2016 Mazda CX-3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 23%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Mazda CX-3, 23% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving on interstate car lost power all warning lights went on then died coasted to side of road could not restart car had about 1/8 tank gas DOT came and put in some more gas restarted went to gas station and oil change shop that could not find anything to repair reset warning lights”
NHTSA complaint #11292395, filed 2020-01, 55,000 miles“The headlamps contain and hold moisture causing a softer light and less visibility. I am afraid the moisture will cause electrical problems in the future.”
NHTSA complaint #11288896, filed 2019-12, 13,000 miles“My Mazda CX3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost presses” without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone multiple times. Many others have also experienced the same issue with their Mazda infotainment systems. This should be a recall as the sudden distraction and panic caused by this poses a serious safety risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11561796, filed 2023-12“Infotainment system and screen failure. The screen develops spiderweb cracking. This cracking first appeared 3 years ago. Now the computer reboots continuously. This causes zero access to radio, GPS, or other features to operate the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, at the suggestion of Mazda USA. For a diagnostic fee of $180 I was told what I already knew. The system is broken. This is a rampant problem with multiple complaints online regarding Mazda Infotainment systems. They expect consumers to pay $2,800 to repair the system.”
NHTSA complaint #11456732, filed 2022-03“The media console screen on my Mazda CX-3 has spiderweb-like cracking. This causes ghost touch which means that while I am driving, the system makes consistent loud beeping noises, frantically changes screens, changes music, calls people (if my phone is connected to bluetooth), etc.. There is no way to turn this off and it is incredibly distracting and startling while I am on the road. I know that this same issue has occurred in other Mazda vehicles (like the Mazda3) and the part has been recalled/been covered for replacement under an extended warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11432537, filed 2021-09Related service bulletins
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g…
- 11032100Apr 4, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may…
- 11028099Jan 13, 2026If the right-side Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) control module is replaced for any reason, it is also necessary to replace the left-side BSM control module in order to complete the…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11024999Oct 2, 2025For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
- 11007029Aug 26, 2024For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
- 11007019Aug 15, 2024If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 11006917Aug 6, 2024Some customers may complain that their liftgate does not open. This can mean a range of things, from the liftgate not unlatching to the power liftgate (PLG) not opening…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Mazda CX-3
10 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Mazda CX-3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology