Worst 2016 Mazda CX-3 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Backup Camera
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Mazda CX-3.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | — | 46,740 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | 13,000 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 5 | — | — | 61,000 mi | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 67,850 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbags | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Mazda CX-3
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~817,133 vehicles.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Other Mazda CX-3 Years
2016 Mazda CX-3 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
How safe is the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Mazda CX-3?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Mazda CX-3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Mazda CX-3
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99