2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 137
- 64 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- 22 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 6
- see below
- Reported harm
- 12 reported crashes · 6 injuries · 2 fires
How this record compares
raw NHTSA counts, not defect ratesComplaint rank
#3,412
of 4,194 vehicle records
Vs Mazda median
-59
median 196 across 81 Mazda records
Vs 2014-2018
-160
median 298 complaints in 596 records
Top component share
16%
Electrical System: 22 complaints
What owners report fails — 2016 Mazda MAZDA3
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21
- SERVICE BRAKES 13
- POWER TRAIN 9
- VISIBILITY/WIPER 7
6 recalls on record for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3
- NHTSA 23V487000 · 2024 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CA A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or in
- NHTSA 19V272000 · 2019 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
- NHTSA 17V393000 · 2017 · PARKING BRAKE If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake doe
- NHTSA 16V684000 · 2016 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEM A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- NHTSA 16V685000 · 2016 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2016 Mazda MAZDA3
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
NHTSA has 137 consumer complaints on record for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 and 6 recalls. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (22 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners most often report problems with: electrical system (22), unknown or other (21), service brakes (13), power train (9). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.