2013 Mazda Mazda3 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3.

20122014
Complaints
176
Crashes
7
Fires
2
Injuries
4
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2013 Mazda Mazda3 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#134 complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

Avg mileage:56,577 mi
#232 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:90,219 mi
#318 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:38,069 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3.

Headlight/Taillight Failures
34
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
56,577
Electrical Faults
32
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
90,219
Transmission / Drivetrain
18
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
38,069
Brakes
15
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
53,678
Engine Problems
11
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
24,876
Seat-Related Issues
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
74,819
Steering Defects
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
57,857
Body Structure
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
35,000
Airbags
7
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
55,500
Seat Belt Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
45,500
Structural Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Concealment Devices
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2013 Mazda Mazda3

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~580,455 vehicles.

16V644000Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
~580,455 affected

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.

Other Mazda Mazda3 Years

2013 Mazda Mazda3 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 has 176 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Headlight/Taillight Failures with 34 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
Top reported problems: Headlight/Taillight Failures (34 complaints, avg 56,577 mi); Electrical Faults (32 complaints, avg 90,219 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (18 complaints, avg 38,069 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 58,458 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 include 7 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 580,455 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mazda Mazda3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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