NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Many modern trucks, SUVs, and cars use LED headlights that are excessively bright and create dangerous glare. When approaching these vehicles from the opposite direction, the headlights can be blinding — similar to having a flashlight shined directly into your eyes — causing temporary loss of visibility. The glare also affects drivers traveling in the same direction, as the intense light reflects sharply off rear‑view and side mirrors. This creates a persistent distraction and makes it difficult to maintain safe awareness of the road. This issue is widespread across many vehicle types and appears to be related to the brightness and mounting height of LED headlights, especially on larger vehicles. It poses a significant safety hazard and should be investigated as a systemic lighting problem.
Anytime the tank was filled with gas there was a strong smell of gasoline vapors that persisted for several days. The car was a few months past its warranty on emissions issues and so I was charged about $1500 to replace a cracked fuel pump and fuel vent that was stuck open. The mechanic also said that the check engine light should have warned me about the problem but that neither the dashboard light nor his diagnostic equipment was triggered by the defect. He suspects the car's computer is programmed to avoid drawing attention to the problem. Had the light been working I would likely have caught the problem while it was still under warranty.
Repeated instances of the Mazda Infotainment system making changes randomly without any user input while driving. Repeated instances of the navigation system freezing, going black, rebooting while driving.
The original OEM radio in my Mazda has been experiencing persistent ghost touch issues, making it incredibly frustrating to use. The screen often registers inputs without me touching it, leading to random changes in volume, station selections, and menu navigation. As a result, I find myself unable to rely on my radio for music or navigation, which significantly detracts from my driving experience. I’m considering possible solutions, but for now, it's an inconvenience that I can't overlook.
The screen that displays the backup camera image has an issue that makes it difficult to see the backup camera feed clearly. The screen appeared like this unexpectedly when I returned to my car after a work day. The only warning was a malfunction of the screen's touch function for the last several months.
The infotainment screen in my Mazda 3 will act as if buttons are being pressed without buttons actually being pressed. It a distraction and unsafe. I've noticed that other Mazdas had issues with this as well and were given extended warranties to fix this problem. Why not the 2017 Mazda 3? I talked to a mechanic about fixing it and it's very expensive yet it's a widespread Mazda problem. Someone is going to crash because of this.
I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the accelerator. I pressed the brake 3 times. The brake pedal went to the floor without seemingly any effect. In seconds the car traveled across the front lawn, picked up concrete from and old cistern top and smashed into the front porch tearing it off it's foundation. Portions of the porch and tree limb fell shortly after the impact. The front tire was spinning at a rapid rate when I exited the vehicle. Extraction of the vehicle was not accomplished for 2 weeks while experts determined how best to accomplish the extraction. The car insurance company and 2 towing businesses declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle is with the towing company per car insurance company request. I don't know if it has been inspected. I did not see any warning lights. I was treated at the hospital for a slight concussion and significant head and facial bruising and lacerations as well as a wrist burn likely caused by air bag deployment.
Seat sensor failed.
Hello frustrated people! Second time back to the dealership...backup camera they say got wet from moisture, (after 2 drained batteries in less than 2 years), my cost. I think that this is a very dangerous vehicle that I am driving now!!!! Besides the fact, at my age, being stuck in a parking lot in 20 degree weather for 3 hours waiting for roadside assistance. The camera goes haywire...I cannot connect to the phone or navigation system. I can't leave my house for fear that my car is not going to start! Now I have to pay for a backup camera??? WE think that is the problem, they told me! So far the quote is $600.00...... A DANGER to drive! Can you imagine , pulling off the side of the road, when your navigation goes out! And now warmer weather, it doesnt do that. So how are they going to know now????
Malfunctioning on and off on the display screen. My battery went dead after 11 months. Cause? It started over a year ago, but I called Mazda and they said there were no recalls at that time. Are there any now to date? Thank you for your time.
My 2017 Mazda Mazda3 Sport is affected by a problem widely known as "ghost touch" by owners of this vehicle. This issue causes the touch screen to behave erratically and activate random functions, which is extremely distracting while driving. Mazda has a recall on a similar issue for the 2014-2016 Mazda3, but it refuses to fix this obviously widespread issue for the 2017 and later models.
The infotainment system is malfunctioning. It constantly restarts/reboots while I am driving and it is highly distracting. I contacted Mazda USA about this, but they responded by saying there are not active recalls for this car and the car isn't under warranty. I took it to a dealership and they quoted me $1450 for repairs. However, a problem such as this should not be occuring for a car that isn't too old. It is highly distracting and it is endagering me while I am driving, putting my and drivers on the roads' safety at risk. Mazda should fix this issue and pay for all repairs in full.
My rear camera is not centered when I bought my car as new in 2017. I reported the issue. But they told me it is normal. I got a letter from Mazda in 2022 about the rear camera recall. Then I asked them to do the recall. They told me they don't have parts. Recently, the video output is getting worse. It is distorted, flickering and zoomed out. I asked them again on 2024. They told the recall is not even started. Manufacturer Recall Number 6023G NHTSA Recall Number 23V-487 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
Screen has delamination causing it to have a "ghost touch" it will randomly change stations, change volume, try to make calls and click random buttons. It does all this without having been touched, this has occurred multiple times while driving causing a distraction that could eventually result in a wreck.
I am experiencing an issue with the infotainment system in my vehicle where it behaves erratically and intermittently without any input from me. Radio Stations Change Automatically: The system switches between radio stations on its own, even when I haven’t touched the controls. Unwanted Phone Calls: The system will sometimes dial random contacts from my phone without any command or input from me. This has led to accidental calls. Dropped Calls: When I’m on a phone call via the car's Bluetooth connection, the system frequently drops the call or switches to a different function, like the radio or media player, cutting off the conversation. Erratic Behavior During Media Playback: Occasionally, the system will change media sources (e.g., switching from Bluetooth audio to the radio) or pause/unpause media randomly. These issues are not tied to any specific driving conditions or user actions. It seems like the infotainment system has "a mind of its own" and is functioning independently, which creates safety concerns, especially when I'm driving.
The mazda infotainment screen makes the entire system nearly unusable as it can cause music stations to skip around back and forth, raise and lower the volume; make unintended phone calls, disconnect phone calls and create all kinds of havoc. It will cost $2000.00 for an authorize mazda dealer to replace and upgrade the firmware and screen. Their was a recall for the same issues for the 2016 year but not for the 2017.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. 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 the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. 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. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the rear-view camera screen failed to display an image. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
My radio in my 2017 Mazda3 hatchback randomly presses buttons with no input from the user. This is a known issue and can cause safety issues. Especially if the volume decides to turn itself up and cause hearing issues. It's almost impossible to make hands free phone calls if it doesn't work either
I have a Mazda 2017 and it has a problem with Connect Touch Screen at the Central Display unit is Ghosting. I saw the recall was issued for 2014-2016 but want to let you know the 2017 is also having the same issue. This is my daughters can and when she was driving from school it started changing the screen and calling some through the phone etc.
The infotainment touchscreen has a ghost touch issue which causes settings to be randomly changed when the car is moving less than 5 miles per hour. This has a high probability of creating unsafe conditions as it can cause distracted drivers in stop-and-go or other slow moving traffic scenarios. Mazda is fully aware of its defective touch screens but has only addressed it with models from 2014-2016. The component has not been inspected and there were no warnings before this issue started.
The Manufacturer Recall Number6023G, NHTSA Recall Number23V-487, has not been performed by the dealer. The dealer states that they do not have a remedy. Not only have I had the problem of flickering and distortion, but the back-up camera often does not operate at all.
My Infotainment system is experiencing the “ghost touch” and selecting all these options on its own while driving, putting a great risk on myself and passengers as any selection can be made and distract the driver. The screen is supposed to become disabled as a safety feature when driving but with this issue it is randomly making different commands that are extremely distracting especially during traffic hour times. The problem has been confirmed and Mazda refuses to issue a recall or do anything at all to fix this manufacturer error. There was no other warning lamps it just started glitching one day and has not stopped since for about half a year now. There are hundreds of other people I have read who are also experiencing the same issue and still Mazda refuses to acknowledge its faulty system and put so many lives at risk.
Transmission is pulling during shifting. Dealer updated Transmission software twice already during warranty. Car is doing it again. This can be a safety problem when pulling in front of traffic and Transmission fails to shift smoothly and it jerks/delays.
There has been an open recall on the camera on my Mazda3 for a full year with no approved fix from Mazda. Absurd. My rear camera no longer works after this delay.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. 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 the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The vehicle's touch screen for radio/nav/vehicle settings has delaminated which causes the display to detect "touches" that are a result of the delamination. This can result in navigation exiting, radio changing audio levels, and a myriad of other things like turning on/off vehicle safety settings. This was a known issue on the previous models and a short web-search has found that many others with this generation mazda has the same issue.
I have a 2017 Mazda 3 with exactly 59,454 miles. I was driving my car into work and a warning came on saying coolant temperatures high pull over immediately. I feel my safety was at risk since I was on a highway and my car lost power and would not allow me to accelerate. Loaded the car on a flatbed to bring into a Mazda dealership. I had oil leaking into my coolant. They diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head or engine block. Only solution I was given was to replace the engine with a factory new engine. I spoke to Mazda customer service and they admitted it is a known issue.
The car was experiencing the Mazda Ghost Touch in which the navigation/infotainment screen randomly pushes buttons resulting in distracted driving. Mazda has authorized repairs for 2014-2016 models, but refuses to fix later models. For reference, see [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When stopped at a light or parked, the Mazda touchscreen continually has “ghost” touches which will randomly select on screen items repeatedly and consistently similar to the issue that Mazda issued a recall for its 2014-2016 models. The touchscreen will make noises when this happens distracting me from focusing on the road. This issue has not been confirmed by the dealer for my specific car, but is available to be inspected. There is no warning when this failure happens and seems to be random. This first started happening 3 or so months ago
My car has a recall on the backup camera. Manufacturer Recall Number6023G NHTSA Recall Number23V-487 The recall issued in July. But I'm being told they cannot fix it. And as I'm trying to sell my car, I'm being told by buyers that the car has less value because of the unrepaired recall.
Intermittent faulty display (or no display) from rear-view camera as described in Recall 23V-487. Recall was issued in July 2023, but as of August 27, 2024, the parts to fix the recall issue are still not available and Mazda customer service has no idea when the parts will be available. In my view, this is not a timely resolution of the problem.
My 2017 Mazda 3 (85,000 miles) suddenly had the engine light go on and a loss of power. I’m lucky I didn’t have an accident. I took it immediately to the shop and they informed me that my low pressure fuel pump is bad. I see they have a recall on Mazda 2018–2020 fuel pumps. However, I also saw a class action lawsuit attempt to include Mazdas from previous years because the fuel pump has the same number as those cars. I had just taken my car in for routine maintenance, spark plug change, and inspection at the dealership two weeks before this incidence happened and they didn’t report anything wrong with my car.
The rearview camera is flickering and sometimes does not work at all. The NTSA recall 23V-487 (manufacturer number 6023G) is issued for that problem back in July 2023. However as of today, 7 months later, the recall is not implemented and the dealer refuses to fix the issue saying that the recall is still not incomplete. This is safety hazard which continues for 7 months and should be fixed ASAP.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera would intermittently display a distorted or blank image. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the camera was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned almost a year later after the repair. The contact then 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 confirmed parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
VEHICLES CENTER CONSOLE DISPLAY SCREEN SUFFERS FROM GHOST TOUCHES. THE DISPLAY REGISTERS INPUTS FROM THE TOUCHSCREEN WITH NO ONE TOUCHING THE DISPLAY THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT IS ON THE 14-16 VERSIONS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE DISPLAY SELF NAVIGATES CAUSING A SUBSTANTIAL DISTRACTION AND INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH. AS WELL ON A FEW INSTANCES SELF NAVIGATES THROUGH THE MENU AND SOMETIMES ENABLES OR DIABLES ADAS SYSTEM FEATURES COLLISION PREVENTION ETC.
Info Center Ghosting - upon startup, continually loops / reloads, disables backup camera, navigation, randomly scans and changes channels.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -> Infotainment display has "ghost touch" issue. Infotainment starts acting up on its own without driver input. It changes radio station automatically, places a call randomly, disconnects call randomly. This is caused by the touchscreen digitizer, the display lens of poor quality which leads to webbing or cracking on the inside. This leads to loss of touch and ghost touch issue 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -> It is distracting to the driver when the radio station is switch automatically. It sometimes freaks me out. When the infotainment places call to someone back to back, I need to keep disconnecting the call manually. It creates an unsafe environment for the driver. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -> Yes, the issue is acknowledged by the dealer, but refused to fix it. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -> No. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -> No. There is no warning. It appeared 2 years ago with mild discolored screen, then it lead to webbing/cracks on the inside
The infotainment center changes screens and radio stations when stopped randomly. Doesn't allow driver/passenger to take over controls. This can be very distracting because it continues after the car goes into motoin.
I was stopped at a light, and the infotainment system began changing options on its own. It caused me to become worried and distracted on the problem at hand. Mazda is aware if this issue with the system but is refusing to do anything to fix it. Please help!
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the main display screen malfunctioned, and the back-up camera failed to display an image. Additionally, the display provided erroneous warnings included the low tire pressure information. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and indicated that the display interface was faulty and needed to the replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The electrical system in the dashboard will randomly Make its own decisions. It will choose to make phone calls or change and set radio stations. while becoming more frequent more items from the console are getting involved. my concern is that whatever's going on will start to involve the instrument panel causing the car to mechanically do things on its own. I apologize in advance if this is not considered a safety issue. thank you for your time.
Touch screen has a separation issue between the touch screen and LCD screen causing a blurry/distorted image. Mazda is aware of the issue on the couple years prior to this model year and has issued an extended warranty for those model years. But for whatever reason, Mazda is ignoring the same issue on the last couple years of this generation car even though they are having the exact same issue. Would cost hundreds of dollar to get fixed on my end. My car is available for inspection if required. When this issue happens, it causes the screen to separate/bubble from the outer touch screen portion which results in an almost unreadable image on the backup camera screen causing a safety issue. Like I said, Mazda is aware of this issue on previous model years and has issued fixes. But for my model year, they just ignore it. No warning or anything appeared when this occurred.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the Mazda Connect touch screen in the center display was operating independently; however, there was no visible damage to the touch screen. The contact stated that the failure was significantly distracting while driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer. The contact related the failure to Mazda Warranty Extension Number: SSPB6. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
The touchscreen for the infotainment area is ghost touching and changing information. This turn off information like lane change assist changes the volume of the blinker as well as randomly calls people. This is highly disruptive and distracting while driving. There has been many instances when I have had to pull off the road to try to avoid major issues because of this. When it is selecting things it’s self I am not able to use the touch screen at all. It is also selecting things when I am driving over 5mph when the screen is not supposed to be engaged at all.
The infotainment screen cracked on its own due to weather or humidity. The infotainment then proceeded to have ghost issues where it would change randomly. These seems like an electrical hazard. There are numerous complaints in forums but on 2014-2016 were recalled when other years have the same issue.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain or in the snow, the instrument cluster, the instrument panel, and the infotainment system became inoperable, causing the Forward Sensing Camera system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing in the rain or in the snow. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while operating the vehicle in inclement weather. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
CAR WAS PARKED IN A CARPORT ON FLAT GROUND. CAME OUTSIDE CAR WAS GONE .. ROLLED OUT OF THE CARPORT DOWN A 500 FT DRIVEWAY, TURNED INTO THE DRIVEWAY ACROSS THE HIGHWAY INTO A VEHICLE PARKED THERE.. ELECTRONIC BRAKING WAS APPLIED AND STILL ENGAGED.. PARKED THE CAR BACK INTO THE CARPORT AND TRIED PUSHING IT OUT OF THE CARPORT AND WOULDNT BUDGE... MY VEHICLE ROLLED ACROSS A BUSY HIGHWAY AND IF THE LADY DIDNT HAVE A VEHICLE PARKED THERE IT WOULD HAVE WENT INTO THE SIDE OF HER HOUSE...
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R), the rearview camera image was distorted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the instrument panel display was intermittently inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the instrument panel to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026