2017 Mazda MAZDA3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 24%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3, 24% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Making a right turn from a stop onto a freeway side street. It is a 50 MPH zone. About halfway through the turn on light throttle at about 10 MPH, I give it the gas and nothing happens. The engine is still running but will not accelerate. I let off the throttle completely than reapply it. Now it accelerates. Gas tank is slightly over 1/4 full. This has been previously reported to Mazda as it has occurred a few times before. They had installed a recording device in the car for a whole month back in january this year. …”
NHTSA complaint #11091527, filed 2018-05, 4,800 miles“Horn failed intermittently starting after odometer hit 36000 miles and when brought in for regular maintenance it passed all checks; may 2020 while driving when steering wheel horn was pressed the horn sort of 'whined' in august, while driving when horn was pressed it would whine and done it smelled like something burning; now, if you press horn it doesn't work but it smells like like something is burning like a cigarette smoldering( there is clearly something wrong with euth the steering or electrical relay sometimes . …”
NHTSA complaint #11399635, filed 2021-03, 70,000 miles“When starting the car smart city brake amber warning light and smart city amber fault light will sometimes appear on the dash after car sits in hot sun and remain on after car is started and is being driven. The warning lights may or may not disappear while the car is being driven. The first time this occurred was soon after purchasing the car may 25, 2017. The dealer service department was notified and after investigating replaced the forward sensing camera (fsc) and performed a dynamic aiming procedure system operation. No further similar problem was encountered until may, 2018. …”
NHTSA complaint #11098712, filed 2018-05, 475 miles“My radio in my 2017 Mazda3 hatchback randomly presses buttons with no input from the user. This is a known issue and can cause safety issues. Especially if the volume decides to turn itself up and cause hearing issues. It's almost impossible to make hands free phone calls if it doesn't work either”
NHTSA complaint #11603208, filed 2024-07“Malfunctioning on and off on the display screen. My battery went dead after 11 months. Cause? It started over a year ago, but I called Mazda and they said there were no recalls at that time. Are there any now to date? Thank you for your time.”
NHTSA complaint #11638628, filed 2025-01Related 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…
- 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…
- 11032100Apr 4, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may…
- 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…
- 11006917Aug 6, 2024Some customers may complain that their liftgate does not open. This can mean a range of things, from the liftgate not unlatching to the power liftgate (PLG) not opening…
- 11006998Aug 5, 2024Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns.
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 2017 Mazda MAZDA3
28 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
11 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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