2016 Mazda 3
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical is the largest identified problem area: 22 of 103 complaints (21%) mention it. 23 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 130 in 2015 to 103 in 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,900–2,100 | 1,900–2,150 | 1,900–2,150 | 1,950–2,250 | 1,950–2,250 | |
| Combined MPG | 30–33 | 29–33 | 29–33 | 28–32 | 28–32 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 27–30 / 36–39 | 25–30 / 34–40 | 25–30 / 34–40 | 25–28 / 33–37 | 25–28 / 33–38 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 267–293 | 266–310 | 266–310 | 281–319 | 280–319 | |
| Complaints filed | 138 | 130 | 103 | 83 | 108 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda 3 have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda 3 get?
EPA rates it 29–33 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mazda 3?
EPA estimates $1,900–$2,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 29 mpg | 39 mpg | 33 mpg (high) | $1,900 (low) | 270 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 30 mpg (high) | 40 mpg (high) | 33 mpg (high) | $1,900 (low) | 266 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg (low) | 36 mpg | 29 mpg (low) | $2,150 (high) | 308 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 28 mpg | 38 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 282 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 29 mpg | 38 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 | 276 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 29 mpg | 39 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 | 275 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 29 mpg | 39 mpg | 33 mpg (high) | $1,900 (low) | 270 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 25 mpg (low) | 34 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | $2,150 (high) | 310 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 292 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg | 38 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 | 281 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 10 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (6)
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 23V487000 · Jul 17, 2023
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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER · Campaign 19V272000 · Apr 7, 2019
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Consequence: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
PARKING BRAKE · Campaign 17V393000 · Jun 22, 2017
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Consequence: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE · Campaign 16V685000 · Sep 23, 2016
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the recirculation pipe weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0216I.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 16V684000 · Sep 22, 2016
Defect: Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 15V621000 · Oct 2, 2015
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's fuel shut-off valve. As needed, the fuel shut-off valve and the affected fuel tank emissions system components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repairs have been completed. Mazda will provide rental cars until that time. Owners may contact the Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800- 222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8615J.