2016 Mazda MAZDA3Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 104 owner complaints about the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-487 the manufacturer reports only 42% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 11, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 has problems

104 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system221
Service brakes141
Back over prevention120
Power train91
Visibility/wiper70
Engine70
Air bags63
Fuel/propulsion system60
Parking brake61
14 other systems267

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2016 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

42%repaired · 2026 Q2

Sensing system: camera

Recall 23V-487 · Jul 14, 2023 · 236,100 vehicles · 98,285 repaired

Risk. A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

70%repaired · 2020 Q3

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

Recall 19V-272 · Apr 4, 2019 · 187,880 vehicles · 131,452 repaired

Risk. Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

73%repaired · 2019 Q2

Parking brake

Recall 17V-393 · Jun 22, 2017 · 227,814 vehicles · 166,038 repaired

Risk. If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

87%repaired · 2018 Q1

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

Recall 16V-685 · Sep 23, 2016 · 3,849 vehicles · 3,332 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
80%repaired · 2018 Q1

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 16V-684 · Sep 22, 2016 · 17,484 vehicles · 13,978 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2017 Q1

Storage: tank assembly

Do not drive

Recall 15V-621 · Oct 2, 2015 · 14,411 vehicles · 13,479 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other MAZDA3 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MAZDA3 median. How we score

'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 Mazda MAZDA3 safety ratings

2016 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What MAZDA3 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving and while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster was inoperable. The contact also stated that the instrument cluster screen was peeling, and critical information for the vehicle was not displayed. Additionally, the…
Complaint 11709605 · Jan 8, 2026 · 142,000 miles
When I checked for recall information 2 recalls were listed under my car's vin #: Recall #1: 3219D with Closed status. Recall #2: 6023G is listed as Active. But, when I tried to schedule a repair for the active recall, the manufacturing website ONLY listed the "closed" recall (3219D) was listed as…
Complaint 11636134 · Jan 15, 2025
NHTSA Recall # 23V-487 Manufacturer Recall # 6023G issued July 14, 2023 After repeated phone calls to the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, the recall has not been fixed. I have been told that the parts are not available. As of this date, 16 months after the recall, Mazda has not fixed the…
Complaint 11621659 · Oct 24, 2024

Own a 2016 MAZDA3?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.