11309814

Incident

Dec 16, 2019

Mileage

95,000 mi

SOMETIMES THE SHIFTER JUMPS OUT OF 3RD GEAR OVER A ROAD BUMP WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER DECELERATION AT 30-40 MPH. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHILE CITY/SUBURB DRIVING. IT'S STARTLING WHEN IT HAPPENS AND I TRY TO QUICKLY PUT THE CAR BACK IN A GEAR. IT WASN'T HAPPENING THAT FREQUENTLY BUT NOW IT'S ABOUT 1X/MONTH. THIS FIRST HAPPENED A FEW YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ID

11297522

Incident

Nov 20, 2019

Mileage

55,000 mi