2015 Mazda Mazda3 Complaints

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 04/15/2026

The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while attempting to reverse, the rear camera flashed on and off for approximately five minutes and then started working as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) by the owner of the vehicle; however, the fix failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/01/2026

While parked on a slight downhill grade, gasoline started leaking and created a significant puddle on the ground. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. An independent service center ran numerous tests over two days, including a smoke test. Diagnosis: There is a hole in top section of fuel tank and the fuel tank needs replaced. Recommendation was to not drive vehicle with fuel tank over half full. Due to the potential of leaking fuel in the presence of a hot ignition source increasing the risk of fire, driving the vehicle long distance with defective fuel tank appears to represent an unreasonable safety risk. Unfortunately, the vehicle is currently 300 miles from home. Mazda’s Mexican-made plastic fuel tank specifically required for our vehicle’s VIN is not currently available. (Mazda makes a similar metal fuel tank in [XXX] which will not fit.) Mazda has an estimated three-month backlog in [XXX] for the fuel tank. Still awaiting repair due to lack of availability of the appropriate fuel tank. Major safety recall NHTSA 16V684000 for the 2015 Mazda3 addresses a manufacturing defect where a fuel tank weld could fail, leading to fuel leaks and a potential fire. Recall is for vehicles produced between 12/4/13 – 9/18/15. Our vehicle was manufactured 02/2015 in [XXX] . However, recall is limited to three specific series of VINs and our vehicle falls in the gap between subject VIN ranges. A recent NHTSA complaint XXX (1/27/26) has the same issue: fuel tank leak, but not within range of recall VINs. It seems that the list of affected VINs included in recall 16V684000 should be expanded to include additional Mexican manufactured vehicles potentially with the same issue. Or create a new recall. Having a hole in the top of a plastic fuel tank securely mounted to the vehicle is unexpected through normal wear and tear. Any fuel leakage increases the risk of fire. NHTSA should investigate if this is due to a defect in Mazda’s manufacturing process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/17/2025

Fuel leaking out of top of tank. Took car to two different shops. They both told me about a recall on the gas tank. They did every test possible and replaced O ring. Even did smoke evap system test. Tank still leaks from the top when full. They said the tank needs replaced. There is a recall for the year make and model but not my VIN?

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/15/2025

Description On 12-15-2025, in 18°F weather, the vehicle was parked on a residential sloped driveway with the manual parking brake fully engaged. While the driver was outside the vehicle, the parking brake system failed to hold the car’s weight. The vehicle rolled backward, crashed through a wooden railing, teetering on a 4-foot retaining wall, and came to rest over a culvert. Two young children were inside the vehicle at the time of the failure. Component Failure & Availability: The manual parking brake system failed to provide sufficient holding force to secure the vehicle. The rear brake calipers are currently available for inspection. Safety Risk: The safety of the two children inside the vehicle was put at extreme risk due to the unexpected movement of the car. This failure matches the exact conditions and consequences described in Safety Recall 1217F (NHTSA Campaign 17V-393), which states that "unexpected movement of the vehicle if parked on a slope" increases the risk of a collision. Reproducibility & Confirmation: The failure occurred under the specific environmental triggers (cold temperature and slope) identified in the manufacturer's own safety recall documentation. However, the manufacturer has officially refused to authorize the internal teardown of the actuator shafts—the only diagnostic method capable of verifying the rust and sliding resistance that causes this loss of holding force. Inspections: The vehicle has been visually inspected by an authorized dealership and insurance representatives. The manufacturer has declined the necessary internal mechanical diagnostics to verify the internal defect. Warning Symptoms: There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The parking brake felt fully engaged at the time the vehicle was parked.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/23/2025

Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/19/2025

I had purchased a car through Facebook Marketplace after talking to the seller and seeing a CarFax report on the car we decided to purchase it. After coming home the following day I look closer at the documents and realized the CarFax did not match the VIN of the car I purchased. After looking up the CarFax with the VIN on the car I purchased I saw that the person who sold me the car had rolled back the odometer.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 10/22/2025

The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The vehicle remained unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

PARKING BRAKE — Filed 10/03/2025

The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake); and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/21/2025

The vehicle automator mileage was changed. The original mileage reading is over 200,000 mi. While the dashboard mileage only reads 90,780 mi. I was unaware of this until I went to the DMV to do a title transfer. The private seller is now nowhere to be found from Facebook marketplace and has blocked me but I do have receipts of everything

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/04/2025

The Infotainment System will randomly change radio stations while driving, or start scanning through the various system menus, and on at least in one case, started randomly making phone calls from a connected phone. This creates a major distraction while driving. This has been looked at by the dealership and would cost $1500 for the system repair. I understand that this is a known problem.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/09/2024

1. Automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic failure during operation. Transmission was discarded by Bountiful Mazda, Utah. 2. Both other and I were at risk as the vehicle could not be controlled. 3. I read similar findings on Social Media posts. 4. Bountiful Mazda confirmed metal shavings in the drain trans fluid. 5. No prior warning on car instrumentation, or while driving, or on prior inspection by Cardinaleway Mazda, Gilbert, AZ 6. Neither Mazda USA (Mfr) nor Protective Asset Protection have taken responsibility for the initial equipment failure nor reimbursement through the extended service contract even with extenuating circumstances for late notification. I can provide copies of additional relevant material.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/11/2023

Since the middle of 2023 I have noticed a gas fume smell both inside and outside of my 2015 Mazda Mazda3 after I fill my gas tank to full. This smell persists up until I use about a half tank of gas or slightly less. I do not top my gas tank off and stop filling when the automatic gas pump stops. There are no visible leaks on or around the gas tank or below the vehicle, and there are no noticeable cracks around the gas tank, valves, lines, etc. Additionally, there are no warning lights present on my dashboard or any codes.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/30/2024

The Mazda Connect touch screen in the center display may not accept touch commands properly or may operate by itself (ghost touch). The ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film of the touch screen may be corroded due to moisture, which may adhere on the lens of the touch screen during the cleaning process at the plant. The corrosion may allow the electrostatic capacity to vary without any input, causing the malfunction of the touch screen.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/04/2022

Mazda call this “ghost touch” it happens when the screen starts to act up like crazy, jumping from different audio sources, Bluetooth lose connection, making unwanted phone calls. Almost like a ghost is touching the screen over and over again.

ENGINE — Filed 03/16/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle, followed by the vehicle shut down and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son opened the hood and flames came out from under the hood. The contact son burned his fingers but did not seek medical attention. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 200,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/08/2021

My 2015 mazda3 was in a collision on 09/08/2021 and my vehicle was totaled. None of my airbags deployed . Fortunately i only sustained neck and back injuries. I believe that i would have avoided these injuries if my airbags deployed properly. Has anyone else reported a problem with airbags on the 2015 mazda3? If there is a problem with the airbag then other owners need to be notified of this safety issue.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/28/2018

COMMING TO A STOP CAR DIDNT SLOW DOWN AND WHEN EMERGENCY LEVER WAS PULLED FOR A STOP IT DIDNT WORK! RECALL NOTICE1217F NHTSA NUMBER17V393

VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/11/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER (SPORT MAZDA, 9786 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND APPROVED THE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/22/2017

I WENT TO GO STEP ON BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AS I WAS COMING UP ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED DUE TO TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WHEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I SLID RIGHT INTO THE GUY. I TRIED TO TURN MY WHEEL TO GO ON SHOULDER, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND IN TRAFFIC. I WASN'T SPEEDING AS THERE WAS NO POSSIBLE WAY TO AS TRAFFIC WAS IN PLAY, BUT OUR LANE STARTED TO MOVE AND I STAYED BACK AND WHEN I WENT TO STEP ON BRAKES, THEY LOCKED UP.

STEERING — Filed 04/02/2017

DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. CAR WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS. PART OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION MAY HAVE CRACKED. WHEN LOOKING AT THE PART IT APPEARS TO HAVE AN OLD CRACK ALONG WITH A FRESH LOOKING BREAK.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 06/18/2016

VEHICLE WAS INADVERTANTLY TURNED OFF WHILE IN DRIVE, WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE NO ALARM SOUNDED. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, FORCING ME TO JUMP BACK INTO THE CAR AND JAM ON THE BRAKE. ONE WOULD THINK THAT AS A SAFETY MEASURE, THE CAR WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE IN PARK, BEFORE TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. WHILE ITS CONCEIVABLE THAT IN AN EMERGENCY THE DRIVER MAY WANT TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN GEAR, THIS WOULD BE VERY RARE, AND COULD BE ACCOMMODATED BY PROGRAMING THE OFF SWITCH TO REQUIRE MULTIPLE PUSHES OR HOLDING IN THE BUTTON FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. EXITING THE CAR WHEN IT IS NOT IN PARK IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, JUST AS DANGEROUS AS TRYING TO START THE CAR WHILE IN GEAR, RESULTING IN UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. SINCE THE CAR REQUIRES THE GEARSHIFT TO BE IN PARK AND THE BRAKE ON BEFORE STARTING, ONE WOULD THINK A SIMILAR PROCESS WOULD BE USED FOR TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/08/2016

INTERIOR DOME LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING, LOOKED UP TO SEE WHY, THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FLAMES COULD BE SEEN. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEED, APPROX. 65 MPH. CAR HAD 22,000 MILES ON IT.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE — Filed 01/05/2016

TURNING TO PARK HER VEHICLE, IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT TWO PARKED CARS IN FRONT.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 12/28/2014

I WAS IN A REAR END COLLISION WITH THE MAZDA, AND WAS HIT AT 50MPH SPEED BY A DRUNK DRIVER WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE DRIVER HAD FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, SO DID NOT BRAKE PRIOR TO THE COLLISION. DURING THE COLLISION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR DID THE SEAT BELT CATCH ME, AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH FULL STRENGTH, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE WHERE I HAD HIT WITH EYE DAMAGE, AND SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE ALL OVER THE FACE WITH NERVE NUMBNESS ON THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE. OF CONCERN IS WHY NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES OF A 2 MONTH OLD VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A HIGH IMPACT CRASH. *TR

AIR BAGS,SEATS — Filed 10/27/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA 3. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A RAILROAD TRACK, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, BUT DID NO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 550.