The 2016 Mazda Cx-3 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 817,133 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
BACK OVER PREVENTION23V4870002023-07-14236,100 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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…
STRUCTURE16V6440002016-09-06580,455 affected
Defect
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and…
Consequence
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
STEERING16V2030002016-04-11578 affected
Defect
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles…
Consequence
If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda…
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10
1crashes
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6
BACK OVER PREVENTION
5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5
ENGINE
4
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4
SEAT BELTS
2
1crashes2injuries
SEATS
2
SERVICE BRAKES
2
Total complaints63
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“It’s a safety risk with this car. The converter burns super fast, causing issues that seem like it’s related to transmission or alternator.”
“While driving on the highway on a posted 65mph, the fuel remaining on the vehicle was posted at 1/4, approx. 75miles remaining. The vehicle abruptly stalled and I managed to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle then refused to start again. Had to bring it to a fuel station and refueled…”
“The contact owns a 2016 mazda cx-3. The contact 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 it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical…”
“My recent experience with the service at putnam mazda was extremely disappointing and frustrating. What should have been a routine visit turned into a distressing ordeal. My car suddenly died on the freeway without warning lights, prompting me to bring it in for servicing. Initially, I appreciated…”
“My mazda cx3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost pressesâ€� without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone multiple…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2016 Mazda Cx-3 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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