Third generation (BM/BN)
2016 Mazda Mazda3
The most reported problem on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 is infotainment, with 33 complaints, usually around 69,000 miles.
- 104owner complaints
- 6recalls
- 7involved a crash
- 39,900median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 11, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Mazda3 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
The 2016 Mazda Mazda3 has 104 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 232 for 2016 sedans on this site. Of the 11 Mazda3 model years since 2014, it has the 4th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 9 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs close to the 2017 (8). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Infotainment leads with 33 of the 104 complaints (32%), ahead of brake wear at 14. A quarter of the 9 owners who gave a mileage for infotainment saw it by about 53,000 miles, and half by about 69,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 8 of the 104 complaints (8%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 7 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 5 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 7, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as infotainment. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2024 at 23 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 8. So far in 2026, 3 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: infotainment, screen or backup camera fails, 33 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
104 complaints is 2.4 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 2.2 times fewer than the median 2016 sedan. Among the 4 Mazda3 model years here it ranks 4th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3
Mazda filed 666 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Mazda Mazda3. 67 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 40 bulletins · 33 complaints
Some vehicles may have one of the following DTCs stored in memory along with a system status notice on the Multi-information display OR display a system status notice with no DTC: C1001:92 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) poor field of view [Gen 6 vehicles] ...
Some customers may complain that the ambient temperature on the instrument cluster is displayed more than 50 °F (10 °C) lower than the actual temperature, resulting in insufficient performance of the air conditioning.
38 more on this problem
Some customers may complain about infotainment center display. Peeling, spider cracks and white dots.
Some vehicles may exhibit a distorted image or no image from the rear mount camera when shifted into reverse. Due to friction, the coating of camera socket terminals may wear out, creating high electrical resistance.
Some customers may complain about infotainment center display: - Ghost Touch - DTC B108E:04 may be stored (Touch screen operates by itself) - Surface Peeling - DTC B108E:04 may be stored - Spider Cracks - White dots IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT replace the ...
Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 74.00.324 or later). The system performance has been improved as follows: Ver.
Some customers may complain about infotainment center display: - Ghost Touch (Touch screen operates by itself) - Spider Cracks - Surface Peeling - White dots
Some customers may complain about infotainment center display: - Ghost Touch (Touch screen operates by itself) - Surface Peeling - Spider Cracks Repair kits are available to replace just the screen.
Some customers may complain about infotainment center display: Ghost touch, surface peeling, spider cracks. Repair kits are available to replace just the screen. There is no need to replace the entire infotainment display unit.
AUDIO, NAVIGATION AND PHONE CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (6TH GENERATION). All Mazda Connect vehicles in new car inventory must be updated to the software version listed below in this TSB as part of the New Car Ready Step 3 process. Make sure the new vehicle specialist receives a copy of this bulletin.
Some customers may complain about the following MAZDA CONNECT¢¢ Temperature Warning message: ¯· Display is too Hot. Screen performance may be decreased until it cools.
Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns.
Plus 28 older ones not listed here.
Backup camera goes black or freezes 2 bulletins · 17 complaints
Symptom troubleshooting tables to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns. No. 1 Blank Screen No. 2. Rear View Camera is not displayed No. 3 Rebooting No. 4 Infotainment System Has No Sound No. 5 Commander Switch Does Not Work No. 6 Bluetooth device will not pair No. ...
Some customers may complain about a rear view monitor display that is: ¯· Blank (or may have backup camera warning message) ¯· Distorted ¯· Blurry ¯· Fuzzy ¯· Split screen (see attached video) ¯· Grainy. The icons and text are normally displayed.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 10 bulletins · 14 complaints
Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better ...
Some vehicles may exhibit a rattle / knock noise from the front disc brake caliper (1) when driving on a rough road surface.This is caused by the slide pin (1) hitting the mounting support (2) due to insufficient holding power of the dust boots (3) when a ...
8 more on this problem
Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine.
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise when applying the brakes and/or groove marks (A) on the front disc plates. This is caused by abrasive metal from the front disc plate sticking to the brake pad, which damages the disc plate over time.
Some vehicles may experience a squeaking/grinding noise from the rear brake even after the brake pedal is released. Upon inspection, the caliper mounting support is corroded and one of the disc pad is abnormally worn out (A).
Squeak noise from front brakes and/or groove marks on front disc plate
Air Temperature will not change
IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SMART CITY BRAKE SUPPORT (SCBS) MAY OPERATE UNINTENTIONALLY. THE OWNER'S MANUAL PROVIDES 7 EXAMPLES: OBJECTS ON THE ROAD AT THE ENTRANCE TO A CURVE.VEHICLES PASSING IN THE OPPOSITE LANE WHILE MAKING A CURVE.METAL OBJECTS, BUMPS, OR ...
Squeaking/Grinding Noise From rear brake
Sqeaking/Grinding noise from rear brake
Infotainment screen freezes or goes black 9 bulletins · 7 complaints
Some customers may experience a continuous infotainment reboot in or near Seattle Washington and troubleshooting is not possible due to continuous reboot.
Some customers may experience a continuous infotainment reboot in or near Seattle Washington. Mazda is aware of the issue and is working on a resolution. This Service Alert will be updated with the newest repair information as it becomes available.
7 more on this problem
Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black under any temperature. When the concern occurs, MAZDA CONNECT reboots repeatedly, and if the SD card is removed during this reboot cycle, the rebooting cycle ends.
Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black during cold temperatures. The concern occurs when the interior of the vehicle is cold and disappears when the interior warms up.
Some customers may complain about a MAZDA CONNECT system reboot or blank screen. Use the troubleshooting chart below to repair the vehicle.
Some customers may complain about a MAZDA CONNECT system reboot or blank screen. Use the flowchart below to repair the vehicle.
Some customers may complain about improper operation of the MAZDA CONNECT system when streaming music with audio source aha/Pandora/Stitcher/Bluetooth® and the same device is also connected to the USB port for charging.
Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black during extremely cold temperatures. The concern occurs when the interior of the vehicle is cold and disappears when the interior warms up.
Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns. MAZDA CONNECT Symptom Troubleshooting Table Sections: Audio System, Bluetooth®, Center Display, DTC, i-ACTIVESENSE, Maintenance Monitor, Navigation, Noise, Reboot / Frozen Screen ...
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 6 complaints
This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
2014-17 Mazda 3 and MVSS (Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label concern special service program (SSP) SSPA8
Seat belt or seat problems 4 bulletins · 6 complaints
Some vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front seat cushion trim comes off the seat frame at the front end. This may be found on vehicles with all types of the seat trims (leather, leatherette and fabric).
At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface.
2 more on this problem
Some vehicles may exhibit excessive operating noise when sliding the driver and/or passenger power seat(s) back and forth. The noise may be caused by cable vibration, which transmits power from the motor to the gears.
At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface.
Complaints filed by year
23 complaints came in 2024, 2.9 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2016 Mazda Mazda3
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 6 recalls on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide One recall here carries a do-not-drive warning. What that means
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
Infotainment, with 33 of the 104 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 69,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Mazda Mazda3 problems start?
Of the 49 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 20,000 miles and half by about 40,000.
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has about as many complaints as the 2017: 9 a year against 8.
How many 2016 Mazda Mazda3 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
8 of them (8%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for infotainment on the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?
No recall on file for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 is on the same system as infotainment. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.