Name: 2016 Mazda 3
Brand: Mazda

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"The problem started about three years ago. The screen would go blank, different apps were unavailable. Or they would work. No rhyme or reason"

Anonymous, CA (2016 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The display screen is only visible at night or sometimes during the day. There is no consistent time other than nighttime for visibiliy. Ive received two recall notices for this issue but both notices have stated Mazda will provide a date to bring to the dealer. No notices ever received. Problem not resolved"

Anonymous, CA (2016 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Never works."

Anonymous A., DC (2016 Mazda 3 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust manifold

"Flex pipe leak. Common problem in cars of this age. Normal repair"

Anonymous, PE (2016 Mazda 3 SV 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Other/unsure

"Parking break issue. Caliper not releasing when parking break handle is released. The real problem is that Mazda has either discontinued making or has a serious back order issue with the cables needed to repair. This is a serious problem for my car, which is a manual!!"

Anonymous A., PA (2016 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Had to replace the front body control module. Car computer & diagnostic machine at dealer did not pinpoint the specific problem, only that it could be one of three things. They replaced parts, progressing from cheap to expensive. Fortunately, the second part they replaced did the trick. This was the only problem Ive had other than the high pressure engine fuel pump giving out the November before. In that case the car would still run, but rough & with reduced power. These repairs are acceptable. This is still the best car Ive ever owned. Also the cross seam in the drives seat bottom parted in t,he middle. I was looking to get a new seat bottom at a junk yard but my body shop said that a new seat cover would be more cost effective because of the issue with new airbags. I ca n still drive the car, and the seat heater works but Ive never had this happen before. Still acceptable to me all things considered."

Anonymous A., PA (2016 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"I WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO GO THROUGH A BRAND NEW ALIGNMENT SYSTEM (BRAND NEW FOR THE DEALER). I BELIEVE A LOT OF MY STEERING ISSUES AROSE FROM THIS INABILITY TO USE A NEW ALIGNMENT SYSTEM."

Anonymous, IL (2016 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Shocks or struts

"Mount to the rear right shock broke. A replacement mount was required."

Anonymous, MA (2016 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Rotors

"Early in my ownership of my Mazda3, The brakes pulsated when applied. I lived with it for a number of years because the pads were still good."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveline vibration

"AFTER MY ALIGNMENT I FELT VIBRATIONS WHEN I BRAKED."

Anonymous, IL (2016 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Car began to jolt forward when shifting from reverse into 1st gear about 7 months ago. The jolting became more serious a few days later. We took it to the Mazda dealership where we purchased the car. Dealership told us the transmission was most likely going bad, and would need a complete replacement transmission, as they would not rebuild it. Dealership quoted us around $6,800 to put in a new transmission. We decided to get a second opinion and took the vehicle to a well reviewed transmission shop near our house. They took apart the transmission and confirmed that the reverse and 1st gear clutch were being worn down. Thankfully the shop was able to rebuild the transmission. Total shop costs totaled around $3,200. After doing some research, it appears that other owners of the Mazda 3 also reported issues with their automatics transmissions being worn down and having to be rebuild/replaced. I would not purchase this vehicle again, if given the choice. Which is too bad, because all other features of the cars are great (engine is strong and reliable, suspension is well balanced, interior and exterior are stylish and comfortable). We will most likely be selling the car in the near future and looking to purchase a more reliable car, like a Toyota Camry or Lexus SUV."

Anonymous, FL (2016 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Mazda 3

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Transmission Major

What Owners Say

Climate System

Fuel System/Emissions

Electrical Accessories

Engine Major

Engine Electrical

Engine Minor

Engine Cooling

Paint And Trim

Body Hardware

Noises And Leaks

Transmission Minor

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability