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2017 Mazda Mazda3
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 83 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 508 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2017 | 1 | 1 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 2018 | 2 | 4 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 5 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 7 |
| Jun 2018 | 3 | 10 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 11 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 12 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 13 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 14 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 15 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 16 |
| Nov 2019 | 2 | 18 |
| Jan 2020 | 3 | 21 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 22 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 23 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 24 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 25 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 26 |
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 28 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 29 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 31 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 32 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 33 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 34 |
| Nov 2022 | 3 | 37 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 38 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 39 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 40 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 41 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 43 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 44 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 45 |
| Apr 2024 | 4 | 49 |
| May 2024 | 5 | 54 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 56 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 59 |
| Aug 2024 | 3 | 62 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 63 |
| Oct 2024 | 2 | 65 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 67 |
| Dec 2024 | 3 | 70 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 72 |
| Mar 2025 | 2 | 74 |
| Jun 2025 | 3 | 77 |
| Jul 2025 | 4 | 81 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 82 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 83 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical2127.6%
- Driver assistance1621.1%
- Brakes79.2%
- Visibility56.6%
- Engine56.6%
- Body & structure45.3%
- Other / unspecified33.9%
- Fuel system33.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govVISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Many modern trucks, SUVs, and cars use LED headlights that are excessively bright and create dangerous glare. When approaching these vehicles from the opposite direction, the headlights can be blinding — similar to having a flashlight shined directly into your eyes — causing temporary loss of visibility. The glare also affects drivers traveling in the same direction, as the intense light reflects sharply off rear‑view and side mirrors. This creates a persistent distraction and makes it difficult to maintain safe awareness of the road. This issue is widespread across many vehicle types and appears to be related to the brightness and mounting height of LED headlights, especially on larger vehicles. It poses a significant safety hazard and should be investigated as a systemic lighting problem.
- NHTSA ID
- 11731744
- Incident
- Apr 15, 2026
Anytime the tank was filled with gas there was a strong smell of gasoline vapors that persisted for several days. The car was a few months past its warranty on emissions issues and so I was charged about $1500 to replace a cracked fuel pump and fuel vent that was stuck open. The mechanic also said that the check engine light should have warned me about the problem but that neither the dashboard light nor his diagnostic equipment was triggered by the defect. He suspects the car's computer is programmed to avoid drawing attention to the problem. Had the light been working I would likely have caught the problem while it was still under warranty.
- NHTSA ID
- 11686763
- Incident
- Jul 29, 2025
Repeated instances of the Mazda Infotainment system making changes randomly without any user input while driving. Repeated instances of the navigation system freezing, going black, rebooting while driving.
- NHTSA ID
- 11676786
- Incident
- Jul 28, 2025
The original OEM radio in my Mazda has been experiencing persistent ghost touch issues, making it incredibly frustrating to use. The screen often registers inputs without me touching it, leading to random changes in volume, station selections, and menu navigation. As a result, I find myself unable to rely on my radio for music or navigation, which significantly detracts from my driving experience. I’m considering possible solutions, but for now, it's an inconvenience that I can't overlook.
- NHTSA ID
- 11676190
- Incident
- Jul 25, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -> Infotainment display has "ghost touch" issue. Infotainment starts acting up on its own without driver input. It changes radio station automatically, places a call randomly, disconnects call randomly. This is caused by the touchscreen digitizer, the display lens of poor quality which leads to webbing or cracking on the inside. This leads to loss of touch and ghost touch issue 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -> It is distracting to the driver when the radio station is switch automatically. It sometimes freaks me out. When the infotainment places call to someone back to back, I need to keep disconnecting the call manually. It creates an unsafe environment for the driver. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -> Yes, the issue is acknowledged by the dealer, but refused to fix it. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -> No. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -> No. There is no warning. It appeared 2 years ago with mild discolored screen, then it lead to webbing/cracks on the inside
- NHTSA ID
- 11674432
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2023
The screen that displays the backup camera image has an issue that makes it difficult to see the backup camera feed clearly. The screen appeared like this unexpectedly when I returned to my car after a work day. The only warning was a malfunction of the screen's touch function for the last several months.
- NHTSA ID
- 11671873
- Incident
- Jul 7, 2025
The infotainment screen in my Mazda 3 will act as if buttons are being pressed without buttons actually being pressed. It a distraction and unsafe. I've noticed that other Mazdas had issues with this as well and were given extended warranties to fix this problem. Why not the 2017 Mazda 3? I talked to a mechanic about fixing it and it's very expensive yet it's a widespread Mazda problem. Someone is going to crash because of this.
- NHTSA ID
- 11666760
- Incident
- Jun 13, 2025
I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the accelerator. I pressed the brake 3 times. The brake pedal went to the floor without seemingly any effect. In seconds the car traveled across the front lawn, picked up concrete from and old cistern top and smashed into the front porch tearing it off it's foundation. Portions of the porch and tree limb fell shortly after the impact. The front tire was spinning at a rapid rate when I exited the vehicle. Extraction of the vehicle was not accomplished for 2 weeks while experts determined how best to accomplish the extraction. The car insurance company and 2 towing businesses declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle is with the towing company per car insurance company request. I don't know if it has been inspected. I did not see any warning lights. I was treated at the hospital for a slight concussion and significant head and facial bruising and lacerations as well as a wrist burn likely caused by air bag deployment.
- NHTSA ID
- 11665128
- Incident
- May 10, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
SUSPENSION
Supersession between B60S-34-300G/350G and B60S-34- 300H/350H. Please be advised that the G-level and H-level control arms are not interchangeable. The G-level part cannot be used to repair a vehicle built with the H-level. The H-level part can be used to repair a vehicle built with the G-level, but the ball joint retainer (d- Code 34-552) has been eliminated.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.
POWER TRAIN
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. This may be caused by insufficient sealing at the drive belt auto tensioner damper when the auto tensioner fully operates under both high ambient temperature and high load conditions. To eliminate this concern, the shape of the drive belt auto tensioner damper has been changed. REPAIR PROCEDURE If the tensioner is found to be "No Good" after completing the Drive Belt Auto Tensioner Inspection, replace it with a modified part according to the instructions on MGSS online:
STRUCTURE:BODY
DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) using VIN Plate Request Form available on One Mazda. To obtain a replacement vehicle certification label (located on the Bpillar or front door), contact your assigned DSM (District Service Manager) to place the order. If DSM contact information is not available, refer to the Dealer & Field Contact Directory.
ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).
ENGINE
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold. When the new engine assembly is installed, debris in the intake manifold will be ingested into the new engine and cause internal damage. Clean the intake manifold internally to remove any debris from old engine before installing the new replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold cannot be properly cleaned internally, replace it.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 56.9 |
| 2023 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 49.4 |
| 2022 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 38.4 |
| 2021 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 42.1 |
| 2020 | 32 | 2 | 0 | 47.6 |
| 2019 | 74 | 6 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 2018 | 107 | 4 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2017Viewing | 83 | 2 | 0 | 47.7 |
| 2016 | 103 | 6 | 0 | 52.2 |
| 2015 | 130 | 4 | 0 | 56.9 |
| 2014 | 138 | 4 | 0 | 55.5 |
| 2013 | 117 | 1 | 1 | 43.6 |
| 2012 | 226 | 1 | 1 | 41.7 |
| 2011 | 132 | 2 | 1 | 57.2 |
| 2010 | 686 | 3 | 1 | 51.4 |
| 2009 | 115 | 4 | 1 | 56.7 |
| 2008 | 303 | 3 | 1 | 55.4 |
| 2007 | 222 | 3 | 1 | 58.0 |
| 2006 | 166 | 2 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2005 | 97 | 3 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 2004 | 145 | 3 | 0 | 51.6 |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.