Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-3, the most recent reported on July 14, 2023 (Back over prevention: sensing system, camera). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-3?

Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (11 complaints), followed by unknown or other (10).

How many 2016 Mazda CX-3 complaints mention a crash or fire?

4 of 48 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Mazda CX-3 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mazda CX-3.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Mazda CX-3 recalls

Back over prevention: sensing system, camera

NHTSA campaign 23V487000 · reported July 14, 2023 · Mazda North American Operations · 236,100 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · reported September 6, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 580,455 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Steering

NHTSA campaign 16V203000 · reported April 11, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 578 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
The risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system11
Unknown or other10
Exterior lighting7
Back over prevention6
Fuel/propulsion system5
Engine4
Visibility/wiper4
Lane departure2
Seat belts2
Seats2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 1, 2026 · Unknown or other
It’s a safety risk with this car. The converter burns super fast, causing issues that seem like it’s related to transmission or alternator.

Jan 14, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system
While driving on the highway on a posted 65mph, the fuel remaining on the vehicle was posted at 1/4, approx. 75miles remaining. The vehicle abruptly stalled and I managed to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle then refused to start again. Had to bring it to a fuel station and refueled leading to the vehicle…

Dec 30, 2024 · Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. 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…

Oct 11, 2024 · Back over prevention · 45,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. 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 while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted on several occasions, and was black on…

Jun 21, 2024 · Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. 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, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the…

CX-3 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2014	0	3	0
2016	3	48	4
2017	1	21	2
2018	1	10	1
2019	2	27	1

Across all years, the 2016 CX-3 has the most complaints (48). All Mazda CX-3 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-3, the most recent reported on July 14, 2023 (Back over prevention: sensing system, camera). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-3?: Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (11 complaints), followed by unknown or other (10).
How many 2016 Mazda CX-3 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 4 of 48 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 1, 2026.