2018 Mazda MAZDA3 electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. Filed Jul 6, 2025SCElectrical System

   There is a infotainment display that sits on the center part of the dash that has touch screen capability that over time starts to fail and results in what is known as "ghost touch", where random screen settings change as though someone is using the touch screen on the infotainment screen. I had issues to where settings for screen brightness have changed causing my ability to see the controls being hindered and the radio sometimes turning up loudly and then off causing a…

   NHTSA complaint #11671421 · source
4. Filed Feb 9, 2025MDElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Mazda had previously issued a Special Service Plan (SSP) to remediate issues with their Mazda Connect Center Display (infotainment system), specifically "ghost touches" and "spider cracking" of the screen: [XXX] This Special Service Plan only applied to 2014-2016 models of the Mazda3. I own a 2018 Mazda3 which has the exact same issue described in the above service plan. Searching online, I am far from the only person who is affected by this issue that continues to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11641573 · source
5. Filed Jan 2, 2025AZElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Mazda has a warranty extension for the 2014-2016 Mazda 3 infotainment touch screen as it may malfunction and glitch. This glitch can be a distraction as the system believes that it is being touched and may cause many things to change in the car such as radio station, navigation setting, and even some vehicle setting accessible from the infotainment screen, causing distractions. However, this issue is also possible on newer 2017 and 2018 models, and there is currently no…

   NHTSA complaint #11633634 · source
6. Filed Nov 13, 2024WAElectrical System

   NHTSA: #23V-487 This recall has not been resolved yet despite it being established in July 2023. States no remedy available, and this is very frustrating.

   NHTSA complaint #11625092 · source
7. Filed Aug 20, 2024NYElectrical System

   Mazda issued a recall for backup camera failures on specific vehicles over 1 year ago on July 14 2023 (Mazda Recall 6023G, NHTSA #23V-487). According to Mazda dealerships I contacted, parts are still not available. Drivers impacted have been waiting for repair components related to this safety recall for over a year. Simply submitting this as a complaint about an ongoing recall resolution.

   NHTSA complaint #11609623 · source
8. Filed Aug 10, 2024MSElectrical System

   The touchscreen has started to exhibit similar issues as seen in previous recalls for the Mazdas. Commonly known as "ghost touch," the screen receives erroneous inputs, causing settings to change or unwanted functionality to start/stop. Depending on the active screen, the system will exhibit different behavior. In my case, the discoloration is directly at the 6 o'clock position. Whatever application button is there is the one that will be triggered. On a Bluetooth…

   NHTSA complaint #11607680 · source
9. Filed Jul 18, 2024HICrashDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   In 2023, the reverse camera would either flicker or completely shut off (displaying a blank screen) while the reverse gear is engaged. While reversing the vehicle to park onto the property the rear camera image failed to display in the vehicle, leading to a collision with the curb. The limited visibility out of the rear windshield for the Mazda 3 leads to a typical driver relying on the camera display to show obstructions not visible through the rear and side mirrors. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11603286 · source
10. Filed Jul 17, 2024TXElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    The radio has a ghost touch that continues to beep and change noise levels without being able to control the radio. This is distracting and is a danger to have this occur while trying to focus on driving.

    NHTSA complaint #11603040 · source
11. Filed Jun 8, 2024VADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

    The collision warning light and lane assistance light come on frequently. It used to just be when the weather was under 40 degrees and the car was cold. However, it now happens all the time. It seems to go on and off for no reason. Additionally, the infotainment system keeps switching radio stations or ghosting without anyone touching it. It also drops Bluetooth connectivity constantly.

    NHTSA complaint #11593200 · source
12. Filed Jun 3, 2024NCElectrical System

    The screen/head unit in my car is registering ghost touches. Basically the screen thinks it's being touched even though it isn't. This causes much distraction and hinders the use of the screen because if I try to actual use the head unit, the ghost touch overrides my input which makes it unusable.

    NHTSA complaint #11592126 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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