2018 Mazda Mazda3 · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 44owner reports
- 40,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Feb 2, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
79 of the 108 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 44 of those describe infotainment, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Mazda3.
Tick what matches of 44 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the camera (25 reports), the head unit or screen (24 reports) and the module (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 32,000 and 80,000 miles, from the 8 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The radio has a ghost touch that continues to beep and change noise levels without being able to control the radio. This is distracting and is a danger to have this occur while trying to focus on driving.”
Filed Jul 17, 2024
“The collision warning light and lane assistance light come on frequently. It used to just be when the weather was under 40 degrees and the car was cold. However, it now happens all the time. It seems to go on and off for no reason. Additionally, the infotainment system keeps switching radio stations or ghosting without anyone touching it. It also drops Bluetooth connectivity constantly.”
Filed Jun 8, 2024
“The screen/head unit in my car is registering ghost touches. Basically the screen thinks it's being touched even though it isn't. This causes much distraction and hinders the use of the screen because if I try to actual use the head unit, the ghost touch overrides my input which makes it unusable.”
Filed Jun 3, 2024
“I have seen the problem online called ghosting or ghost control. The infotainment system changes station, settings, selected input or anything else it randomly selects on its own and this is occurring while driving the vehicle.”
Filed May 22, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 44 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.