2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems
Compared with other Mazda MAZDA3 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
9/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Mazda MAZDA3 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 24 of its 117 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Headlights flicker or pulse when braking or decelerating (38 complaints, median 43,497 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 117filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,660miles, 80 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe headlights that flicker or pulse when the brake pedal is pressed or the car is slowing, a symptom that tends to appear gradually and worsen over time. A smaller but consistent group reports automatic transmissions that slip, hesitate or drop into neutral, often within the first few thousand miles, along with intermittent loss of power steering assist and occasional electrical shutdowns.
- Exterior lighting
Headlights flicker or pulse when braking or decelerating
- 38 complaints (32%)
- median 43,497 mi at 4.8 yrs old (30 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe headlights that dim and brighten, or pulse between bright and dim, when the brake pedal is applied or the car coasts down a grade; some note the taillights and interior lights do the same. Several say other drivers mistake the flicker for a flash of high beams or a signal to merge, and a few describe it as distracting enough to pull over. Complaints mention dealership diagnosis pointing to charging-system control logic and PCM reprogramming, which in some cases was performed for a fee and, in a few accounts, did not resolve it. The reports span roughly 17,000 to 173,000 miles, though many appear in the 20,000–100,000 mile range and the flicker is usually described as getting worse over months or years of use.
What to check: Drive the car at night with the headlights on and apply the brakes at speed to see whether the lights pulse. Ask whether any PCM or charging-system reprogramming has been done and keep records if it recurs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While braking the front lights are pulsing from regular to dim and back and forth. They return to normal after releasing the brake pedal. This was first noticed while exiting from highway speeds to a down ramp.there is a service bulletin from Mazda on this, #13-21. It has already been done to my vehicle to no avail. The problem is electrical in nature in my opinion.”
NHTSA complaint #10806629, filed 2015-11, 40,000 miles“Headlights flicker while applying brakes. Problem occurs only when the car is in motion. Sometimes cars think I am flashing my lights at them so they will turn their bright lights on. Once I almost drove off the side of a winding road because when the flickering lights bounced off of the guard rail reflectors, it was disorienting”
NHTSA complaint #11020491, filed 2017-08, 50,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission slips, hesitates or drops into
- 11 complaints (9%)
- median 13,250 mi at 2.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2023
Complaints describe the automatic transmission feeling as though it has shifted into neutral while the shifter stays in Drive, with engine speed rising but no forward acceleration, sometimes shortly after a slow turn or when pulling away from a parking lot. Others report hesitation when re-engaging Drive from Reverse, and one owner notes the vehicle revved and jerked forward while stopped. Dealers in several complaints identified the transmission valve body as the cause, and a few owners said the problem was not reproduced on a short test drive. Reported across a wide mileage range, with several cases appearing very early — under 7,000 miles — and others between roughly 20,000 and 55,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive from a stop, through a slow turn and onto a faster road, and note any hesitation or rise in engine speed without corresponding acceleration. Ask whether the transmission has been serviced with the specified fluid or had valve body work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I started the car and the check engine light came on. Shifted into gear the at light came on. Brought it in for service and they need to replace the trans valvebody . Looks like a recurring theme here. The car is a 2013 MAZDA3 I grand touring hatchback that is only about 7 months old and has less than 7000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10567736, filed 2014-03, 6,500 miles“My car suddenly shifted into neutral and would not shift out of it. I coasted to a stop, stopped the car, waited a bit, then restarted. It went about half a mile and the same thing happened. The dealer said it's a faulty transmission valve body (and I was told it's a known issue, but didn't see anything here or on Mazda's website). I was very lucky to have just gotten off the freeway before this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10552879, filed 2013-11, 1,000 miles - Electrical system
Intermittent loss of power steering assist or electrical
- 9 complaints (8%)
- median 32,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2023
Owners describe the power steering warning light coming on with steering assist gone, sometimes at speed on a freeway, and in several cases accompanied by the radio restarting, warning lights illuminating or the engine cutting out. Some report that restarting the car restores assist temporarily, while others note the fault does not appear during dealership visits. One complaint mentions the electric power steering motor overheating during repeated low-speed maneuvering and cutting assist until it cooled. Appears from a few thousand miles up to around 108,000 miles, with several reports between roughly 25,000 and 85,000 miles, and often described as intermittent.
What to check: Start the car cold and confirm the power steering light goes out and assist is present, then repeat over a few start cycles. Ask about any stored codes and whether aftermarket electrical accessories have been installed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving 60mph on major freeway during rush hour, light rain. Check engine light came on and stayed on. A few minutes later, every warning light came on and I lost the power steering. I pulled to the side of the highway and turned the car of, waited 10 minutes and started the car. Check engine light remained on and all other warning lights were off. Started driving and 10 minutes later all the warning lights came on again and lost power steering again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630324, filed 2014-09, 28,000 miles“Car's electrical system will cut out without warning. This has happened on the interstate. The radio shuts down, the ability to accelerate is lost, and power steering goes. Several sensor lights come on. I have to fight to get the car to the side of the road and then turn the car off. When restarted the check engine light stays on but the car works fine. This will also happen when the car is idling with the same loss of power. I turn the car off and then back on and it works okay again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11072717, filed 2018-02, 65,000 miles - Seats
Driver's seat frame or recline mechanism breaks
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 85,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2021
Complaints describe the driver's seat becoming loose or dropping at one corner, with owners saying the seat now rocks noticeably when accelerating or braking; one report describes a weld failure where the seat arm attaches to the runner. Another owner reports the seat back reclining unexpectedly from the force of a rear impact. Several owners compare the problem to a campaign covering earlier model years of the same design. Reported between roughly 40,000 and 134,000 miles, generally on cars several years old with the seat in regular use.
What to check: Grab the seat cushion and back and push in several directions to check for movement or rocking, and check the mountings and recline lever for cracks or loose hardware.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving and the drivers seat snapped on the back right corner. Sort of popped and dropped down a bit. I can physically move the seat up and down with my hands. I believe it's the same problem as the 2010-2011 model recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11140575, filed 2018-10, 115,000 miles“Exact same issue as campaign number: 17v082 the seats in this year of Mazda 3 are the same as in the 2010-2011 models. The metal has snapped in half causing the need for repair for safe driving. This happened while turning a corner on a city street going about 30km/h driver is 260lbs”
NHTSA complaint #11415704, filed 2021-05, 116,427 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal goes low or long, or calipers stick
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 45,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
Owners report the brake pedal traveling close to the floor with reduced stopping power, with one describing a low-speed collision after the pedal went down without the car stopping. Dealers in another case attributed the loss of pressure to failed ABS hydraulic and master cylinder units. Other complaints describe calipers that did not release after the pedal was released, wearing pads down quickly, and brake noise or judder. Mostly reported between roughly 26,000 and 52,000 miles, in ordinary street driving rather than under heavy use.
What to check: Press and hold the brake pedal with the engine running to see whether it sinks or feels soft, and check recent brake service records and pad wear. Ask whether any brake noise or drag has been investigated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving down the street at 15 MPH, the car in front of myself had slowed down and stopped at a light. When I seen she was stopping, I pressed down my brakes so I would stop but the brake peddle pushed all the way to the floor. My car didn't stop. From this I had rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. After the accident, the brakes were tested again and resulted in the peddle still being pushed down to the floor.”
NHTSA complaint #10577885, filed 2014-04, 26,081 miles“7/26/15 6:15 pm I went to a family friend's house. I pulled up into his main driveway, turned to the left to a dirt drive way it had about a 3% grade incline. I pulled my e break, put into 1st gear and turned off my car and got out, got my daughter out of the car and walked up to the house with my wife and daughter. With the intent to only stay at our friends house for about 15 mins. We were outside chatting at our friends house about 15 mins and looking to head out when my wife yells for my attention! …”
NHTSA complaint #10743946, filed 2015-07, 54,000 miles
Buying note. A night test drive that includes braking and coasting is the quickest way to check the most commonly reported symptom, and a longer drive through slow turns will show up transmission hesitation. Ask for service records covering transmission fluid, brake hydraulics and any software updates, and inspect the driver's seat mounting for movement.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 117 consumer complaints for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3. 80 of the complaints include a mileage, and 57% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,660 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 504 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Mazda MAZDA3 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 9 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Exterior lighting36 31%
- Electrical system32 27%
- Brakes15 13%
- Engine11 9.4%
- Body and structure11 9.4%
- Other or unknown10 8.6%
- Seats9 7.7%
- Steering9 7.7%
- Air bags7 6.0%
Also reported: Seat belts (6), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Wheels (2), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “Headlight assembly keeps collecting water which shorts out the headlights and ballast. I keep finding this to be a common problem when researching it online. I can't find any obvious worn seals or cracks. I've changed my lightbulb 3 times so far in six months. I find water every time. My light will magically just go out while I'm driving usually at night.”
NHTSA complaint #11019224, filed 2017-08, 55,000 milesElectrical system: “I drove the car on friday, 4/26/13, for about 120 miles. On 4/29/13, I found the battery died. This was the second time for this brand new car about a month. It's not a reliable product. The service lady in maita Mazda sacramento told me that I should drive the car everyday to keep the battery working. Why didn't they told me before I brought it.”
NHTSA complaint #10510148, filed 2013-04, 390 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My Mazda 3 sedan with a 6 mt has an issue while coasting in 4th gear between 25-40 MPH and accelerating up hill that the gear will jump into neutral without depression of the clutch. There is no grinding or other odd noises other than the shifter snapping out of gear. This happens often enough that I have begun to skip the gear entirely.”
NHTSA complaint #11377553, filed 2020-12, 60,000 milesBrakes: “When braking or decelerating, the headlights pulse. It looks like we're signaling other drivers at night (although who knows what we're supposedly saying) and it is a serious hazard. This was particularly a problem heading down a mountain at night during a winter storm to have our visibility go in and out. There is already a notice out according to our mechanic, but we received nothing from Mazda and are being charged to reprogram the computer that is supposedly causing the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10926540, filed 2016-11, 73,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
57% of the 80 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,000 and 65,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA3 · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 · 10.9% risk |
| MAZDA3 · hatchback FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 · 10.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| 3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| 3 FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,700 |
| 3 FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V644000Sep 6, 2016Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgateCovers: Mazda MAZDA3 2010–2013, CX-5 2013–2016, MAZDA5 2012–2015 +2 more
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles…
Recall details for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 504 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026Electrical system. DESCRIPTION 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 diagnosis by asking if…
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. This 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, dead battery, engine…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025Electrical system. 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 diagnosis by asking if any…
- 11026904Dec 10, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
- 11026353Nov 26, 2025Brakes. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following…
- 11026347Nov 19, 2025Wheels. There have been warranty claims submitted for growling or bearing whine noise in differentials, transfer units and transmissions where the source of the noise was a wheel bearing. This misdiagnosis…
- 11024999Oct 2, 2025Electrical system. For 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 all PCM terminals…
- 11022742Aug 22, 2025Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a…
Other model years of the Mazda MAZDA3
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | — | 1 | 5 | — | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 12 | 1,900 | 3 | 5 | — | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 12 | 2,500 | 0 | 5 | — | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 24 | 27,287 | 0 | 5 | — | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 54 | 1,700 | 1 | 5 | — | 29 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 32 | 2,000 | 2 | 5 | — | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 74 | 5,000 | 6 | — | — | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 110 | 29,850 | 4 | 5 | — | 35 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 84 | 28,692 | 2 | 5 | — | 16 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 104 | 36,806 | 6 | 5 | — | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 130 | 33,500 | 4 | 5 | — | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 138 | 34,250 | 4 | 5 | — | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 117 | 40,660 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 226 | 39,500 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 132 | 45,100 | 2 | 4 | 27 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 686 | 59,036 | 3 | — | 27 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 115 | 33,681 | 3 | — | 25 | 69 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 303 | 40,046 | 2 | — | 26 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 222 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 166 | 71,000 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 97 | 65,915 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 145 | 59,151 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Mazda MAZDA3 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners of this model year most often describe headlights that flicker or pulse when the brake pedal is pressed or the car is slowing, a symptom that tends to appear gradually and worsen over time. The issues reported most often: Headlights flicker or pulse when braking or decelerating; Automatic transmission slips, hesitates or drops into; Intermittent loss of power steering assist or electrical.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
NHTSA recorded 117 consumer complaints for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 36 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system with 32.
Has the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 (3, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 reported?
Among the 80 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,660 miles and the middle half falls between 28,000 and 65,000 miles; 57% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.