https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 New NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for the Mazda Mazda3. en-us Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:07:22 GMT https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2178703 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT My Mazda3 began producing a chirp when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear (automatic transmission). The dealer stated that the car needed a new torque converter. At the time the car only 37,000 miles on it, quite low mileage for a torque converter to fail. Mazda has previously admitted to producing cars with faulty torque converters, as specified in Mazda TXXXXXX] ). While my car fit the description of https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2178350 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT left-most lane of a three-lane highway, I pressed the accelerator to maintain the flow of traffic. The vehicle suddenly began revving between 4,000–5,000 RPM without increasing speed. When I attempted to accelerate again, the RPM remained around 3,000, and I immediately received multiple warning messages on the dashboard, including: “Skyactiv Partially Disabled” warning Engine Malfunction warnin https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2178351 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT left-most lane of a three-lane highway, I pressed the accelerator to maintain the flow of traffic. The vehicle suddenly began revving between 4,000–5,000 RPM without increasing speed. When I attempted to accelerate again, the RPM remained around 3,000, and I immediately received multiple warning messages on the dashboard, including: “Skyactiv Partially Disabled” warning Engine Malfunction warnin https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2178352 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT left-most lane of a three-lane highway, I pressed the accelerator to maintain the flow of traffic. The vehicle suddenly began revving between 4,000–5,000 RPM without increasing speed. When I attempted to accelerate again, the RPM remained around 3,000, and I immediately received multiple warning messages on the dashboard, including: “Skyactiv Partially Disabled” warning Engine Malfunction warnin https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2172403 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has been aware of the defect for some time and issued a TSB ( and settled a class action lawsuit) but we n https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2172404 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has been aware of the defect for some time and issued a TSB ( and settled a class action lawsuit) but we n https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2170827 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT The airbag system failed to deploy during a major accident I was in, where my car rolled multiple times, and the collision that totaled my car. This includes the front airbags, impact sensors, and/or the airbag control module not activating. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company and can be made available for inspection upon request. During the crash, no airbags deploy https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2170248 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Fuel leaking out of top of tank. Took car to two different shops. They both told me about a recall on the gas tank. They did every test possible and replaced O ring. Even did smoke evap system test. Tank still leaks from the top when full. They said the tank needs replaced. There is a recall for the year make and model but not my VIN? https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2169751 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT My rear differential case cracked, anytime the four wheel drive system was engaged the entire drivetrain would lock up. Luckily we were only on side roads so going less than 30 mph if we had been on the highway when this happened we could have been in an accident or lost control. The dealer did confirm the problem and it was fixed under an extended warranty. There was no warning just all of https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2169313 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. Th https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2169003 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT 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 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2169004 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT 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 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2169005 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT 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 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2167683 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Blend door actuator linkage will not allow for heat to be turned on, will blow cool/cold air, have had it looked at and the gear teeth will not stay in line with on another to be able to turn when the knob inside the car is turned. I was told that this may be a recall but do not see anything listed, but that it is a known problem for this model of mazda 3 and ford expiditions https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2167575 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag system, specifically the curtain airbags and related airbag control components, malfunctioned by deploying spontaneously without any collision or impact. The vehicle and deployed airbags are still available and can be inspected upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of other https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2166777 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Description On 12-15-2025, in 18°F weather, the vehicle was parked on a residential sloped driveway with the manual parking brake fully engaged. While the driver was outside the vehicle, the parking brake system failed to hold the car’s weight. The vehicle rolled backward, crashed through a wooden railing, teetering on a 4-foot retaining wall, and came to rest over a culvert. Two young children we https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2165692 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT NHTSA Complaint Narrative I am filing this complaint regarding a 2010 Mazda 3, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experiences intermittent transmission control failures, including difficulty shifting out of first gear and warning indicators triggered by vibration. The transmission and transmission control module have already been replaced. The dealership has identified the wiring harness as the cause of th https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2165693 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT NHTSA Complaint Narrative I am filing this complaint regarding a 2010 Mazda 3, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experiences intermittent transmission control failures, including difficulty shifting out of first gear and warning indicators triggered by vibration. The transmission and transmission control module have already been replaced. The dealership has identified the wiring harness as the cause of th https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2164275 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving and while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster was inoperable. The contact also stated that the instrument cluster screen was peeling, and critical information for the vehicle was not displayed. Additionally, the infotainment system became intermittently inoperable due to the failure. The dealer was contacted; howe https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2163487 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The check engine warning light was illuminated and flashing. The contact stated that the steering then seized. While checking the NHTSA.gov website, the contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V374000 (Steering). https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2160182 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2160183 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2160001 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Transmission control unit (TCU) failure with error code P061B in 2022 Mazda 3. Problem began approximately 6 months after purchase (February 2023, mileage 8181). Despite five repair attempts by Russell & Smith Mazda Houston (August 8, 2023; January 22, 2025; April 8, 2025; October 13, 2025; December 23, 2025), dealer has been unable to correct the issue. TCU malfunction substantially impairs vehic https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2159402 Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT I had purchased a car through Facebook Marketplace after talking to the seller and seeing a CarFax report on the car we decided to purchase it. After coming home the following day I look closer at the documents and realized the CarFax did not match the VIN of the car I purchased. After looking up the CarFax with the VIN on the car I purchased I saw that the person who sold me the car had rolled ba https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2156024 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The vehicle was transported from the east to Texas, and the vehicle was bought used. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and that a gap was between the instrument panel and cover. The contact stated that a small to medium bubble had started to form. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. T https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2154189 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT “My 2022 Mazda 3 is experiencing an ‘in-network malfunction’ related to the vehicle’s internal communication system. Multiple technicians have told me this is an internal vehicle network/communication fault, not caused by wear or damage. The dealer refuses to repair it unless I pay out-of-pocket, even though this appears to be a manufacturer defect in the electrical network system, (TCU)This malfu https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2152185 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Driver side door handle failed. Cannot enter or exit through driver side door. If something were to happen that we need to get out in an emergency situation we cannot exit through the driver side door. No damage occurred. Just stopped working https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2151446 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT I was driving it and randomly the AT and TC , and check engine light came on and the car went into limp mode, after doing some research it appears to happen to all 2009-2011 Mazda3's and it's a safety hazard. It's a safety hazard because of when it's stuck in limp mode sometimes if your at a light or something it'll start shifting and if you're not holding the brake completely down it will make th https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2150225 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30 mph during these events. At https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3 https://plaincars.com/make/mazda-mazda3#complaint-2150226 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30 mph during these events. At