MAZDA CX-3 · model year

2016 MAZDA CX-3

62 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016MAZDACX-3 carries 62 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 CX-3 is electrical system with 11 filings, followed by unknown or other (9) and exterior lighting (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 21 investigation files overlapping the 2016 CX-3, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

62
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 MAZDA CX-3 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 MAZDA CX-3. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

62 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
BACK OVER PREVENTION5
VISIBILITY/WIPER4
ENGINE4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
SERVICE BRAKES2
SEAT BELTS2
SEATS2
WHEELS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1

Recalls (3)

23V48700014/07/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

16V20300011/04/2016

STEERING

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

16V64400006/09/2016

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

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,

Recent Complaints

20250114FUEL/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 diagnosed a bad fuel pump and fuel rail.

20241230BACK 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 confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20241011BACK 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 while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted on several occasions, and was black on other occasions. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 45,000

20240621BACK 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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20240516BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

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, making it difficult to see the speed at which you are driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

20240516BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

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, making it difficult to see the speed at which you are driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

20240516ELECTRICAL 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, making it difficult to see the speed at which you are driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

20240409ENGINE

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 communication regarding the repair was inadequate and concerning. I received an email stating the necessary part wouldn't be available until July and was abruptly instructed to return the loaner car immediately, with no consideration for my circumstances. This lack of empathy was shocking, especially as a loyal Mazda customer. Furthermore, I experienced racial and gender profiling throughout the ordeal. Instead of addressing my concerns, I was met with aggression and threats of police involvement, making me feel targeted and discriminated against. When I questioned this response, I was told my email was "direct," justifying the aggression. Addit

20240225EXTERIOR 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!

20240213UNKNOWN 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. (Mazda has the infotainment set for the touchscreen to not function above a certain speed.) This is a safety issue because it is distracting. I have contacted Mazda and they currently are refusing to pay for the replacement.

20240207BACK OVER PREVENTION

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 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20240110BACK 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 contacted. The contact stated that the rearview camera had failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 58,000

20231225ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My Mazda CX3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost presses” without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone multiple times. Many others have also experienced the same issue with their Mazda infotainment systems. This should be a recall as the sudden distraction and panic caused by this poses a serious safety risk.

20231225UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My Mazda CX3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost presses” without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone multiple times. Many others have also experienced the same issue with their Mazda infotainment systems. This should be a recall as the sudden distraction and panic caused by this poses a serious safety risk.

20231002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Mazda CX3 Connect touch screen in the center display may not accept touch commands properly and faded. The film inside the touch screen may be corroded due to moisture

20231001SEATS

Drivers seat constantly sinks down as you are driving. It will not stay in place. It has a manual seat up and down lever. I have been having this problem every since purchased. I have look for solutions but found none. I am not the only one with this problem as I found out online. It is a seat manufacturer problem!

20230923EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I was recently served a notice in regards to our back up camera. Of greater concern is the moisture issue in the headlight that MAZDA seems to not be concerned about. However my inspection mechanic seems to be offended and warns it shan't pass PA inspection. Why won't Mazda deal with this defect? If you poll other owners the concern is not random. Many folks have paid hundreds of dollars for a replacement. As retired folks this is an obstacle due to very limited SS income. As a senior I have driven over 50 years WITHOUT a gadget showing me a picture. I use my mirrors as I was taught by the policeman instructor. However I was ALWAYS in need of my headlights! Seems obvious which should be priority. What help can your team offer this discouraged Mazda owner? [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20230906LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The Lane Departure Warning on both left and right side mirrors sporadically does not work. This is the first time I'm reporting it to NHTSA. but the problem has been going on for at least three months. The LDW lights appear when I turn on the engine, but sporadically do not appear in traffic when there is a vehicle near my left or right side. Sometimes the LDW works fine, and other times, not at all. I never know until I'm in traffic if the LDW will work -- which puts me at risk when changing lanes unless I physically turn my head to check traffic, which defeats the whole purpose of LDW. The car mechanic who changes my oil every three months did a diagnostic check and could not explain the on-again/off-again LDW lights.

20230704EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation in the headlights assembly. It’s a common problem. I have already drivers side front replaced at the dealer, now the passenger side front is showing lots of moisture inside the headlamp. Super dangerous as it defuses the light, limiting visibility in the dark. Mazda, please do something!!! This is ridiculous. I have attached a photo of the headlight that has water in it. The second attachment is the paperwork that came when they replaced the drivers side for the same issue under warranty.

20230525EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE HEADLAMPS CONTAIN AND HOLD MOISTURE, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO CRACKS. THIS IS CAUSING MOISTURE, AND THERE IS A CONCERN THAT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.

Compare 2016MAZDACX-3 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 MAZDA CX-3 have?
The 2016 MAZDA CX-3 has 62 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 MAZDA CX-3?
The 2016 MAZDA CX-3 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 MAZDA CX-3?
Yes, the 2016 MAZDA CX-3 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 MAZDA CX-3?
The most-complained component for the 2016 MAZDA CX-3 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 11 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Is the 2016 MAZDA CX-3 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 MAZDA CX-3 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.