RoadVitals

2022 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.
24
+1 complaint in 30 days
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.
0
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.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Mazda Mazda3, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and driver assistance categories. 429 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

  • Airbags1240.0%
  • Electrical516.7%
  • Driver assistance310.0%
  • Engine26.7%
  • Powertrain (other)26.7%
  • Seat belts26.7%
  • Interior & seats26.7%
  • Body & structure13.3%

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

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Recent owner complaints

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

Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Aug 11, 2026

The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) / infotainment system has experienced a complete, permanent internal electronic failure, logged by Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC U3000:49 (Control Module Internal Electronic Failure). The main display screen is completely dark at all times and never powers on or responds. The unit is available for inspection upon request. This total hardware failure creates critical safety hazards: 1. Non-Compliance with FMVSS No. 111 (Rear Visibility): Because the rearview camera relies entirely on the main display screen, the backup camera is 100% inoperative. When shifting into Reverse, the screen remains black, offering zero rearward visibility and creating an immediate backover risk to pedestrians, children, and property. 2. Complete Loss of Driver Assistance & Emergency Systems: The permanently dark display eliminates access to active safety guidance, rear cross-traffic visual alerts, parking distance indicators, turn-by-turn navigation, and hands-free emergency communication interfaces. 3. Ongoing Driver Distraction: Operating the vehicle without essential safety/navigation displays requires additional driver focus, causing persistent cognitive distraction. The failure was confirmed via professional OBD-II diagnostic scanning showing DTC U3000:49, which explicitly denotes an unprovoked internal component failure rather than wear and tear. The manufacturer has declined to repair or replace the failed assembly out of warranty.

NHTSA ID
11756362
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 23, 2025

Transmission control unit (TCU) failure with error code P061B in 2022 Mazda 3. Problem began approximately 6 months after purchase (February 2023, mileage 8181). Despite five repair attempts by Russell & Smith Mazda Houston (August 8, 2023; January 22, 2025; April 8, 2025; October 13, 2025; December 23, 2025), dealer has been unable to correct the issue. TCU malfunction substantially impairs vehicle use and creates serious safety hazard.

NHTSA ID
11706801
Incident
Dec 23, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 4, 2025

“My 2022 Mazda 3 is experiencing an ‘in-network malfunction’ related to the vehicle’s internal communication system. Multiple technicians have told me this is an internal vehicle network/communication fault, not caused by wear or damage. The dealer refuses to repair it unless I pay out-of-pocket, even though this appears to be a manufacturer defect in the electrical network system, (TCU)This malfunction affects the reliability of the vehicle’s electronics and could impact safety systems while driving. Mazda has not taken responsibility for diagnosing or repairing the issue, and I believe this defect needs to be investigated, as other owners may be affected as well.”

NHTSA ID
11703034
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Electrical
Filed Oct 16, 2025

Car doesn't start if sitting more than 4 days untouched. When i went to the dealer, they informed me they know about the issue but nothing can be done about it. They even told me what the issue was, there's something in the car (they don't know what) that draws a lot of power non stop. kills the battery and some time will get stuck mid ignition. I've replaced the battery a few times as well. It's very stressful trying to deal with it after a 12-16 hour shift at work. knowing it will happened again and again, over and over.

NHTSA ID
11693896
Incident
Oct 1, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jul 22, 2025

I recently received a warning on the dashboard that there is an airbag malfunction and needs to be taken in to get serviced. The warning continues to appear. This appears similar to a recent recall of 2024-2025 Mazda 3s and CX-30s, but there does not appear to be a recall issued for 2022 Mazda 3 models. I have scheduled an appointment for July 24, 2025 at the Mazda dealership to get my vehicle inspected, but because there is no active recall, Mazda states that I may have to pay for the diagnosis and any repairs. I disagree that I am required to pay for any diagnosis/inspections/repairs.

NHTSA ID
11675382
Incident
Jul 19, 2025
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 17, 2025

Driver door does not open from inside the vehicle. Door opens when opened from outside the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11648817
Incident
Mar 1, 2025
Airbags
Filed Dec 27, 2024

The passenger-side "airbag off" light does not go off, even with an adult in the passenger seat. This is a US car without an ability to disable the airbag, so this should never happen. We assume this means that the airbag will not inflate in an accident. It happens on about 60% of drives with a passenger, and the dealer was unable to reproduce.

NHTSA ID
11632713
Incident
Dec 23, 2024
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated unexpectedly. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and bumped his head. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated. The vehicle stopped independently while the contact was driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to four dealers and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and twelve complaints had been filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,287.

NHTSA ID
11608484
Incident
Jan 14, 2024
Mileage
27,287 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

06-001-26

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.

09-016-26a

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.

SA-043-26

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.

SA-042-26

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

SA-041-26

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.

SA-027-26a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. SA-027/26 04/16/26 DESCRIPTION The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types) 1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings (excluding i-STOP batteries e.g. Q-85, S-95) molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the factory with a JIS rated battery. NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Perform appropriate repair to vehicle. If needed, use the Battery Diagnostics of the DCA-8000 to test the charging and starting systems by following the on-screen instructions for entering the appropriate information. Refer to the Mazda DCA-8000 Instruction Manual for more information.

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
2022Viewing240038.4
2021491042.1
2020322047.6
2019746050.3
20181074052.8
2017832047.7
20161036052.2
20151304056.9
20141384055.5
20131171143.6
20122261141.7
20111322157.2
20106863151.4
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.