2016 Mazda Mazda3 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 103 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3, filed between 2016-05-18 and 2026-09-11. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (22, 21%), service brakes (14, 14%) and back over prevention (12, 12%). Owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Mazda Mazda3 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 22 | 21% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 20 | 19% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 12 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 9% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 6% | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 6 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 4 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chest clip, buckle, harness | 2 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 103 (21%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 covers this system.
Service brakes: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 103 (14%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 2 of them also name the parking brake; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 covers this system.
Back over prevention: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 103 (12%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3; the recall, campaign 23V487000, says: “The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.”
Power train: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 103 (9%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 2 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 covers this system.
Engine: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 103 (7%) name the engine.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 103 (7%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3; the recall, campaign 19V272000, says: “A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 3 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MAZDA3, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Mazda Mazda3's most common problem areas are the electrical system (22 of 103 complaints), service brakes (14 of 103 complaints) and back over prevention (12 of 103 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have?
NHTSA has 103 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3, including 7 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3's problems?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.