2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 27%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3, 27% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 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“Whenever I'm driving and using my headlights and then I step on my brakes my headlights flicker as if I were flashing somebody and I have had my battery tested and alternator and changed my headlights but the problem still occurs I have also looked on youtube to see if anyone else was having problems like this and they were the only thing I haven't tried was contacting the dealer about it. The lights are normal when the vehicle is stationary and I step on the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10938400, filed 2016-12, 40,000 miles“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 miles“A few weeks ago, the low battery indicator came on indicating that I needed to replace my key fob battery. My car has a keyless ignition/ push-button start. I replaced the battery in each of my key fobs about a week later. After an additional week, my car will not start with either key fob. The dashboard states that the key is not found, even though I replaced both key fob batteries. I had to take the ignition cover off and insert the key to start the car. Mazda is charging me $100 just to get this looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #10693002, filed 2015-03, 56,000 milesRelated 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…
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 10244679Oct 11, 2023If 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…
- 10237216May 24, 2023If 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 42% |
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 5 | 21% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 30 | 27% |
| 2017 | 20 | 24% |
| 2016 | 22 | 21% |
| 2015 | 24 | 18% |
| 2014 | 27 | 20% |
| 2013 | 32 | 27% |
| 2012 | 25 | 11% |
| 2011 | 15 | 11% |
| 2010 | 50 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 17 | 6% |
| 2007 | 19 | 9% |
| 2006 | 21 | 13% |
| 2005 | 17 | 18% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3
36 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3
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