MAZDA MAZDA3 · model year

2017 MAZDA MAZDA3

104 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017MAZDAMAZDA3 carries 104 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 0 fires, 3 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 2017 MAZDA3 is unknown or other with 27 filings, followed by electrical system (19) and back over prevention (9). 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 2 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 2017 MAZDA3, 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.

104
Complaints
11
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3. 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

104 filings

Crashes Reported

11 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
BACK OVER PREVENTION9
SERVICE BRAKES7
ENGINE5
VISIBILITY/WIPER5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
WHEELS3
POWER TRAIN3
SUSPENSION3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
AIR BAGS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
STEERING2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1

Recalls (2)

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.

19V27200004/04/2019

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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.

Recent Complaints

20250911FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Anytime the tank was filled with gas there was a strong smell of gasoline vapors that persisted for several days. The car was a few months past its warranty on emissions issues and so I was charged about $1500 to replace a cracked fuel pump and fuel vent that was stuck open. The mechanic also said that the check engine light should have warned me about the problem but that neither the dashboard light nor his diagnostic equipment was triggered by the defect. He suspects the car's computer is programmed to avoid drawing attention to the problem. Had the light been working I would likely have caught the problem while it was still under warranty.

20250728ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Repeated instances of the Mazda Infotainment system making changes randomly without any user input while driving. Repeated instances of the navigation system freezing, going black, rebooting while driving.

20250725UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The original OEM radio in my Mazda has been experiencing persistent ghost touch issues, making it incredibly frustrating to use. The screen often registers inputs without me touching it, leading to random changes in volume, station selections, and menu navigation. As a result, I find myself unable to rely on my radio for music or navigation, which significantly detracts from my driving experience. I’m considering possible solutions, but for now, it's an inconvenience that I can't overlook.

20250718UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -> Infotainment display has "ghost touch" issue. Infotainment starts acting up on its own without driver input. It changes radio station automatically, places a call randomly, disconnects call randomly. This is caused by the touchscreen digitizer, the display lens of poor quality which leads to webbing or cracking on the inside. This leads to loss of touch and ghost touch issue 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -> It is distracting to the driver when the radio station is switch automatically. It sometimes freaks me out. When the infotainment places call to someone back to back, I need to keep disconnecting the call manually. It creates an unsafe environment for the driver. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -> Yes, the issue is acknowledged by the dealer, but refused to fix it. 4. Has the vehicle or

20250708UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The screen that displays the backup camera image has an issue that makes it difficult to see the backup camera feed clearly. The screen appeared like this unexpectedly when I returned to my car after a work day. The only warning was a malfunction of the screen's touch function for the last several months.

20250613UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The infotainment screen in my Mazda 3 will act as if buttons are being pressed without buttons actually being pressed. It a distraction and unsafe. I've noticed that other Mazdas had issues with this as well and were given extended warranties to fix this problem. Why not the 2017 Mazda 3? I talked to a mechanic about fixing it and it's very expensive yet it's a widespread Mazda problem. Someone is going to crash because of this.

20250605CrashSERVICE BRAKES

I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the accelerator. I pressed the brake 3 times. The brake pedal went to the floor without seemingly any effect. In seconds the car traveled across the front lawn, picked up concrete from and old cistern top and smashed into the front porch tearing it off it's foundation. Portions of the porch and tree limb fell shortly after the impact. The front tire was spinning at a rapid rate when I exited the vehicle. Extraction of the vehicle was not accomplished for 2 weeks while experts determined how best to accomplish the extraction. The car insurance company and 2 towing businesses declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle is with the towing company per car insurance company request. I don't know if it has be

20250605CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the accelerator. I pressed the brake 3 times. The brake pedal went to the floor without seemingly any effect. In seconds the car traveled across the front lawn, picked up concrete from and old cistern top and smashed into the front porch tearing it off it's foundation. Portions of the porch and tree limb fell shortly after the impact. The front tire was spinning at a rapid rate when I exited the vehicle. Extraction of the vehicle was not accomplished for 2 weeks while experts determined how best to accomplish the extraction. The car insurance company and 2 towing businesses declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle is with the towing company per car insurance company request. I don't know if it has be

20250605CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the accelerator. I pressed the brake 3 times. The brake pedal went to the floor without seemingly any effect. In seconds the car traveled across the front lawn, picked up concrete from and old cistern top and smashed into the front porch tearing it off it's foundation. Portions of the porch and tree limb fell shortly after the impact. The front tire was spinning at a rapid rate when I exited the vehicle. Extraction of the vehicle was not accomplished for 2 weeks while experts determined how best to accomplish the extraction. The car insurance company and 2 towing businesses declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle is with the towing company per car insurance company request. I don't know if it has be

20250604UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle's touch screen for radio/nav/vehicle settings has delaminated which causes the display to detect "touches" that are a result of the delamination. This can result in navigation exiting, radio changing audio levels, and a myriad of other things like turning on/off vehicle safety settings. This was a known issue on the previous models and a short web-search has found that many others with this generation mazda has the same issue.

20250331BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Hello frustrated people! Second time back to the dealership...backup camera they say got wet from moisture, (after 2 drained batteries in less than 2 years), my cost. I think that this is a very dangerous vehicle that I am driving now!!!! Besides the fact, at my age, being stuck in a parking lot in 20 degree weather for 3 hours waiting for roadside assistance. The camera goes haywire...I cannot connect to the phone or navigation system. I can't leave my house for fear that my car is not going to start! Now I have to pay for a backup camera??? WE think that is the problem, they told me! So far the quote is $600.00...... A DANGER to drive! Can you imagine , pulling off the side of the road, when your navigation goes out! And now warmer weather, it doesnt do that. So how are they going to know now????

20250328AIR BAGS

Seat sensor failed.

20250126ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Malfunctioning on and off on the display screen. My battery went dead after 11 months. Cause? It started over a year ago, but I called Mazda and they said there were no recalls at that time. Are there any now to date? Thank you for your time.

20250126UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Malfunctioning on and off on the display screen. My battery went dead after 11 months. Cause? It started over a year ago, but I called Mazda and they said there were no recalls at that time. Are there any now to date? Thank you for your time.

20250123UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2017 Mazda Mazda3 Sport is affected by a problem widely known as "ghost touch" by owners of this vehicle. This issue causes the touch screen to behave erratically and activate random functions, which is extremely distracting while driving. Mazda has a recall on a similar issue for the 2014-2016 Mazda3, but it refuses to fix this obviously widespread issue for the 2017 and later models.

20241225UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The touchscreen for the infotainment area is ghost touching and changing information. This turn off information like lane change assist changes the volume of the blinker as well as randomly calls people. This is highly disruptive and distracting while driving. There has been many instances when I have had to pull off the road to try to avoid major issues because of this. When it is selecting things it’s self I am not able to use the touch screen at all. It is also selecting things when I am driving over 5mph when the screen is not supposed to be engaged at all.

20241222ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The infotainment system is malfunctioning. It constantly restarts/reboots while I am driving and it is highly distracting. I contacted Mazda USA about this, but they responded by saying there are not active recalls for this car and the car isn't under warranty. I took it to a dealership and they quoted me $1450 for repairs. However, a problem such as this should not be occuring for a car that isn't too old. It is highly distracting and it is endagering me while I am driving, putting my and drivers on the roads' safety at risk. Mazda should fix this issue and pay for all repairs in full.

20241219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My rear camera is not centered when I bought my car as new in 2017. I reported the issue. But they told me it is normal. I got a letter from Mazda in 2022 about the rear camera recall. Then I asked them to do the recall. They told me they don't have parts. Recently, the video output is getting worse. It is distorted, flickering and zoomed out. I asked them again on 2024. They told the recall is not even started. Manufacturer Recall Number 6023G NHTSA Recall Number 23V-487 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available

20241108BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera would intermittently display a distorted or blank image. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the camera was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned almost a year later after the repair. The contact then 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 confirmed parts were not available. The vehicle was not 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 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 55,000

20241105ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Screen has delamination causing it to have a "ghost touch" it will randomly change stations, change volume, try to make calls and click random buttons. It does all this without having been touched, this has occurred multiple times while driving causing a distraction that could eventually result in a wreck.

Compare 2017MAZDAMAZDA3 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 have?
The 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 104 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 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 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3?
Yes, the 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 2 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 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The most-complained component for the 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 27 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and BACK OVER PREVENTION.
Is the 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 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 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 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.