*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Service brakes
After speaking with Mazda customer support, the sales department at Germain Mazda of Columbus, and the service department of Mazda Columbus, I have come to learn that in response to recall 1217F | XXX17V-393, the dealership that performed the recall only performed an inspection with no repair or replacement made to the vehicle. The recall notice does not indicate that this is an option. Please see excerpt below: "Your Mazda dealer will check the parking brake actuator shafts inside the left and right rear brake calipers. If the actuator shaft is found to be rusted, the brake caliper assembly will be replaced with a modified one. If no rust is found on the actuator shaft, the protective boot…
Sep 11, 2026Steering
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3.The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle's steering wheel would fail to operate as needed. The contact stated that an abnormal, clunking noise would emit from the steering wheel while turning at various speeds. The contact also stated that the steering wheel felt loose while driving at high speeds, fearing that he would lose control of the vehicle if he did not firmly grip the steering wheel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they acknowledged that the heard the noise coming from the vehicle; however, they could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of…
Apr 20, 2026 · 117,000 milesElectrical system
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 infotainment system became intermittently inoperable due to the failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact expressed concerns that the inoperable instrument cluster created a hazardous and unsafe condition due to the complete loss of instrument panel functionality. The approximate failure…
Jan 8, 2026 · 142,000 milesUnknown or other
The âspideringâ on the infotainment screen is spidering making it hard to see when in reverse.
Jul 19, 2024Power train
I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2016 Mazda 3 manual transmission, which experienced a sudden and complete clutch failure at less 60,000 miles â without any warning lights or diagnostic alerts. I am deeply concerned that: â¢There was no dashboard warning, even as the clutch system failed â¢The gear indicator was inaccurate in prior days, which may have been an early sign of failure â¢There was no protection mechanism to prevent complete drivetrain failure during normal use.
Jul 19, 2025Unknown or other
The "Infotainment System" is activating itself and cycling through various options when I slow down or stop. It calls random numbers and changes settings on the system. It is distracting and dangerous. This is a known "ghost touch" problem for this model of vehicle, but the Mazda dealer I contacted in Knoxville, TN said it would cost nearly $300 to repair the problem (by replacing the entire system).
Jul 1, 2025Unknown or other
Mazda supposedly repaired/replaced the backup camera issue under the recall. However, within one day it was doing the same thing again...the screen dims or flickers off when backing up the car. I told Mazda about that and they said I need a new screen, which would not be covered under the recall. This is a safety hazard that they should be required to address.
May 14, 2025Seat belts
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driverâs side seat belt became inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt latch failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Apr 24, 2025 · 60,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
