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Forward collision avoidancePart report

2020 Mazda MAZDA3 Forward collision avoidance Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
47%of 32 total for the year
Median mileage
5,653miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, 47% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,653 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was driving my vehicle straight ahead on a two-way city street with no other vehicles in front or on my sides. I was traveling at a speed of 40 MPH. The two-way street is separated by a concrete divider and trolly tracks. A brake! Alert appeared on the display screen followed by beeps. Suddenly the brakes were engaged bringing the vehicle to a complete stop causing the vehicle behind to come to a screeching halt. In a few seconds I was able to drive off.”

NHTSA complaint #11402806, filed 2021-03, 9,706 miles

“This car is only a few months old, with only 1600 miles. While driving at approx 30 or 40 MPH the smart brake system (sbs) falsely detects randomly an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency warning light and alarm. The Mazda dealer was unable to duplicate or repair the problem although this has been reported numerous times and was part of an earlier recall. I.e.Mazda recall number 4219l”

NHTSA complaint #11415327, filed 2021-05, 1,600 miles

“My car's automatic emergency brake is deploying without warning, during driving, when there are no other cars in my forward proximity. I took it to the dealership to have it fixed, and on the drive home, it did it again. There is a recall for similar makes and models for this year, but my car has not been included.”

NHTSA complaint #11539401, filed 2023-08

“I was driving 35MPH on a side street in “sport” mode. Car system beeped, car auto stopped, red circle with explanation mark and the word Break appeared on my center console. My drive shift popped out of Drive. No object was in front of my car, nothing ran out in front of it. Fortunately, there weren’t any other cars behind me or an accident would have followed.”

NHTSA complaint #11419118, filed 2021-05

“I was traveling approximately 5 mph with approximately 15 feet from the car in front of me, maintaining a constant following distance. The collision warning sounded, followed by emergency braking within 1 second. No collision was imminent.”

NHTSA complaint #11464746, filed 2022-05

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Forward collision avoidance: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025225%
2024217%
2023217%
202214%
2021713%
20201547%
2019912%
201855%
201734%
201411%
201010%

Other parts of the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3

Brakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 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