A dependable compact car
The 2016 Mazda3 has a low complaint rate with no repeat fault.
Updated November 2026 · based on 103 owner complaints and 6 recalls
108 close to the Mazda3 average
6 free to fix at a dealer
Every Mazda3 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Scattered complaints
Rare electrical faults.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200
Electrical
Recalls
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Mazda Mazda3
- Check by VIN for open recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 Mazda3 has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
Questions
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
A dependable compact car. The 2016 Mazda3 has a low complaint rate with no repeat fault.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have?
6 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Mazda Mazda3 problems?
Scattered complaints.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.