Mazda · Mazda3 · 2013
2013 Mazda Mazda3
1
Recall
117
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 has 1 recall and 117 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: exterior lighting (16 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 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 exterior lighting with 16 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 2013 Mazda Mazda3 currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 117 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 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are exterior lighting (16), power train (9), structure (9).
- Vehicle
- 2013 Mazda Mazda3
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 117
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
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
10.9% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA 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.
Owner Complaints
117 totalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 13, 2024
There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself. I have just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 with Skyactive Technology and I noticed that when ...
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SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 1, 2024
The Brake Pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). The master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty ABS control unit (which, when Mazda was contacted, said that part was on backorder until Septem...
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POWER TRAIN
Nov 8, 2023
Transmission Control Module malfunction. The AT light came on and the car made a jerking motion and a clunking noise. It lost power and would not shift which is very dangerous in moving traffic. It put me at risk for getting hit by another vehicle not expecting the abrupt change ...
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STRUCTURE
Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V644000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repai...
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FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 10, 2023
After filing up the gas tank, there is a strong smell of fuel coming from the car. It remains strong until the tank is run down to about 3/4. Gas can be seen dripping down the tank under the car. Gas drips are clearly visible on the ground. This has been an ongoing problem for...
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STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Feb 15, 2023
Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 22, 2022
ABS Module suddenly start failing causing brake sinks down. Almost crashed because of it. It appears to be a very common issue but Mazda still does not recall these ABS modules made by Ford/ATE. Also, it does not show any ABS warning light, which might be why not many people have...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 1, 2022
I had the dashboard recalled and replaced. The new dashboard is separating from the computer screen on dash.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 22, 2022
TRACKING NUMBER 11461728 ADDED INFORMATION EMAIL FROM MANUFACTURE MITSUBUSHI ELECTRIC INCORPORATED
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 17, 2022
The TCM - Transmission Control Module defected - gear lights disappear, down shifting problems, driving, stop in the middle of highway or road while driving, kick / jerk when ATF lights comes on goes off then check engine lights comes on all fluids has been changed drove good f...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 117 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 2013 Mazda models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 have?
The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has received 117 owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 are exterior lighting (16 reports), power train (9 reports), structure (9 reports).
Does the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3. 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.