NHTSA vehicle safety data

2014 Mazda MAZDA3 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 138 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 2014 Mazda MAZDA3, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2014 Mazda MAZDA3 owner complaints

Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3, describing incidents dated February 14, 2014 to July 1, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 27 complaints
Unknown or Other 27 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 24 complaints
Service Brakes 22 complaints
Engine 14 complaints
Back Over Prevention 11 complaints

Of the 138 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 138 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11749418 · Filed July 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that when attempting to secure the vehicle, the electric parking brake failed to engage after pulling up the hand lever. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake); however, the VIN was not included in…
ODI #11744056 · Filed June 14, 2026
The fuel tank leaks fuel at a full tank and smells of gas in the cabin until about 3/4 tank. Car was dripping a large puddle of gas inside of a parking garage. Problem has been reproduced by my mechanic even after replacing the fuel pump retaining ring. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer…
ODI #11743735 · Filed June 12, 2026
The contact's nephew owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, the parking brake failed to engage, and there was no resistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…

Read all 138 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.

Parking Brake Actuators may Corrode

NHTSA #17V393000 · Parking Brake · NHTSA notice

Reported June 22, 2017 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 227,814 vehicles

Repair completion: 72.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 1217F · Owners notified December 8, 2017 · Vehicles built January 6, 2014 – September 2, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.

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.

Possible Fuel Leak from Deformed Fuel Tank

NHTSA #16V684000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported September 22, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 17,484 vehicles

Repair completion: 79.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 0116I · Owners notified November 18, 2016 · Vehicles built January 4, 2014 – September 18, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.

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.

Charging System Shutdown may cause Engine Stall

NHTSA #14V173000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported April 3, 2014 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 5,700 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.89% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 7314D · Owners notified May 19, 2014 · Vehicles built June 12, 2013 – December 18, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

Safety consequence

Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

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.

2014 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2014 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

138 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3.

Parking Brake

ODI #11749418

Incident: July 1, 2026 · Filed: July 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that when attempting to secure the vehicle, the electric parking brake failed to engage after pulling up the hand lever. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for an unrelated recall repair, but the parking brake failure was not addressed or resolved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11744056

Incident: May 30, 2026 · Filed: June 14, 2026

The fuel tank leaks fuel at a full tank and smells of gas in the cabin until about 3/4 tank. Car was dripping a large puddle of gas inside of a parking garage. Problem has been reproduced by my mechanic even after replacing the fuel pump retaining ring. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. CEL did not come on until recently reporting a very small EVAP leak. Inside the car and the surrounding area would smell of gasoline even if there was no leak in the ground.

Parking Brake

ODI #11743735

Incident: February 1, 2025 · Filed: June 12, 2026

The contact's nephew owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, the parking brake failed to engage, and there was no resistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11727114

Incident: July 1, 2025 · Filed: March 25, 2026

The rear backup sensors no longer work and did not give any indication they stopped working. They do not detect cars driving up from behind when driving or switching lanes or objects or people behind the car anymore when you reverse. This happened without any notice or warning indications.

Air Bags; Seat Belts; Unknown or Other

ODI #11721073

Incident: November 3, 2025 · Filed: February 27, 2026

Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.

Visibility

ODI #11711857

Incident: October 15, 2025 · Filed: January 19, 2026

Blend door actuator linkage will not allow for heat to be turned on, will blow cool/cold air, have had it looked at and the gear teeth will not stay in line with on another to be able to turn when the knob inside the car is turned. I was told that this may be a recall but do not see anything listed, but that it is a known problem for this model of mazda 3 and ford expiditions

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11694054

Incident: September 22, 2025 · Filed: October 17, 2025

Gas tank is leaking from the TOP. I could smell gas after a refill (and refilling a portable tank) that I thought must have been a spill I hadn't noticed, and the smell faded. But then it happened again at the next refill, and I knew it wasn't just a spill. Brought it to our trusted mechanic who said that the TOP of the tank was rusted out (wow!)(so, not from road salt) and needs to be replaced. Not cheap, but worse, I'd been driving around in a very hazardous situation that Mazda knows happens. No warning lights, no recall. Thanks, guys. Here's a thread about this being a common issue: https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/2014-mazda3-fuel-tank-replacement.245797/

Engine; Electrical System

ODI #11689873

Incident: September 15, 2025 · Filed: September 26, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 140,000. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. It was later discovered that the Title mileage was 197,687.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Service Brakes

ODI #11669855

Incident: June 16, 2025 · Filed: June 27, 2025

The car screen displays, GPS, for calls, radio etc, doesn’t works, it’s off, and the airbags are deactivated and they’re off as well and have to press hard on the brake to get the car to stops.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11655737

Incident: October 25, 2024 · Filed: April 21, 2025

Noticed strong smell of gasoline when the car was parked. Took it to an independent service dealer who diagnosed leaking fuel from top of the tank. Gas tank was removed and replaced. Tank cost was $380.00 plus repair shop labor/supplies cost. See attached invoice. During a recent online search for this vehicles current book value I noticed there was a manufactures recall issued for this same problem, that I paid to have repaired. I never received any recall notice for a leaking gas tank problem for my vehicle.

Other Mazda MAZDA3 model years

Check your 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mazda MAZDA3 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Mazda VIN