2016 Mazda Cx 3 Complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/01/2026

It’s a safety risk with this car. The converter burns super fast, causing issues that seem like it’s related to transmission or alternator.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/11/2024

While driving on the highway on a posted 65mph, the fuel remaining on the vehicle was posted at 1/4, approx. 75miles remaining. The vehicle abruptly stalled and I managed to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle then refused to start again. Had to bring it to a fuel station and refueled leading to the vehicle starting again. Dealership diagnosed a bad fuel pump and fuel rail.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 07/14/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 04/11/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted on several occasions, and was black on other occasions. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 06/21/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 05/15/2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical component issues have bled over to the digital speedometer, making it difficult to see the speed at which you are driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

ENGINE — Filed 03/27/2024

My recent experience with the service at Putnam Mazda was extremely disappointing and frustrating. What should have been a routine visit turned into a distressing ordeal. My car suddenly died on the freeway without warning lights, prompting me to bring it in for servicing. Initially, I appreciated being offered a loaner car. However, subsequent communication regarding the repair was inadequate and concerning. I received an email stating the necessary part wouldn't be available until July and was abruptly instructed to return the loaner car immediately, with no consideration for my circumstances. This lack of empathy was shocking, especially as a loyal Mazda customer. Furthermore, I experienced racial and gender profiling throughout the ordeal. Instead of addressing my concerns, I was met with aggression and threats of police involvement, making me feel targeted and discriminated against. When I questioned this response, I was told my email was "direct," justifying the aggression. Additionally, the loaner agreement lacked an expiration date. Despite being assured they would provide a grace period if needed, I was demanded to return the car immediately, with false claims about the agreement. This manipulation, gaslighting, and harassment are not only unethical but also against the law. To exacerbate matters, safety concerns with my vehicle were brushed aside. Despite my car having a non-working engine, the dealership suggested I drive it off the lot. This reckless recommendation not only endangered my safety but also the safety of others on the road. Despite repeatedly expressing these safety concerns, the dealership did nothing to address them. Responding to a concerned customer with threats of police involvement is never justified. Instead of addressing my concerns, I was met with aggression and threats. They threatened to report the car stolen and demanded I drive my car without a working engine. This behavior was unwarranted and left me feeling insulted and degrad

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 01/01/2018

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE CONTAINED MOISTURE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, CAUSING DIFFUSED, DIMMED VISIBILITY AT NIGHT...VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO, CONCERNED THAT ELECTRICAL MAY BE AFFECTED EVENTUALLY.... Mazda still will not recall and repair?? on fixed income, to pricey for me to repair!

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/02/2023

The infotainment center has a mind of its own. It's going berserk. Others have said that it is like a ghost is taking over control. When in park, or at a stop light, I have no control over the screen. It changes channels, or calls random people (If I have my phone connected via bluetooth.) This doesn't happen when in drive, above a certain speed. (Mazda has the infotainment set for the touchscreen to not function above a certain speed.) This is a safety issue because it is distracting. I have contacted Mazda and they currently are refusing to pay for the replacement.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 09/15/2021

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse (R), the back over prevention camera flickered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 07/14/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the rearview camera had failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/16/2023

My Mazda CX3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost presses” without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone multiple times. Many others have also experienced the same issue with their Mazda infotainment systems. This should be a recall as the sudden distraction and panic caused by this poses a serious safety risk.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/01/2022

Mazda CX3 Connect touch screen in the center display may not accept touch commands properly and faded. The film inside the touch screen may be corroded due to moisture

SEATS — Filed 01/11/2019

Drivers seat constantly sinks down as you are driving. It will not stay in place. It has a manual seat up and down lever. I have been having this problem every since purchased. I have look for solutions but found none. I am not the only one with this problem as I found out online. It is a seat manufacturer problem!

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 04/23/2020

I was recently served a notice in regards to our back up camera. Of greater concern is the moisture issue in the headlight that MAZDA seems to not be concerned about. However my inspection mechanic seems to be offended and warns it shan't pass PA inspection. Why won't Mazda deal with this defect? If you poll other owners the concern is not random. Many folks have paid hundreds of dollars for a replacement. As retired folks this is an obstacle due to very limited SS income. As a senior I have driven over 50 years WITHOUT a gadget showing me a picture. I use my mirrors as I was taught by the policeman instructor. However I was ALWAYS in need of my headlights! Seems obvious which should be priority. What help can your team offer this discouraged Mazda owner? [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 09/06/2023

The Lane Departure Warning on both left and right side mirrors sporadically does not work. This is the first time I'm reporting it to NHTSA. but the problem has been going on for at least three months. The LDW lights appear when I turn on the engine, but sporadically do not appear in traffic when there is a vehicle near my left or right side. Sometimes the LDW works fine, and other times, not at all. I never know until I'm in traffic if the LDW will work -- which puts me at risk when changing lanes unless I physically turn my head to check traffic, which defeats the whole purpose of LDW. The car mechanic who changes my oil every three months did a diagnostic check and could not explain the on-again/off-again LDW lights.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 02/01/2023

Condensation in the headlights assembly. It’s a common problem. I have already drivers side front replaced at the dealer, now the passenger side front is showing lots of moisture inside the headlamp. Super dangerous as it defuses the light, limiting visibility in the dark. Mazda, please do something!!! This is ridiculous. I have attached a photo of the headlight that has water in it. The second attachment is the paperwork that came when they replaced the drivers side for the same issue under warranty.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 05/25/2023

THE HEADLAMPS CONTAIN AND HOLD MOISTURE, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO CRACKS. THIS IS CAUSING MOISTURE, AND THERE IS A CONCERN THAT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/06/2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while her daughter's vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to stop upon the depression of the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter engaged the parking brake; however, the vehicle continued to roll back until the vehicle hit a curb and stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who noted that the failure was not brake related but was a computer malfunction. The contact called a dealer who referred her to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/02/2022

Infotainment system and screen failure. The screen develops "spiderweb" cracking. This cracking first appeared 3 years ago. Now the computer reboots continuously. This causes zero access to radio, GPS, or other features to operate the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, at the suggestion of Mazda USA. For a "diagnostic" fee of $180 I was told what I already knew. The system is broken. This is a rampant problem with multiple complaints online regarding Mazda Infotainment systems. They expect consumers to pay $2,800 to repair the system.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/15/2021

Engine stalled while driving and all the dashboard lights turned on. Could not turn engine back on again. Upon inspection, it was found that the fuel injector pump was faulty and was subsequently replaced by the dealership. Fast forward a year, check engine light came on and vehicle began to stall again. Dealership states that the fuel injector burnt out due to the initial fault in the fuel injector pump. Furthermore, it burnt out my catalyst.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/01/2017

PASSENGER SEAT BELT RELEASED PROPELLING ME INTO THE WINDSHIELD. I'M AN AVID SEATBELT WEARER. WE WERE HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT.

WHEELS — Filed 01/05/2017

WHILE DRIVING HOME THROUGH PITTSBURGH, PA IN ABOUT AN INCH OF SNOW I CAME TO A 90 DEGREE TURN ON A RESIDENTIAL CITY STREET. I TOOK THE TURN AT NO MORE THAN 15 MPH AND THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO THE TURN, INSTEAD SLIDING INTO THE CURB CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT STEERING ASSEMBLY. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT OF THE TIRES HAVE LITTLE TO NO GRIP IN THE SNOW. PAST INCIDENTS HAVE ALL INCLUDED THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, ON A HALF INCH OR MORE OF SNOW, AND LOSING GRIP WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE OR STEER. MOST INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT SLOWER SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 25MPH. MAZDA SHOULD NOT USE THESE TIRES AS THEY POSE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD IN THE SNOW. THIS IS MORE SERIOUS THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE DRIVEN WITH ALL-SEASON TIRES AS THESE PROVIDE NO GRIP WHATSOEVER IN THE SNOW.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 08/24/2016

I TURNED INTO A PARKING SPOT AND WAS SLOWING DOWN .EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR SPED UP INTO A WOODED AREA. THE CAR SHOT INTO THE TREES. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE I TRIED TO STOP IT BUT IT JUST KEPT GOING. THE CAR STOPPED WHEN IT HIT A TREE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND REALIZED THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN PARK.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/27/2016

I BOUGHT A MAZDA CX-3 ON DECEMBER 31ST 2015. ON JANUARY 27TH I DROVE THE CAR FROM HOME TO WORK FOR 20 MINUTES AND I ENTERED PARKING LOT WITH MAY BE 15 MILES AN HOUR! I MADE MY 90 DEGREE TURN INTO PARKING STALL WITH MAY BE 5 MILES AN HOUR AND PUSHED THE BRAKE TO FULLY STOP! CAR ALMOST STOPPED BUT SUDDENLY SOMETHING WEIRD HAPPENED AND CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED! IT STOPPED BY HITTING THE SNOW BANK AND ANOTHER CAR! I AM SHOCKED AND VERY SCARED!