Model year
2016 Mazda 3
NHTSA does not list the EPA model name 3 for 2016. Under the matched name MAZDA3, NHTSA lists 6 recalls and 104 complaints (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). 1 recall marked do not drive. The components listed on the most complaints for MAZDA3 are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21), SERVICE BRAKES (14). NHTSA rated 2 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 29–33 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,050–$2,300, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2004 145 complaints
- 2005 97 complaints
- 2006 166 complaints
- 2007 222 complaints
- 2008 303 complaints
- 2009 115 complaints
- 2010 686 complaints
- 2011 132 complaints
- 2012 226 complaints
- 2013 117 complaints
- 2014 138 complaints
- 2015 130 complaints
- 2016 104 complaints
- 2017 84 complaints
- 2018 110 complaints
- 2019 74 complaints
- 2020 32 complaints
- 2021 54 complaints
- 2022 24 complaints
- 2023 12 complaints
- 2024 12 complaints
- 2025 8 complaints
- 2026 1 complaints
Matched NHTSA names
The EPA model name is not itself a name in the NHTSA file for 2016. The counts in the answer are the sum of the names below. Overlap between those names is not removed.
| NHTSA name | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA3 | 6 | 104 | 0 |
Recalls for MAZDA3
23V487000 · Jul 14, 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.
19V272000 · Apr 4, 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.
17V393000 · Jun 22, 2017
PARKING BRAKE
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.
16V685000 · Sep 23, 2016
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
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…
16V684000 · Sep 22, 2016
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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…
15V621000 · Oct 2, 2015
Do not driveFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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…
Complaints for MAZDA3
104 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 7, fire flag on 1, injury field 5, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations for MAZDA3
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.105 | NHTSA photo |
| 2016 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.105 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4-Door · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 39 | 33 | — | — | $2,050 |
| 3 4-Door · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 30 | 40 | 33 | — | — | $2,050 |
| 3 4-Door · 2.5L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 36 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
| 3 4-Door · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 38 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
| 3 4-Door · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 38 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
| 3 5-Door · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 39 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
| 3 5-Door · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 39 | 33 | — | — | $2,050 |
| 3 5-Door · 2.5L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 34 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
| 3 5-Door · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 36 | 30 | — | — | $2,250 |
| 3 5-Door · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 38 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2016 Mazda 3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.