Mazda · CX-3 · 2016
2016 Mazda CX-3
3
Recalls
47
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has 3 recalls and 47 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: electrical system (6 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is electrical system with 6 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Mazda CX-3 currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 47 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are electrical system (6), exterior lighting (6), unknown or other (5).
- Vehicle
- 2016 Mazda CX-3
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 47
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
13.6% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V487000July 14, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
NHTSA ID: 16V644000September 06, 2016
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Remedy Status
Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
NHTSA ID: 16V203000April 11, 2016
STEERING
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Remedy Status
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
Owner Complaints
47 totalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 11, 2024
While driving on the highway on a posted 65mph, the fuel remaining on the vehicle was posted at 1/4, approx. 75miles remaining. The vehicle abruptly stalled and I managed to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle then refused to start again. Had to bring it to a fuel sta...
Preview excerpt
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet availab...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
May 15, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Mar 27, 2024
My recent experience with the service at Putnam Mazda was extremely disappointing and frustrating. What should have been a routine visit turned into a distressing ordeal. My car suddenly died on the freeway without warning lights, prompting me to bring it in for servicing. Initia...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 16, 2023
My Mazda CX3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost presses” without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone mu...
Preview excerpt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 2, 2023
The infotainment center has a mind of its own. It's going berserk. Others have said that it is like a ghost is taking over control. When in park, or at a stop light, I have no control over the screen. It changes channels, or calls random people (If I have my phone connected via ...
Preview excerpt
LANE DEPARTURE
Sep 6, 2023
The Lane Departure Warning on both left and right side mirrors sporadically does not work. This is the first time I'm reporting it to NHTSA. but the problem has been going on for at least three months. The LDW lights appear when I turn on the engine, but sporadically do not appea...
Preview excerpt
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for ...
Preview excerpt
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for...
Preview excerpt
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 25, 2023
THE HEADLAMPS CONTAIN AND HOLD MOISTURE, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO CRACKS. THIS IS CAUSING MOISTURE, AND THERE IS A CONCERN THAT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 47 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2016 Mazda models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
Quick Compare
More Mazda CX-3 Years
2017 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.1r21c2018 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.1r9c2019 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.2r26c2020 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.1r1c2021 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.1r3c2026 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.0c
More 2016 Mazda Models
2016 Mazda CX-5Another 2016 Mazda option for same-year comparison.5r499c2016 Mazda CX-9Another 2016 Mazda option for same-year comparison.102c2016 Mazda Mazda3Another 2016 Mazda option for same-year comparison.6r102c2016 Mazda Mazda6Another 2016 Mazda option for same-year comparison.1r75c2016 Mazda MX-5 MiataAnother 2016 Mazda option for same-year comparison.3r33c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have?
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA has received 47 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-3.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2016 Mazda CX-3 are electrical system (6 reports), exterior lighting (6 reports), unknown or other (5 reports).
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.