2013 Mazda MAZDA3

117 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed May 1, 2025Failure Feb 1, 2024San Diego, CAService brakes

   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 September). If the manufacturer knows this is an issue and can't supply the part due to so many replacements needed in their vehicle, why is there no recall? There is no warning to the driver on the dashboard of this issue and has causes repeated issues while breaking.

   NHTSA complaint 11658244
2. Filed Feb 14, 2024Failure Feb 13, 2024Ladson, SCElectrical system, Exterior lighting

   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 I was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while I braked. I have been told there is a TSB on this issue (attached) and Mazda is well aware of this happening. This concern is caused by inadequate alternator output controlled by the PCM when the battery is under a heavy load. They are to the point now of charging people for a doing the TSB on the car that is causing the problem of the alternator not producing the proper wattage to support both the headlights and the brake lights at the same time. There are numerous online forum entries that speak of this issue with 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3's. I am very concerned that my headlights may stop working which could result in my death or the death of my occupants of my vehicle not to mention the other motorists on the road around me if my head lights were to eventually fail at night due to lack of proper wattage to the headlights. There are videos on you tube that show these pulsing headlights on Mazda's. I believe that headlights are important enough safety issue that their failing could result in death if the headlights completely failed due to the known fault in these vehicles over time.

   NHTSA complaint 11572005
3. Filed Nov 26, 2023Failure Nov 8, 2023Cumberland, MDPower train

   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 in speed by my vehicle. The check engine light is now lit up. There were no warning lights before the vehicle’s transmission malfunctioned. A code came up on the vehicle when tested. U0101 lost communication with TCM. From what I have read, researched, and have been told this issue is very common for certain years of Mazda 3’s including mine.

   NHTSA complaint 11556887
4. Filed Aug 24, 2023Failure Aug 24, 2023Kula, HIStructure

   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 repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

   NHTSA complaint 11540603
5. Filed Aug 7, 2023Failure Jan 1, 2021Pensacola, FLSeat belts

   All my seatbuckels are tearing. I thought it could of been my dog, but I a certain I did not give up my seat or let him drive. My driver side is also tearing. I noticed the buckle catching when securing it, and now it has moved past snag and had a quarter inch tear that it catches on. The buckle is not wide enough for the belt. The belt is no longer able to constraint as good as when it was whole. Unknown

   NHTSA complaint 11537049
6. Filed Jun 10, 2023Failure Jun 10, 2023San Diego, CAFuel/propulsion system

   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 approximately two years.

   NHTSA complaint 11526376
7. Filed Feb 16, 2023Failure Feb 15, 2023Hendersonville, TNEngine, Power train, Steering

   Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882

   NHTSA complaint 11507600
8. Filed Jan 29, 2023Failure Dec 22, 2022Little Elm, TXElectrical system, Service brakes

   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 called on this as they probably thought it was normal. There is all sort of communication error codes if you read with a OBDII scanner. In fact, Ford had a recall for these ABS modules, citing "stuck or slow-responding valves due to reaction with brake fluid".

   NHTSA complaint 11504342
9. Filed Aug 4, 2022Failure Aug 1, 2022Duluth GA, GAUnknown or other

   I had the dashboard recalled and replaced. The new dashboard is separating from the computer screen on dash.

   NHTSA complaint 11477650
10. Filed Apr 22, 2022Failure Apr 22, 2022Hope Mills, NCElectrical system, Power train, Unknown or other

    TRACKING NUMBER 11461728 ADDED INFORMATION EMAIL FROM MANUFACTURE MITSUBUSHI ELECTRIC INCORPORATED

    NHTSA complaint 11461825
11. Filed Apr 21, 2022Failure Apr 17, 2022Hope Mills, NCElectrical system, Power train

    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 for a few days started again took to advance auto parts and auto zone codes stated electrical TCM computer issues, delayed shifting, check engine and ATF lights comes on , DTC codes U1000, LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TCM. The TCM overheats because it is sitting directly on the transmission, under the battery box. My child safety was put at risk daily. This car fails to stop at a traffic light, a slow response when approaching a stop sign or traffic light is dangerous and scary. Mazda's are not safe to drive with a bad TCM, When a driver cannot anticipate the acceleration or deceleration of this vehicle or any Mazda with a TCM the situation is very dangerous. I visited Flow Mazda 04/21/2022 Fayetteville North Carolina invoice number Q10296 took the part for viewing. THE dealership informed us that no one has this part and do not know if the will ever have another shipment. we contacted salvage yards received the same answer. I have sent 8 emails stating problems to the manufacture (Mitsubishi electric company) no response thus far. This is my daughter first year in college she saved her summer money 6600.00$ and purchased this car in March 16, 2022 from Knox auto sales 107 NC-55E, Dunn NC 28334. First day we had all fluids changed. The third day she went to visit her dad 20 minute drive ATF light came on went to auto zone code warning electrical communication, purchased new battery drove car for 5 days good took car to college in Charlotte came home birthday Friday check engine light and TCM code went to church Easter Sunday almost didn't make it home. According to the you tube channels and social media this is a known failure for Mazda automobiles Why are the cars being sold?

    NHTSA complaint 11461728
12. Filed Dec 14, 2021Failure Jun 1, 2020Youngsville, PAEngine

    Blower motor stopped working summer of 2020. Had it replaced at the dealership and it again stopped working in summer of 2021. Had it replaced once again and it is now making horrible noises again as it did right before it blew up the last two times

    NHTSA complaint 11443727
13. Filed Oct 12, 2021Failure Jul 19, 2021Encinitas, CAExterior lighting

    When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for this vehicle. A similar problem exists on the 2014 Mazda's and a recall does exist for that vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11436434
14. Filed Jun 8, 2021Failure May 22, 2021Lebanon, PAPower train

    There is a loud winding sound sound coming from the transmission and sound of metal (broken teeth) as well. We took it to a Mazda dealer and they quickly identified the issue as a failing transmission. As a result I was able to find that a service bulletin aligned with this issue (TSB No. 0500414) and confirmed this with the dealer. This service bulletin indicates a manufacturing issue but only applied a warranty of 6 years or 60,000 miles. Yes, our car is over the 6 yrs and only 800 miles over the 60,000 miles, however, my concern is that this is a known issue that clearly becomes a safety issue. We got a price from the dealer of $4,500 for a new transmission so I took it to a transmission shop for a 2nd opinion. They confirmed the failing transmission and indicated the car should not be driven for safety reasons. They said the transmission is in bad shape and when it fails the car will just stop creating a very unsafe condition. They are able to find a used transmission and install it for an estimate of $2,700 but I believe this should be covered by Mazda due to the safety concerns. I have no choice to proceed with this replacement but hope that you can help to get Mazda's attention and have them stand behind this and cover this cost.

    NHTSA complaint 11420064
15. Filed May 9, 2021Failure May 7, 2021116,427 milesSurrey, BC, Canada, WASeats

    EXACT SAME ISSUE AS CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V082 THE SEATS IN THIS YEAR OF MAZDA 3 ARE THE SAME AS IN THE 2010-2011 MODELS. THE METAL HAS SNAPPED IN HALF CAUSING THE NEED FOR REPAIR FOR SAFE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING A CORNER ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 30KM/H DRIVER IS 260LBS

    NHTSA complaint 11415704
16. Filed Apr 16, 2021Failure Dec 30, 2020Bangor, MIBody, Unknown or other

    THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS COME LOOSE, AND THERE IS A OPENING, THE INSIDE OF IT IS CHIPPED AS WELL AND IT IS FOGGY. JUST NORMAL DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. MAZDA OFFERED A SPECIAL SERVICE WARRANTY, WHICH MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE THIS GAP HAD NOT OCCURRED YET. CONVENIENTLY, THE EXTENSION EXPIRED BEFORE MY PANEL STARTED COMING APART. I SPOKE WITH MAZDA TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME I WAS TO LATE. WELL I WAS INELIGIBLE BECAUSE IT HADN'T COME APART YET. APPARENTLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AS THEY DID OFF A SPECIAL WARRANTY FOR IT. ALL MODELS THAT HAD THESE DEFECTIVE PANELS OR BAD ADHESIVE FROM THE SAME LOT REGARDLESS IF THEY HAD STARTED TO COME APART YET, SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED SO THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN. I UNDERSTAND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IF THIS IS JUST CHOCKED UP TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR THE REST OF THE INTERIOR SHOULD ALSO BE FALLING APART, BECAUSE THE WHOLE CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO THE SAME ENVIRONMENT AND THAT IS NOT FALLING APART YET. I AM ONE PERSON, WITH ONE VOICE MAYBE OTHER MAZDA OWNERS WHO WERE DENIED ELIGIBILITY TO HAVE THIS INSTRUMENT PANEL REPLACED, WILL ALSO COMPLAIN AND SOMETHING CAN HAPPEN TO FIX THIS MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. AS THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD HAVE PASSED QUALITY CONTROL. DATE IS APPROXIMATE AS IT OCCURRED GRADUALLY OVER TIME AND DID NOT BECOME NOTICEABLE UNTIL LATE LAST YEAR.

    NHTSA complaint 11408464
17. Filed Mar 15, 2021Failure Jan 1, 2017Pittsgrove, NJExterior lighting

    WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND FLICKER UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. NIGHTTIME VIABILITY IS SUBSTANTIALLY DIMINISHED WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS AND FLICKERING SEAMS TO SEND A SIGNAL TO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. THIS DEFECT OCCURS 100% OF THE TIME WHEN APPLYING THE BEAKS AT NIGHT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON.

    NHTSA complaint 11402981
18. Filed Mar 12, 2021Failure Feb 22, 2021173,001 milesRiverdale, GAExterior lighting, Power train, Visibility/wiper

    WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES ALL THE VEHICLES LIGHTS FLASHING FROM BRIGHT TO DEEM THE HEADLIGHTS, INSIDE PANEL LIGHTS FLASHING FROM BRIGHT TO DEEM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT IT ACTS LIKE CAR IS LOSING POWER

    NHTSA complaint 11402536
19. Filed Feb 9, 2021Failure Feb 9, 202172,000 milesSalem, ORExterior lighting

    ONGOING PROBLEM - REPORTED BY OTHERS IN MANY FORUMS. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED. DURING BREAKING HEADLIGHTS PULSE BRIGHTER AND DIMMER

    NHTSA complaint 11395445
20. Filed Dec 20, 2020Failure Feb 4, 2020Lorton, VAElectrical system, Engine

    I HAVE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2013 AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL I GOT A NEW BATTERY FOR MY CAR. AS SOON AS I GOT A BATTERY MY CAR WOULD DIE EVERY OTHER DAY. I TOOK IT TO MANY MECHANICS AND BACK TO THE MAZDA DEALER TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX IT. THE MECHANICS DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO MAZDA THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE MY CAR DOOR LIGHT WAS ON, EVEN THOUGH IT NEVER WAS. THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED IT AND TWO DAYS LATER MY CAR WAS DEAD AGAIN. EVERY MECHANIC AND THE MAZDA DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE VEHICLE SITS NOW BECAUSE I CAN'T KEEP CALLING MY INSURANCE COMPANY EVERY OTHER DAY TO COME OUT AND JUMP START MY CAR FOR ME.

    NHTSA complaint 11384241