There are 4 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2015 Mazda Mazda3in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine
The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle, followed by the vehicle shut down and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son opened the hood and flames came out from under the hood. The contact son burned his fingers but did not seek medical attention. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 200,000.
THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS AND THE CAR WENT DEAD RIGHT AFTER I EXITED THE FREEWAY. IT WAS VERY SCARY. I PUSHED THE START ENGINE BUTTON AND THE CAR STARTED AND I CONTINUED MY DRIVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR A PHONE CALL FROM THE DEALER.
THE CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. WOULD NOT STAY RUNNING WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START IT AGAIN. I HAD IT FOR ONE MONTH.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026