2016 Mazda 3: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationOne of the weaker 3 years.
103 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 3?The 2016 Mazda 3 has 103 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag rear brake pads wearing faster than front pads.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Mazda 3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 3 years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the 3?
Across the 21 3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2023) to 686 (2010). With 103 complaints, the 2016 3 sits about the same as the model's median of 117.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 3
visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Campaign 19V272000Mazda 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 16V684000Mazda 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage
Campaign 16V685000Mazda 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.
parking brake
Campaign 17V393000Mazda 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.
Show 2 more recalls
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 15V621000Mazda 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.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 23V487000Mazda 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.
What owners report on the 3rd generation 3
Owners overwhelmingly describe the 3rd generation Mazda 3 as highly reliable, with the Skyactiv-G engines frequently called "bulletproof" and capable of 200,000+ miles with routine maintenance.
- RecurrentRear brake pads wearing faster than front pads
- RecurrentHard-to-read dipstick due to light-colored full synthetic oil
- IsolatedLeather interior not holding up well
- IsolatedBelt tensioner failure near 100,000 miles
- IsolatedCarbon build-up on direct injection engines if oil change intervals are extended
Owner insights for the 3rd generation 3. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Other 3 model years
Compare every 3 year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 3 against its rivals
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