2016 Mazda CX-3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 15%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2016 Mazda CX-3, 15% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,500 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.
“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“Condensation in the headlights assembly. It’s a common problem. I have already drivers side front replaced at the dealer, now the passenger side front is showing lots of moisture inside the headlamp. Super dangerous as it defuses the light, limiting visibility in the dark. Mazda, please do something!!! This is ridiculous. I have attached a photo of the headlight that has water in it. The second attachment is the paperwork that came when they replaced the drivers side for the same issue under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11530294, filed 2023-07“I was recently served a notice in regards to our back up camera. Of greater concern is the moisture issue in the headlight that MAZDA seems to not be concerned about. However my inspection mechanic seems to be offended and warns it shan't pass PA inspection. Why won't Mazda deal with this defect? If you poll other owners the concern is not random. Many folks have paid hundreds of dollars for a replacement. As retired folks this is an obstacle due to very limited SS income. As a senior I have driven over 50 years WITHOUT a gadget showing me a picture. …”
NHTSA complaint #11546137, filed 2023-09“THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE CONTAINED MOISTURE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, CAUSING DIFFUSED, DIMMED VISIBILITY AT NIGHT...VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO, CONCERNED THAT ELECTRICAL MAY BE AFFECTED EVENTUALLY.... Mazda still will not recall and repair?? on fixed income, to pricey for me to repair!”
NHTSA complaint #11573867, filed 2024-02“The headlamps contain and hold moisture, although there are no cracks. This is causing moisture, and there is a concern that electrical problems may occur in the future.”
NHTSA complaint #11523920, filed 2023-05Related service bulletins
- 11006899Aug 31, 2024Some customers may notice water entry into the front combination lights (as shown below). This is due to poor sealing where rain or other water can enter inside the light. To…
- 10232304Feb 9, 2023Some customers may experience one or more electrical malfunctions after a vehicle body repair. The newly painted fender stay (2) may be causing a poor front harness (1) ground…
- 10194887May 18, 2021Some vehicles may have one of the following DTCs stored in memory along with a system status notice on the Multi-information display OR display a system status notice with no…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Mazda CX-3
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 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 30, 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