RoadVitals

2020 Mazda Mazda3

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Jul 2, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 12, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

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 723 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • 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.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Jun 12, 2020
24,037 units potentially affected
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
The risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 4420FView on NHTSA.gov

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Dec 19, 2019
35,390 units potentially affected
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
The risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 4219LView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Jul 2, 2026

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
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 13, 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
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 19, 2026

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
Suspension
Filed Nov 18, 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
SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 16, 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
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 8, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11671865
Incident
Jun 18, 2025
Seat belts
Filed Jul 17, 2024

Passenger seat belt won’t retract and remains in a locked state.

NHTSA ID
11603045
Incident
Jun 1, 2024
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jun 16, 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.

SA-038-26a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote functions inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF Climate Control 3. MAZDA CONNECT connected vehicle reception strength icon shows "X" or " ". Index MAZDA CONNECT 2 Center Display Status Icon MAZDA CONNECT 3 Center Display Status Icon Remote Engine Start Will Not Function Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF Customer Subscription Status TCU Communication Line Status

SA-054-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued Service Alerts listed below: The changes are noted in Red. Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no longer valid. Refer to the following updated Technical Service Bulletins: CX-5 / CX-9: 16-002/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (7TH GEN TYPE) Mazda3 / CX-30 (Non-Turbo): 16-008/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM Mazda3 / CX-30 (Turbo): 16-007/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

SA-039-26a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-039/26 06/15/26 Mazda Connect Symptom Troubleshooting DESCRIPTION Customers having MAZDA CONNECT concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

SA-053-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; WHEELS

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-006/23 01/23/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock and/or tire pressures and/or tire pressure missing. This may be caused by: Incorrect calendar entry (month/day/year) after a battery disconnect Infotainment system software update. BCM TPMS unlearn during vehicle storage or transport. Wheel/Tire change REPAIR PROCEDURE This can be corrected by the customer driving the vehicle for a day or two so that the following will occur.

SA-052-26

DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the customer purchased a paid subscription. SiriusXM audio packages do not include SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus. To get Traffic Plus, the customer must purchase the Infotainment "SiriusXM Traffic Plus with SiriusXM Travel Link (TM)" package.

01-010-26

ENGINE

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2). This is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fitting during the manufacturing process. The accumulated coolant is solidified and plugs the gap in high temperature environment and the seepage is stopped and does not progress. This is normal and does not require a part replacement, clean off the dried coolant from around the pipe with a wire brush. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. If the above condition is experienced, remove the accumulated coolant around the pipe (1) with a wire brush etc. NOTE: Perform the procedure on the vehicle. No need to remove the water pipe and hoses.

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

Mazda Mazda3 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026100—
2025710—
2024123056.9
2023120049.4
2022240038.3
2021491042.1
2020Viewing322047.5
2019746050.2
20181084052.8
2017832046.8
20161046052.1
20151304056.2
20141384054.8
20131171143.6
20122261141.2
20111322156.3
20106863150.8
20091154156.7
20083033155.4
20072223158.0
20061662049.8
2005973053.5
20041453051.6

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.