2018 Mazda MAZDA3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 27%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,850miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3, 27% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,850 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The charge warning system came on and then a few minutes later my car completely shuts down in the middle of traffic it happened on february 3rd and I had another incident on february the 9th 2021 I took the car in to get looked at my Mazda and they couldn't find anything wrong without having the indication when I clearly told them my car stopped in the middle of traffic this is very dangerous and it can cause accidents”
NHTSA complaint #11395489, filed 2021-02, 48,000 miles“The rear wiper stopped working during a drive in heavy rain conditions, similarly like it happen to the same vehicle for the front wipers 6 months after I got the vehicle. I tried to schedule an appointment with the dealer but with the pandemic it was not possible. When I went for the actual appointment on march 2021, they told me the vehicle was out of warranty even though it is barely 3 years old, and just for a diagnostic they will charge $160 plus tax. The potential repair would be extra, ranging from a new bcm to a new motor, or both, scaling up to $450 repair bill. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413902, filed 2021-04, 29,850 miles“The battery in my 2018 Mazda 3 (touring) has died 3 times in about year's time. After the first time, the dealer said it was just a fluke--that it could have been caused by anything. They put a brand new battery in. After the second battery died, the dealer said that it was because we weren't making long drives in the car. They replaced the battery with a brand new one--and they assured me it wasn't anything else including the alternator (I asked about the alternator specifically). Now, that battery has died. I will call the dealer tomorrow to have a fourth battery installed.... …”
NHTSA complaint #11325490, filed 2020-05, 4,000 miles“The screen/head unit in my car is registering ghost touches. Basically the screen thinks it's being touched even though it isn't. This causes much distraction and hinders the use of the screen because if I try to actual use the head unit, the ghost touch overrides my input which makes it unusable.”
NHTSA complaint #11592126, filed 2024-06“This is related to the existing recall with the backup camera. I have intermittently experience, fuzzing of the review camera. I have also experienced total loss of the review camera. In addition, I have had occasionally experienced the panel system not switching over to the rear view camera. The issues appear to be associated with opening and closing the rear hatch and if occurred could sometimes be resolved by turning the car off and back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11534982, filed 2023-07Related 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…
- 11020035Jun 3, 2025The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 11015004Feb 4, 2025The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 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…
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 2018 Mazda MAZDA3
26 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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