2014 Mazda MAZDA3 problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion. There are 4 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 61
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion is the most-reported problem area, named in 18 of 61 complaints (30%).
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (13) and electrical system (9) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 70,000 mi.
- Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
- The 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 has 4 recalls on file.
- It ranks 9th of 22 Mazda MAZDA3 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 144% more complaints than the 2013 model year (25).
2014 Mazda MAZDA3 problems by category
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion18 complaints
- Other / Unknown15 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech13 complaints
- Electrical System9 complaints
- Brakes · 1 crash6 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers3 complaints
- Engine3 complaints
- Airbags2 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain2 complaints
- Wheels & Tires1 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts1 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control1 complaints
- Steering1 complaints
- Suspension1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 15 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 |
| Electrical system | 8 |
| Back over prevention | 6 |
| Service brakes | 3 |
| Parking brake | 3 |
| Back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 3 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2014 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls (4)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
- PARKING BRAKE
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
Recent 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Jul 9, 202670,000 miCABrakes
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.…
NHTSA complaint #11749418 · source - Filed Jun 14, 2026RIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
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…
NHTSA complaint #11744056 · source - Filed Jun 12, 202672,000 miCABrakes
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.
NHTSA complaint #11743735 · source - Filed Mar 25, 2026VADriver Assistance & Safety Tech
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.
NHTSA complaint #11727114 · source - Filed Jan 19, 2026VAVisibility & Wipers
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
NHTSA complaint #11711857 · source - Filed Oct 17, 2025NYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
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…
NHTSA complaint #11694054 · source - Filed Sep 26, 2025197,687 miNYElectrical SystemEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11689873 · source - Filed Jun 27, 2025CAAirbagsBrakesElectrical System
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.
NHTSA complaint #11669855 · source
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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology