2023 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Unknown or other3
2. Electrical system3
3. Power train3
4. Service brakes2
5. Forward collision avoidance2
6. Engine2
7. Structure1
8. Tires1
9. Steering1
10. Air bags1

Latest complaints

• Mar 13, 2026OK
  Power train

  Transmission failure when driving. Car was towed to dealership and diagnosed. Transmission and torque converter replacement required under factory warranty. Very long lead time for dealer to acquire replacement parts, about 4 months.

• Jan 22, 2026CACrash1 injury
  Electrical system · Service brakes · Steering
  On 14th, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the northbound 55 Freeway near the Katella exit, my vehicle suddenly began to shake violently without any prior warning. In response, I attempted to slow down by applying the brakes; however, the speedometer rapidly increased even as I…

  On 14th, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the northbound 55 Freeway near the Katella exit, my vehicle suddenly began to shake violently without any prior warning. In response, I attempted to slow down by applying the brakes; however, the speedometer rapidly increased even as I maintained firm pressure on the brake pedal. Immediately afterward, the vehicle pulled sharply to the left, causing a complete loss of steering control and resulting in a collision with the center median barrier. Despite the force of the impact, the airbags did not deploy, raising additional concerns about potential safety system failures. At no point before the incident were there warning lights, alerts, or indications of mechanical or electronic issues. The vehicle had also undergone its regularly scheduled maintenance at the Tustin Mazda dealership on January 2nd, 2026, just prior to the accident. Given the sudden shaking, unintended acceleration, loss of braking effectiveness, steering failure, and non‑deployment of airbags, I believe this incident may involve one or more manufacturer defects affecting critical safety systems. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter. I also believe the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) may contain information relevant to identifying the root cause of these failures.

• Jan 23, 2025MA
  Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
  The active braking support feature of this vehicle falsely warns me of an imminent collision. It happens pretty often, the system is obviously not quite smart enough. Last week, while accelerating away from a stop light in moderately heavy traffic, the active braking system APPLIED THE BRAKES in a…

  The active braking support feature of this vehicle falsely warns me of an imminent collision. It happens pretty often, the system is obviously not quite smart enough. Last week, while accelerating away from a stop light in moderately heavy traffic, the active braking system APPLIED THE BRAKES in a panic manner, causing the vehicle to almost come to a complete stop, and I missed being rear-ended by the car behind me by inches. There appears to be no method to permanently deactivate this "safety" feature. I can turn it off through a series of menus in the infotainment system, but each time I start the car the system turns itself back on again.

• Nov 30, 2024IN
  Engine · Unknown or other
  My 2023 Mazda 3 started to have a more terrible and annoying rattle after 3000 miles. The engine will resonate and knock when it reaches a certain speed. The slow speed light throttle acceleration rattles. The most annoying thing is the multiple rattles inside, dash, door panels, and roof. It is…

  My 2023 Mazda 3 started to have a more terrible and annoying rattle after 3000 miles. The engine will resonate and knock when it reaches a certain speed. The slow speed light throttle acceleration rattles. The most annoying thing is the multiple rattles inside, dash, door panels, and roof. It is like a can in the summer. What’s more terrible is that in the winter, its internal door panels, windows, and dash make a knocking sound like a screw is loose. I went to multiple Mazda dealers and it was obvious that they could not find and fix the issue. They either said they didn’t hear it or said it was a "normal noise". This is disappointing and unacceptable.

• Jul 1, 2024MA2,500 mi
  Tires
  The contact owns a 2023 Mazda Mazda3 equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Turanza EL440, Tire Size: 215/45/R18, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had developed a sidewall bubble and the tire was…

  The contact owns a 2023 Mazda Mazda3 equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Turanza EL440, Tire Size: 215/45/R18, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had developed a sidewall bubble and the tire was replaced. Later the front driver's side tire had developed a sidewall bubble and was replaced. The contact later discovered the same failure had occurred on the replacement tire located on the front passenger’s side. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,500. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• Dec 20, 2023NCCrashFire1 death
  Air bags · Unknown or other
  The contact's daughter had rented a 2023 Mazda Mazda 3. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle veered off to the left side of the highway and side-swiped a cable system; the vehicle then crashed into the end cap of a guardrail. The vehicle then…

  The contact's daughter had rented a 2023 Mazda Mazda 3. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle veered off to the left side of the highway and side-swiped a cable system; the vehicle then crashed into the end cap of a guardrail. The vehicle then hydroplaned and hit a bridge pillar. The vehicle flipped as the contact's daughter was ejected from the vehicle and the vehicle landed on the roof in the grass next to the guardrail. The cause of the crash was unknown. The vehicle caught fire and was incinerated by the time authorities arrived on the scene. The contact's daughter was pronounced dead at the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire and a police report was filed. The guardrail, cable system, and a wooden road post were damaged due to the accident. Due to the extent of the fire, it was unknown if the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the investigators could not determine the exact cause of the crash but believed that it was likely that the contact's daughter fell asleep; the contact contests the investigator's findings. Upon his investigation, the contact discovered that owners of previous year model vehicles had reported that the air bag and seat belt pretensioners had failed to operate in the event of a crash. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.

• Sep 19, 2023MNFire
  Electrical system · Engine · Structure › Body
  I was driving on the highway and decided to switch int the left lane so I sped up and heard a big bang and what sounded like my bumper being dragged against the ground. I see on my dashboard that there’s an electrical and engine malfunction so I pullover and pop the hood. A bunch of smoke comes out…

  I was driving on the highway and decided to switch int the left lane so I sped up and heard a big bang and what sounded like my bumper being dragged against the ground. I see on my dashboard that there’s an electrical and engine malfunction so I pullover and pop the hood. A bunch of smoke comes out and i see a little fire so me and my friends run and call the police. The police and firefighters arrived just as the fire was getting large and it had engulfed the front right side of my car. If the notification that there was a malfunction didn’t come on, I feel as if we could’ve been hurt much worse or even have died. I’m not much of a person that knows about cars and it sounded like my bumper was scraping and by the amount of times i’ve scraped my bumper, i believed it until I saw my notification. The vehicle is still being inspected for cause of fire and this vehicle has never had this problem before.

• Jul 6, 2023CO
  Exterior lighting
  While driving in snow storm I had to pull over and I noticed lights were covered with snow . LED lights will not produce heat to melt snow The lip above and the ledge below traps the snow and with the way the headlights are set up the snow sticks on the lights which affects visibility creating a…

  While driving in snow storm I had to pull over and I noticed lights were covered with snow . LED lights will not produce heat to melt snow The lip above and the ledge below traps the snow and with the way the headlights are set up the snow sticks on the lights which affects visibility creating a safety issue. Same thing happens in rain. I have been to a parts store and a mechanic shop Both shops said this is a poor design. The lip and lower ledge trap the snow and LED lights will not melt the snow. This vehicle would be unsafe to drive in a snowstorm because of poor vision. Thank you

• Jun 16, 2023FL
  Unknown or other
  It is the infotainment system but please, hear me out. The manual states that one is able to change channels by using the controls on the steering wheel. That is not the case. It actually is another feature NOT described in the manual. So now in order to change the channel, one must take their…

  It is the infotainment system but please, hear me out. The manual states that one is able to change channels by using the controls on the steering wheel. That is not the case. It actually is another feature NOT described in the manual. So now in order to change the channel, one must take their hand off the wheel and fidget with a selector and look at a screen (and also hope they are in the right menu section). This is not how most cars with this capability act. This is something that even the manual doesn't describe. This is a hazard, albeit not spontaneous because it leads to distracted driving. I've been to the dealership twice about the issue. I've contacted Mazda corporate. There are anecdotes of others having the same complaint and how this is a hazard. My complaint to Mazda Corporate and the dealership requests to Mazda Corporate have been met with a "Oh well, it is what it is and we can't help you." sort of reply. -The component at this time can be inspected. -The feature leads to distracted driving. -Yes, two local dealerships have observed the issue and were puzzled as to why it says one thing in the manual about the feature and the system acts a different way. -No inspection by the manufacturer, but I have contacted Mazda USA corporate via chat and email. -No warning lamps or messages because apparently this is how it operates.

• May 18, 2023AZCrash
  Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Service brakes
  Automatic emergency braking suddenly engaged while driving on the highway. The car decelerated abruptly to a complete stop, causing the driver behind to rear-end me. There were no vehicles or obstacles in front of the car when the brakes engaged - the closest car was at least 100 feet in front of…

  Automatic emergency braking suddenly engaged while driving on the highway. The car decelerated abruptly to a complete stop, causing the driver behind to rear-end me. There were no vehicles or obstacles in front of the car when the brakes engaged - the closest car was at least 100 feet in front of me. This collision was clearly the result of a faulty automatic emergency braking system. I do not feel safe driving the car knowing this malfunction could happen again, especially at highway speeds. Sudden unexplained braking presents a huge safety hazard to all drivers, increasing the likelihood for collisions and injuries. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the unexpected brake system activation. After the brakes activated mistakenly, warning beeps and “BRAKE!” message appeared. Car has collision damage and has not yet been inspected by dealer. Police report filed.

• Mar 27, 2023FL
  Power train

  Cars lurches/jerks at low speeds when shifting 1-2 gears and sometimes rpm bounces up and down when downshifting.

• Mar 22, 2023WA
  Power train
  On three occasions thus far when the vehicle was started and placed in drive the transmission slipped terribly, the engine rpms would race when pressing the accelerator and the vehicle would move at no more than a few MPH. The problem is intermittent but can be inspected. The problem has occurred…

  On three occasions thus far when the vehicle was started and placed in drive the transmission slipped terribly, the engine rpms would race when pressing the accelerator and the vehicle would move at no more than a few MPH. The problem is intermittent but can be inspected. The problem has occurred on public roads when stopped at a light or stop sign and I was unable to move forward again after stopping. The problem was reproduced by the dealer. The dealer had the vehicle for 29 days for repair attempts and returned it to me one day before my states lemon law would have been triggered. There were several vehicle malfunction warnings displayed on the dash 10 to 15 minutes after the vehicle failed to move under its own power. I also purchased an OBDII code reader after the initial vehicle failure and was able to read transmission error codes on subsequent failures.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11011141Some customers may report concerns with interior upholstery surface stains particularly on high contact areas (e.g.: seats, steering wheel, door panels, shifter...etc.). This may be caused by skin oils or chemicals such as hand lotions.
• 11011140When the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) replacement is necessary due to a failure, use MDARS to activate the new TCU after replacement. Use the information in this service alert to initialize the new TCU until the procedure on MGSS is updated.
• 11011139A customer may complain of a rattle noise from the right side of the dash. The noise may be coming from the passenger side airbag.
• 11011138Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF Climate Control 3. MAZDA CONNECT connected vehicle reception strength icon shows "X" or "\".
• 11011137On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open. Additionally, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: -Engine takes longer to warm up. -Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. -Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. -Poor heater performance, especially at idle. This warranty extension program applies only to the replacement of fail-safe thermostat of the vehicle exhibiting the concerns mentioned above. If the check engine light illumination is determined to be unrelated to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open, the inspection and repair are not covered under this program.
• 11011135Some customers may experience the audio sound pausing when the engine restarts after i-stop operation under the following situations. The symptoms are caused by an improper part installation in the audio amplifier. A voltage drop error detection of the power source may be too sensitive.
• 11011133Some customers may experience a check engine light ON with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) and one or more of the following symptoms: Engine takes longer to warm up. Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. Poor heater performance, especially at idle.
• 11010992Some customers may experience rear subwoofer audio sound pauses intermittently at high volume levels. When the volume level is lowered, the subwoofer audio sound resumes. The actual volume level may vary depending on the audio source. If the audio source consists of many low frequency (40 - 70 Hz) sounds, the concern may occur at volume level 35 or higher. This concern may be caused by improper audio amplifier control software. To eliminate this concern, the control software has been modified.
• 11009665Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat in the coolant control valve on certain CX-5, Mazda3, CX-3, Mazda6 and CX-30 vehicles that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve. The warranty coverage for a specific repair of fail-safe thermostat has been extended to 15 years (180 months) /150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first, from the original warranty start date. Concern Outline: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) stored in memory and one or more of the following symptoms may occur: Engine takes longer to warm up, Engine temperature gauge fluctuates, Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving, Poor heater performance, especially at idle. This is a warranty extension for the specified repair only. Inspection and replacement of non-failed parts will not be eligible for reimbursement under this SSP to the dealer or customer. This program extends the warranty period for actual failures due to defects in workmanship or materials in accordance with the Mazda Warranty Policy and Procedures. If a customer arrives at your dealership with the concern described, please repair under this Special Service Program.
• 11009664Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat in the coolant control valve on certain CX-5, Mazda3, CX-3, Mazda6 and CX-30 vehicles that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve. The warranty coverage for a specific repair of fail-safe thermostat has been extended to 15 years (180 months) /150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first, from the original warranty start date. Concern Outline: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) stored in memory and one or more of the following symptoms may occur: Engine takes longer to warm up, Engine temperature gauge fluctuates, Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving, Poor heater performance, especially at idle. This is a warranty extension for the specified repair only. Inspection and replacement of non-failed parts will not be eligible for reimbursement under this SSP to the dealer or customer. This program extends the warranty period for actual failures due to defects in workmanship or materials in accordance with the Mazda Warranty Policy and Procedures. If a customer arrives at your dealership with the concern described, please repair under this Special Service Program.
• 11009655This service information provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the batteries periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 11009654The SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ. Only use ATF-FZ to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in the SKYACTIV-DRIVE series AT. It is a low viscosity formula with less friction for better fuel economy. NOTE: ATF-FZ is colored blue for easy identification.
• 11009647A new cylinder head assembly for service parts has been newly established for SKYACTIV-G 2.5 with cylinder deactivation when replacement is needed. Valves, valve springs, valve spring seats, and cotters (IN/EX) are included in the new assembly. Hotline and MASH authorization is not required to order parts for performing this repair. If there are any questions on part ordering or part status, contact the Dealer Assistance Group.
• 11009644Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
• 11009639Some vehicles may experience stains appearing on the hood, roof and/or trunk of the vehicle. This concern is most likely to be found in a cold weather areas just after the RAPGARD is removed at PDI. This may be caused by moisture which has been trapped and condensed between the paint and the RAPGARD. These types of stains can be removed with a heat gun or an infrared drier. If you encounter this concern during PDI, use a heat gun or an infrared drier to apply heat to the affected area to remove the stain(s).
• 11009635Some customers may complain that the rear console lid does not slide smoothly. This may be caused by improperly positioned felt pads attached to the rear console lid lock, which may have moved out of position after repetitive use. The exposed adhesive residue may stick to the rail and disrupt smooth sliding operation.
• 11008580Mazda Connect Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• 11008579Mazda Connect Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• 11008578When the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) replacement is necessary due to a failure, use MDARS to activate the new TCU after replacement. Use the information in this service alert to initialize the new TCU until the procedure on MGSS is updated.
• 11008577Some customers may complain about scratches on the instrument cluster lens.
• 11008576Qi Wireless Charger symptom troubleshooting.
• 11008575Some customers may complain about the Active Driving Display not displaying turn by turn (TBT) travel direction or navigation information.
• 11008574Some customers may experience a Connected Vehicle failure. The MyMazda App may display an Error Code. This document provides Error Code description and recovery information to assist with repairs.
• 11008573Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF Climate Control
• 11008571Customers having MAZDA CONNECT concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
• 11008568Some customers may experience a Telematics Malfunction message in the instrument cluster with DTC U3000:00-TCU (Emergency call unit/telematics communication unit internal malfunction) or U3000:04-TCU (Telematics communication unit internal malfunction) stored in memory. This is caused by improper control software of the telematics communication unit (TCU). To eliminate this concern, the control software of the TCU has been modified.
• 11008430This information will give you the necessary knowledge to respond to customers concerns of Smart Brake Support (SBS) unintended braking. By educating the customer on the system operation, it should reduce their anxiety or distrust of the vehicle.
• 11008429Symptom 1: Some customers may complain about hearing a grinding noise and/or vibration occur when applying the brake. This is due to rust on the rear brake disc plate. The brake pad has insufficient disc-rust prevention performance, resulting in the disc plate rusting. To eliminate this concern, the pad material has been improved to prevent rust on the disc surface. Symptom 2: Some vehicles may exhibit a squeal noise from the rear brakes when braking lightly while driving at a slow speed. The squeal noise is caused by the disc pad surface fluctuating. To eliminate this concern, the brake pads have been modified.
• 11008423The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can malfunction with the following symptoms if the rear side radar sensors are installed facing the wrong direction. BSM system indicates vehicle on the opposite side. i-ACTIVSENSE indicator ring will not turn green Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) does not work Rear side radar sensor aiming may fail TPMS DTC(s) stored
• 11007029For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all PCM terminals used in SKYACTIV vehicles and compare suspect terminal drag with a known good terminal. To measure the voltage/resistance avoiding any terminal damage.
• 11007027Before judging a steering wheel as having premature wear or a defect, first clean the steering wheel as explained in the repair information. Some vehicles may have steering wheel stains caused by chemicals such as hand lotions.
• 11007024Some customers will report that their fuel door was stuck closed and would not open to refuel the vehicle. Follow the repair steps below unless the conditions outlined in TSB 09-019/21 - FUEL-FILLER LID PANEL IS DEFORMED for 2019-2021 Mazda3 and 2020-2021 CX-30 are present.
• 11007022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 11007019If 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 concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 11007018Interior parts made of resin have antistatic coating to prevent dust from sticking on the surfaces, and depending on the conditions of use, the antistatic components may crystallize slightly, giving an appearance of white stains on the surface. To remove the stains, wipe the stained surface with a towel soaked with water mixed with a small portion of a neutral detergent. If the white stains reappear again, simply wipe them again in the same way.
• 11007015A New Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF-A7) is being used for some 2023, 2024 and 2025 models. ATF-A7 is an extremely low viscosity formulation with low friction to achieve best-in-class fuel economy and driving performance. For easy identification, ATF-A7 is colored Red and ATF-FZ is colored Blue. There is NO interchangeability between ATF-A7 and ATF-FZ.
• 11007013Auxiliary key blank cutting procedure. There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method
• 11007010Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a fluid or oil leak and use the following examples as a guide to determine if it is severe enough to require a repair, or just to clean the area and monitor it at the next service.
• 11007009Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
• 11006995Customers having MAZDA CONNECT concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

Every Mazda MAZDA3 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.