SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
2020 Mazda Mazda3
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, most frequently naming the driver assistance, brakes and steering categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 717 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Mar 2021 | 2 | 4 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 6 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 7 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 8 |
| Sep 2021 | 2 | 10 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 12 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 13 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 15 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 16 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 17 |
| Jun 2023 | 3 | 20 |
| Jul 2023 | 2 | 22 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 23 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 24 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 25 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 26 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 27 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | 29 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 30 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 31 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 32 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance1744.7%
- Brakes37.9%
- Steering37.9%
- Electrical37.9%
- Fuel system25.3%
- Suspension25.3%
- Tires & wheels12.6%
- Body & structure12.6%
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.govFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Low pressure fuel pump failure with 75,575 miles on odometer. Fuel pump completely seized. Car was parked at a retail location and would not start. Upon troubleshooting, mechanic was able to determine the low pressure pump was not delivering fuel. Pump was replaced. Faulty fuel pumps could lead to hazardous conditions as they are mounted within the fuel tank. I feel this is too early in the vehicles life for this component to have completely failed.
- NHTSA ID
- 11748076
- Incident
- Jun 28, 2026
size 21545ZR18 93Y. replaced these oem tires with these from costco on feb 27 2025. in dec 5 2025 the tire developed a large bubble. miles bought was 27790. current miles 31212. per tire center steal belting was broken no signs of road hazard or other damage. the belt broke and rubber was stressed with " maybe a 1000 miles regaining before catastrophic failure." wear instrument showed they were literally showing new tires. states they were the 3rd michellin tires with dude wall bubbling that week. states could have caused severe accident. no warnings damage leaks or idicators. all maintenance and pressure follwed per manufacturing specs. tires are a danger to drivers even low miles to failure to cause accident.
- NHTSA ID
- 11724244
- Incident
- Dec 5, 2025
My Mazda3 began producing a chirp when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear (automatic transmission). The dealer stated that the car needed a new torque converter. At the time the car only 37,000 miles on it, quite low mileage for a torque converter to fail. Mazda has previously admitted to producing cars with faulty torque converters, as specified in Mazda TXXXXXX] ). While my car fit the description of both the problem and proposed fix, and also fell within the applicable models/VINs listed on the TSB, Mazda corporate HQ stated that my specific VIN was not covered by the TSB, and therefore the repair cost was my responsibility. Since the problem, solution, and general vehicle type are entirely as described in the TSB, it appears possible that the TSB was too narrowly scoped and omitted impacted vehicles, to the detriment of owners. This would also cause potential safety concerns, since an unrepaired torque converter could produce unexpected shifting problems. Therefore I suggest that NHTSA investigate to determine if additional vehicles are impacted by Mazda's faulty torque converters. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11719227
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2025
I pulled into the driveway (at about 5 mph) of my passenger's home, when a very loud, metallic pop occurred somewhere inside my vehicle. I could not discern the problem by visually inspecting the car. Upon returning to my home, I arranged for the dealership to inspect the car's suspension. They found that both rear springs had snapped off from their lower vehicle attachment points. At the time of the incident, my car was less than 6 years old and had approximately 62500 total miles. I had the dealership replace both rear springs and associated attachment hardware. Prior to this failure, the dealership had routinely inspected the suspension of my vehicle as part of PA annual inspections. I experienced NO warning symptoms prior to the suspension failure.
- NHTSA ID
- 11700190
- Incident
- Oct 8, 2025
TSB 02-003/24 Car front suspension bolts corroded and making metal on metal sounds during turning and braking
- NHTSA ID
- 11699700
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
- NHTSA ID
- 11671865
- Incident
- Jun 18, 2025
Passenger seat belt won’t retract and remains in a locked state.
- NHTSA ID
- 11603045
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2024
Google search shows Mazda has common problem with their front sensing camera, people are reporting the issue for different Mazda models across the board for the last few years including newer models as well. My car display shows few malfunction warning messages. Following captured from MyMazda app. 1. Forward sensing camera malfunction. i-ACTIVESENSE advanced safety and driver support systems may not operate correctly. 2. High Beam Control System is disabled. Automatic switching between high and low beams is unavailable.
- NHTSA ID
- 11594653
- Incident
- Mar 12, 2024
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING
DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain that the electric power steering warning light illuminates after engine start and DTC U2011:1C is stored. Zinc-plated whisker may form inside the EPS motor and trigger the DTC. However, since it is cleared when power is supplied during DTC detection, normal operation can be restored by turning the ignition OFF and then ON. Furthermore, there is no possibility of recurrence. This case may be resolved through a simple inspection or repair without the need for parts replacement, potentially avoiding unnecessary customer waiting time.
SEATS
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 09-016/26 05/06/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain that the seat warmer does not operate when turning the ignition on while the seat is warm but when turning the ignition off then on again, the seat warmer begins to operate appropriately. DTCs “B1030:13” and/or “B1032:13” are stored. This is caused by the seat warmers fail-safe mode which prevents it from working during the initial drive cycle. To correct this issue, the seat warmer has been modified to optimize the temperature control. B1030:13 Seat warmer unit (LH) circuit malfunction (Heater side) B1032:13 Seat warmer unit (RH) circuit malfunction (Heater side) Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. Remove the front seat cushion trim and the front seat back trim for both the driver and passenger seats according to the instructions in MGSS.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-063/24 09/06/24 DESCRIPTION The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can malfunction with the following symptoms if the rear side radar sensors are installed facing the wrong direction.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-017/25 12/16/25, 09/08/25, 07/14/25, 05/15/25 and 03/21/25 DESCRIPTION Mazda Connect Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI General Informatio Opening the TCU Communication Line WI-FI How-To Conditions for Remote Engine Start Will Not Function WI-FI Trial Period Conditions for Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF Interacting With The App TCU Communication Line Status Service Issues Educational Videos Troubleshooting Resources MyMazda App Error Codes Customer Opt-Out
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 09-012/21 12/13/21, 06/10/21 and 04/27/21 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience all of following symptoms: The door lock/unlock operation will not work using the remote transmitter button. 1. The door lock/unlock operation will not work using the door lock/release touch sensor. 2. The engine will not start using the ignition switch. 3. The transmitter operates by itself. 4. The key battery drains faster than usual. 5. Symptoms 1-3: This may be caused when excess load is applied to the remote transmitter, deforming the electrical terminals and creating poor contact with the battery. To eliminate this concern, the structure in the remote transmitter has been modified to reduce the deformation of the electrical terminals. Symptom 4-5: This may be caused when excessive load is applied to the remote transmitter, creating a gap around the gasket where moisture enters and corrodes the circuit board which in turn drains the key battery faster than usual. To eliminate this concern, the thickness of the case wall on the gasket mounting surface has been increased and the bonding strength of the components has been improved to prevent deformation. REPAIR PROCEDURE • If the battery is bad or installed incorrectly, replace the battery and/or install it correctly. • If the remote power saving function is off and the battery is good and installed correctly, replace the defective remote transmitter with a modified one according to the instructions on MGSS (IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM-RELATED PARTS PROGRAMMING). NOTE: DO NOT replace other remote transmitter(s) for the vehicle if they not experiencing an issue.
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 |
| 2020Viewing | 32 | 2 | 0 | 47.6 |
| 2019 | 74 | 6 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 2018 | 107 | 4 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2017 | 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.