2016 Mazda Cx-3 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (7) · Fuel/Propulsion System (5) · Exterior Lighting (5)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mazda Cx-3 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
24 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2023-07-14 · campaign 23V487000 · 236,100 vehicles
Defect: 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, anticipa
Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate 2016-09-06 · campaign 16V644000 · 580,455 vehicles
Defect: 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
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.
Steering 2016-04-11 · campaign 16V203000 · 578 vehicles
Defect: 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 knuckl
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.
Service bulletins (658)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-09-11 · SA-041-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical con
Engine 2026-08-10 · 01-010-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 description some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2). this is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fittin
Engine 2026-06-19 · SA-041-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this sa supersedes the previously issued sa(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red. sa-061/25 12/17/25 description if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by ask
Power Train 2026-05-01 · 01-008-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. this may be caused by insufficient sealing at the driv
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-30 · SA-031-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged vin plate or vehicle certification label. to obtain a replacement vin plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact dag (dealer assistance group) using vin plate request form available on
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-21 · SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued sa listed below: the changes are noted in red. sa-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 description mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. mazda recommends dealers follow the sch
Showing the 6 most recent of 658 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-05-01 · Unknown Or Other“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.…”
2025-01-14 · Fuel/Propulsion System“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 d…”
2024-12-30 · Back Over Prevention“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 confirm…”
2024-10-11 · Back Over Prevention · 45,000 mi“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 w…”
2024-06-21 · Back Over Prevention“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…”
2024-05-16 · Electrical System“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,…”
2024-04-09 · Engine“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 com…”
2024-02-25 · Exterior Lighting“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!…”
2024-02-13 · Unknown Or Other“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. …”
2024-02-07 · Back Over Prevention · 80,000 mi“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.