2016 Mazda MAZDA3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3, 7% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,750 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.
“My 2016 Mazda 3 is doing the same thing as what you just had a recall on with the software but Mazda updated the software and it's back again my car is having trouble going it misfires my check engine light it's on it takes a lot of rpms to go it's sucking up my gas I've already had to replace my battery because my car is dying my fuse box smokes every now and then and I only have 45000 miles this shouldn't be happening”
NHTSA complaint #11298609, filed 2020-01, 44,000 miles“Rattling/fluttering noise everytime I initially turn the car on with AC. Whenever the A/C was is on and I step on the accelerator. Now, it does it everytime I push on the accelerator without the A/C being on.”
NHTSA complaint #11365257, filed 2020-10, 37,500 miles“While driving the car went into a complete stall. It continued to roll and the check check engine line, tire pressure, power steering light, traction control, key not present. The car didn't start right back up. The key had to be put to the start button before the car restarted. We immediately pulled off the road and parked. We left the vehicle and 2 hours later we restarted the car to determine if it needed towed. It started but the check engine light remained on at that time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11021689, filed 2017-09, 7,100 miles“6/18/19 6:45 am: my car 'stalled' or lost power as I was accelerating and turning left across a boulevard (us 51 hwy in mcfarland, wi). Luckily, I was able to pull over and came to a complete stop, put the car in park, turned off the car (even though I had no power), waited a few seconds and restarted it. There were a lot of dash warning lights triggered once I lost power, but I do not recall specifically which ones. I resumed driving and have not had a problem since. However, I did find out later (july 10, 2019) that my car could be under NHTSA recall no. …”
NHTSA complaint #11241074, filed 2019-08, 18,000 miles“My car started shaking and I lost control of the steering. I pulled over as best I could and called a tow truck. The dealership says that rats have chewed through the engine harness and other wiring. They say they have seen dozens of cases in brooklyn and queens just like this. They said that rats are attracted to the coating on the wires. Mazda won't issue a recall or repair the wiring. It is a fire hazard and dangerous to drive. I guess they are waiting for someone to be injured or die before they fix it? My car is 18 months old with 7,062 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11019165, filed 2017-08, 7,062 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 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…
- 11032101Apr 16, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 19 | 35% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 12 | 11% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 | 6 | 5% |
| 2014 | 13 | 9% |
| 2013 | 11 | 9% |
| 2012 | 32 | 14% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 22 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 5% |
| 2007 | 22 | 10% |
| 2006 | 17 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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