2016 Mazda MAZDA3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3, 6% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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“During hot summer months when running errands (for example) which would require stopping and re-starting the vehicle several times, the cabin will begin to fill with gas fumes. This will start about 30 minutes into the trip. The fumes become so strong that I become sick and have a headache. You can smell fumes inside and outside of the vehicle. This does not happen during highway travel. Even though this is a recall issue for the 2016 Mazda 3, for some reason it does not apply to my Mazda 3. …”
NHTSA complaint #11365959, filed 2020-10, 56,000 miles“Fueling car and pump auto-shutoff did not work causing gasoline to overflow the tank and spill on the ground. Was not holding the handle or attempting to top-off the tank. Experienced same issue one week later with 2016 mazda6 at a different location.”
NHTSA complaint #10908084, filed 2016-09, 13,000 miles“Recently noticed the odor of unburned gasoline, both inside and outside the vehicle. When driving, the ventilation system would flush this away in a few moments, but this phenomenon is new within the past few weeks. Our mechanic (not the dealer) traced the issue to the fuel tank, where the port for the fuel pump and sensors is located on top. This area is accessible by removing the rear seat cushion and a cover plate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11540753, filed 2023-08Related recalls
- 15V621000Oct 2, 2015DO NOT DRIVEMazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected…Covers: Mazda MAZDA3 2015–2016
- 16V685000Sep 23, 2016Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During…Covers: Mazda MAZDA3 2016
- 16V684000Sep 22, 2016Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015…Covers: Mazda MAZDA3 2014–2016
Related service bulletins
- 10202695Oct 13, 2021Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85…
- 10213447Mar 16, 2021MIL ON WITH DTC PO451 AND/OR PO12A Some customer s may complain about a MIL ON with DTC P0451 (Fuel tank pressure sensorL sensor characteristic malfunction) and/or P013A (HO2S…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 11% |
| 2018 | 11 | 10% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 6 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 11% |
| 2014 | 24 | 17% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 22 | 10% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 7 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 9 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 6% |
| 2004 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
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 29, 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