2015 Mazda MAZDA3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3, 4% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 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.
“The day was hot and I was in stop and go traffic with the AC set to 72 degrees in my 2015 Mazda 3 with just 21k miles on it. My car unexpectedly stalled and the check engine and charging system/battery lights came on briefly in the dash. I had to shift into park and push the button to restart my vehicle. The car's ecu/PCM did not set any codes and the problem has not occurred again since that hot day. This is a danger because the sudden loss of power could result in a rear end collision luckily I was in stop and go traffic. Dealer and Mazda have been slow to investigate this thoroughly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10748004, filed 2015-08, 21,000 miles“Transmission replaced at 100000 because of bearing in the transmission. Now transmission making the same noise of 111,000 miles after being replaced. Mazda was purchased at paul miller Mazda lexington kentucky. Transmission problem became noticeable while in motion it starts with a low noise and the air is the bearing gets used more and more from day to day uses he gets louder and louder specially at lower speeds from 10 to 60 miles an hour it's quite noticeable stops when the vehicle stops. …”
NHTSA complaint #11051608, filed 2017-11, 100,169 miles“Vehicle was inadvertantly turned off while in drive, when parking the vehicle no alarm sounded. Upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle began to roll backwards, forcing me to jump back into the car and jam on the brake. One would think that as a safety measure, the car would be required to be in park, before turning off the engine. While its conceivable that in an emergency the driver may want to turn off the vehicle while in gear, this would be very rare, and could be accommodated by programing the off switch to require multiple pushes or holding in the button for an extended period. …”
NHTSA complaint #10875142, filed 2016-06, 12,000 miles“1. Automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic failure during operation. Transmission was discarded by Bountiful Mazda, Utah. 2. Both other and I were at risk as the vehicle could not be controlled. 3. I read similar findings on Social Media posts. 4. Bountiful Mazda confirmed metal shavings in the drain trans fluid. 5. No prior warning on car instrumentation, or while driving, or on prior inspection by Cardinaleway Mazda, Gilbert, AZ 6. …”
NHTSA complaint #11647521, filed 2025-03“2015 Mazda 3 with 75000 miles. Transmission in vehicle failed specifically the main bearing. Transmission is needing to be rebuilt. Repair shop also informed me that the clutches were burned out. Symptoms: delayed engagement when vehicle is cold. Flair shifting from 3-4.”
NHTSA complaint #11194176, filed 2019-04Related service bulletins
- 11032003May 1, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This 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…
- 11026350Nov 8, 2025Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three…
- 11026351Nov 6, 2025Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
- 11009654Oct 24, 2024The SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses “Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ”. Only use “ATF-FZ” to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in…
- 11007010Aug 7, 2024Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10237199May 17, 2023Some vehicles may experience the check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light ON with one or more of these DTCs stored in the TCM memory (P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877…
- 10225767Oct 17, 2022The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses "Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ". Only use "ATF-FZ" to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use…
- 10215238Jun 7, 2022Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 9 | 9% |
| 2015 | 5 | 4% |
| 2014 | 7 | 5% |
| 2013 | 18 | 15% |
| 2012 | 40 | 18% |
| 2011 | 12 | 9% |
| 2010 | 40 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 21 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 24 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3
28 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
13 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3
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