2018 Mazda MAZDA3

108 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Aug 26, 2026Amarillo, TXUnknown or other

   The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a small explosion. I am positive that no object struck the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11759848
2. Filed Jun 5, 2026Failure May 26, 2026200,000 milesSpokane, WAVisibility/wiper

   The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the windshield wipers had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the contact's auto repair shop, Tire-Rama, where the windshield wiper switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V272000 (VISIBILITY); and referred the customer to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the owner that the vehicle was not covered under the recall because the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11742263
3. Filed Mar 24, 2026Failure Mar 10, 2026Cuyahoga Falls, OHVisibility/wiper

   While I was driving on the highway, I went to use my front wipers and there was no response when trying to active them. The rear wiper, front and rear washer fluid sprayers all worked. No warning lights or other signs of failure were present. I took the car to a local repair shop and they diagnosed it as a bad Body Control Module. Once the module was replaced and reprogrammed, the wipers worked as intended. Safety Recall 3219D describes the issue I had perfecly. My VIN is out of the range of this recall but if I had the same issue as this recall, there might be other bad parts out there and that range might need to be increased.

   NHTSA complaint 11726590
4. Filed Feb 2, 2026Failure Apr 1, 2025Newark, DEElectrical system, Unknown or other

   The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has been aware of the defect for some time and issued a TSB ( and settled a class action lawsuit) but we never received any notification. The dealer offered no assistance as the car was out of warranty . We paid several hundred dollars to replace the screen as the car was becoming undriveable.

   NHTSA complaint 11714999
5. Filed Jan 23, 2026Failure Jan 2, 2026179,550 milesRoxbury, CTFuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The dealer had to reschedule the appointment due to a scheduling issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a crack in the top of the fuel pump. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced, and the vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The repair coverage was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was 179,550.

   NHTSA complaint 11712940
6. Filed Nov 19, 2025Failure Oct 28, 2025Grapevine, TXElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and the check-engine light. The car also hesitates or “lurches” between 15–30 mph during these events. At one point in 2024, the vehicle went into limp mode on the freeway, creating a safety hazard. These failures are intermittent but repeatable. Diagnostic scans from 2023–2025 show multiple U-codes for lost communication between control modules; two later became permanent. The issue appears unrelated to any one component and affects many systems at once. The vehicle has been to every Mazda dealership in the North Texas region (Mesquite, Freeman, Hiley, Norm Reeves, Town North). All performed only basic scans; none completed a full CAN-bus or wiring-harness diagnostic. Town North kept the vehicle for six weeks (Sept–Oct 2025), replaced a coil and spark plugs, performed a camera calibration and a TCM update, but the network failures returned within 38 miles. We sought independent inspection only after dealerships repeatedly refused diagnosis whenever the warning lights were not on at the moment of arrival. In November 2025, a technician found significant internal corrosion inside the negative battery cable; touching the cable reproduced the full failure immediately. The corrosion extends deep into the wire sheathing. This appears to be an electrical defect affecting CAN communication and power/ground integrity. When the fault occurs, multiple safety systems disable at once and the vehicle behaves unpredictably. Mazda Corporate has declined further assistance, and the defect remains unresolved. I am filing this report because this is a recurring safety issue that may affect other vehicles of the same model and year.

   NHTSA complaint 11700428
7. Filed Nov 17, 2025Failure Nov 14, 2025Riverside, CAUnknown or other

   The Infotainment system is cracking uncontrollably and will make the rear view camera unusable and a safety issue. It keeps resetting every minute. Mazda corporation wont pay for the repair that they are charging about 1,000 to fix it.

   NHTSA complaint 11699812
8. Filed Oct 27, 2025Failure Oct 27, 2025San Diego,ca, CAUnknown or other

   No incidents

   NHTSA complaint 11695885
9. Filed Oct 20, 2025Failure Oct 17, 2025Santa Clar, CAEngine, Power train

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump failed. This component failure prevents the car from starting or staying running. The check engine code confirmed the high-pressure fuel pump failure. The failed component is currently at the Mazda dealership and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk The car suddenly stalled while driving on the roadway, creating a dangerous situation. If this had happened on the freeway or in fast-moving traffic, it could have led to a serious accident. Losing power and control of the vehicle at higher speeds poses a major safety risk to both the driver and surrounding vehicles. I was fortunate that the failure occurred on a city street rather than on the freeway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The Mazda dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, which was also verified by the check engine code. This failure caused the stalling and starting issues. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership, which diagnosed and confirmed the high-pressure fuel pump failure. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Before the final failure, the car was hesitant to start, and after it stalled, the check engine light appeared. There were no prior warning messages or signs before the car suddenly stalled while driving. Additional details: The car is only seven years old with approximately 52,000 miles, and it is concerning that such a critical component would fail this early.

   NHTSA complaint 11694610
10. Filed Sep 3, 2025Failure Sep 1, 2025Perry, FLUnknown or other

    The touch screen in my car has developed a malfunction known as “ghost touch,” where the screen glitches and registers inputs I am not making. This failure involves the infotainment system, and the component is still available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the screen can suddenly change settings, including navigation, phone, and climate controls, while I am driving, which is distracting and dangerous. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, nor has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the failure—it began suddenly and recently without prior indication.

    NHTSA complaint 11684878
11. Filed Jul 6, 2025Failure Dec 10, 2024Liberty, SCElectrical system

    There is a infotainment display that sits on the center part of the dash that has touch screen capability that over time starts to fail and results in what is known as "ghost touch", where random screen settings change as though someone is using the touch screen on the infotainment screen. I had issues to where settings for screen brightness have changed causing my ability to see the controls being hindered and the radio sometimes turning up loudly and then off causing a scare distraction while driving. This screen is also used for the back up camera. There is currently a class action lawsuit for this.

    NHTSA complaint 11671421
12. Filed Jun 13, 2025Failure Jun 11, 2025Centreville, VACamera

    I got into my car and the infotainment screen was cracked. It had been parked in moderate weather (no extreme heat or cold) and just randomly had multiple small cracks across the screen. This makes the back up camera difficult to see which is a safety concern.

    NHTSA complaint 11666801
13. Filed Apr 6, 2025Failure Aug 12, 2024Bakersfield, CAUnknown or other

    My screen ghost taps (goes into apps without me touching it) plus there is screen damage. I got into my car one day and it looked like the screen was cracked. But it’s on the inside. I never been into the car crash or had any accidents happen to my car or the display. It affects my driving when I am using my back camera

    NHTSA complaint 11653054
14. Filed Mar 31, 2025Failure Mar 29, 2025Hamtramck, MIVisibility/wiper

    Wiper stopped functioning, in the rain. Started with the wipers making 2 wipes rapidly, then not functioning. Next day, wipers partially functioned erratically before being stuck in the up position.

    NHTSA complaint 11651688
15. Filed Mar 12, 2025Failure Mar 12, 2025Vernon, NJCamera

    The Infotainment system is cracking uncontrollably and will make the rear view camera unusable and a safety issue. Mazda corporation wont pay for the repair that they are charging close to 2k to do.

    NHTSA complaint 11647964
16. Filed Mar 10, 2025Failure Mar 10, 2025Chesapeake, VAUnknown or other

    Touchscreen has the "ghost screen" problem. It has gotten progressively worse over the last year. The Mazda dealership did a firmware update about 2 years ago and that didn't help. Now the screen thinks it's being pressed constantly in the same spot so it just beeps over and over again. If I'm not on my radio, it will hit things like safety settings, emergency contacts, etc. so I have to leave my radio on all the time. I've researched this issue and it's well-known. A recall was issued for 2014-2016 models but not for anything after that.

    NHTSA complaint 11647478
17. Filed Feb 26, 2025Failure Dec 9, 2024Austin, TXUnknown or other

    Mazda infotainment system center display screen with spider cracking. Cracking makes part of display unreadable.

    NHTSA complaint 11645006
18. Filed Feb 9, 2025Failure Sep 1, 2023Baltimore, MDElectrical system, Unknown or other

    Mazda had previously issued a Special Service Plan (SSP) to remediate issues with their Mazda Connect Center Display (infotainment system), specifically "ghost touches" and "spider cracking" of the screen: [XXX] This Special Service Plan only applied to 2014-2016 models of the Mazda3. I own a 2018 Mazda3 which has the exact same issue described in the above service plan. Searching online, I am far from the only person who is affected by this issue that continues to be present in newer models of the Mazda3. Mazda should replace my (and others) infotainment system, as it is unusable and distracting in it's current condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11641573
19. Filed Jan 23, 2025Failure Dec 1, 2023Agoura Hills, CAUnknown or other

    The entertainment/navigation screen randomly started developing spidering cracks on the inside of the screen and has grown exponentially. It is getting close to the point where the screen is not readable and becoming useless. I have done research and have seen that many other Mazda owners have experienced the same issue where their screens cracked from the inside rendering it useless but Mazda refuses to cover the cost of an issue that is not caused by any Mazda owner. Without this screen, I would need to hold my phone in order to use a navigation app to get around or attempt to find a phone holder so I can still get around successfully.

    NHTSA complaint 11638019
20. Filed Jan 20, 2025Failure Jan 20, 2025Hemet, CAUnknown or other

    I have a letter for an important safety recall, re: the backup camera. The letter is dated September 2023, and I called today, after experiencing worsening deterioration of my camera, and I was told that there is currently no fix. So, after 1.5 years, I have no fix for my camera? This is a safety issue

    NHTSA complaint 11637155