Worst 2016 Mazda Mazda3 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Brakes
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 22 | — | 1 | 41,913 mi | |
| Brakes | 13 | 1 | — | 39,448 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | — | 42,271 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 7 | — | — | 61,000 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | 27,944 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 7 | — | — | 38,953 mi | |
| Airbags | 6 | 3 | — | 54,333 mi | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | 37,667 mi | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 6 | 1 | — | 110,318 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Carry Handle, Shell, Base | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tether, Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Mazda Mazda3
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~687,538 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 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
Other Mazda Mazda3 Years
2016 Mazda Mazda3 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
How safe is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
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.
Check Your Specific 2016 Mazda Mazda3
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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