2018 Mazda MAZDA3 problems, complaints & recalls

2018 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls (4)

• Recall 23V487000Jul 14, 2023236,100 vehicles
  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.

• Recall 21V875000Nov 12, 2021121,038 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

  Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

• Recall 19V272000Apr 4, 2019187,880 vehicles
  VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

  Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.

  Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

  Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.

• Recall 17V745000Nov 21, 2017144 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

  Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.

  Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.

Recent 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Aug 26, 2026TXOther / Unknown

   The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a small explosion. I am positive that no object struck the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11759848 · source
2. Filed Jun 5, 2026200,000 miWAVisibility & Wipers

   The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the windshield wipers had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the contact's auto repair shop, Tire-Rama, where the windshield wiper switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V272000 (VISIBILITY); and referred the customer to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to…

   NHTSA complaint #11742263 · source
3. Filed Mar 24, 2026OHVisibility & Wipers

   While I was driving on the highway, I went to use my front wipers and there was no response when trying to active them. The rear wiper, front and rear washer fluid sprayers all worked. No warning lights or other signs of failure were present. I took the car to a local repair shop and they diagnosed it as a bad Body Control Module. Once the module was replaced and reprogrammed, the wipers worked as intended. Safety Recall 3219D describes the issue I had perfecly. My VIN is…

   NHTSA complaint #11726590 · source
4. Filed Feb 2, 2026DEElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has been aware of the defect for some time and issued a TSB ( and settled a class action lawsuit) but we never received any notification. The dealer offered no assistance as the car was…

   NHTSA complaint #11714999 · source
5. Filed Jan 23, 2026179,550 miCTFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The dealer had to reschedule the appointment due to a scheduling issue. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11712940 · source
6. Filed Nov 19, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30 mph during these events. At one point in 2024, the vehicle went into limp mode on the freeway, creating a…

   NHTSA complaint #11700428 · source
7. Filed Nov 17, 2025CAOther / Unknown

   The Infotainment system is cracking uncontrollably and will make the rear view camera unusable and a safety issue. It keeps resetting every minute. Mazda corporation wont pay for the repair that they are charging about 1,000 to fix it.

   NHTSA complaint #11699812 · source
8. Filed Oct 20, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump failed. This component failure prevents the car from starting or staying running. The check engine code confirmed the high-pressure fuel pump failure. The failed component is currently at the Mazda dealership and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk The car suddenly stalled while driving on…

   NHTSA complaint #11694610 · source

Compare the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 with another vehicle →

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