CarRecordBook

Model year record

2016 Mazda CX-3 recalls & problems

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has 3 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (11 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints48filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2016 Mazda CX-3 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Back over preventionJul 14, 2023

Sensing system › Camera

Recall 23V487000236,100 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
StructureSep 6, 2016

Body › Hatchback/liftgate

Recall 16V644000580,455 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Risk
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
SteeringApr 11, 2016

Steering

Recall 16V203000578 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Risk
If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2016 Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk13.8%

2016 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk13.6%
2016 Mazda CX-3 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2016 Mazda CX-3 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

CX-3 2WD

31mpg combined
City / highway29 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel

CX-3 4WD

29mpg combined
City / highway27 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical system1100055,000 mi
Unknown or other1010027,700 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights7000—
Back over preventionWarnings; Rearview system braking700058,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system5000—
Visibility/wiper400013,000 mi
Engine4000—
Vehicle speed control2100—
StructureBody2000—
Service brakes2000—
Seat belts2102—
Seats2000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.