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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Mazda CX-3 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 48 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mazda dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Mazda CX-3, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 Mazda CX-3 owner complaints

Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda CX-3, describing incidents dated October 28, 2015 to May 1, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 11 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 10 complaints
  • Exterior Lighting 7 complaints
  • Back Over Prevention 6 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
  • Engine 4 complaints

Of the 48 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 48 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11735158 · Filed

    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.

  • ODI #11635954 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #11633100 · Filed

    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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…

Read all 48 complaints

Rearview Image May Not Display Properly

NHTSA #23V487000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported July 14, 2023 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 236,100 vehicles

Repair completion: 41.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 6023G · Owners notified August 14, 2024

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Rear Lift Gate may Fall if Lift Gate Stays Corrode

NHTSA #16V644000 · Structure — Body — Hatchback/Liftgate · NHTSA notice

Reported September 6, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 580,455 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.42% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 9916H · Owners notified March 8, 2017 · Vehicles built June 1, 2015 – December 26, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Safety consequence

If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Insufficient Bolt Torque may Cause Steering Loss

NHTSA #16V203000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported April 11, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 578 vehicles

Repair completion: 79.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 9316D · Owners notified May 10, 2016 · Vehicles built June 1, 2015 – December 2, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Safety consequence

If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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 customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Mazda CX-3 model years

Check your 2016 Mazda CX-3 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mazda CX-3 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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