2018 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 110 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3.

4
recalls
110
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2018 Mazda MAZDA3 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 21V875000 · reported November 12, 2021 · Mazda North American Operations · 121,038 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

NHTSA campaign 19V272000 · reported April 4, 2019 · Mazda North American Operations · 187,880 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
The risk
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
The fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system

NHTSA campaign 17V745000 · reported November 21, 2017 · Mazda North American Operations · 144 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
The risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Oct 20, 2026 · Back over prevention

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, nearly resulting in a collision with a parked vehicle. Several unknown warning lights illuminated, creating a driver distraction. In addition, the infotainment screen delaminated and…

Oct 13, 2026 · Fuel system, gasoline · 100,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 45 MPH, the vehicle sputtered, hesitated to accelerate, and the check engine warning light illuminated. When the contact firmly depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine made a knocking noise, and the vehicle stalled. Diagnostic…

Aug 26, 2026 · Unknown 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.

Jun 5, 2026 · Visibility/wiper · 200,000 miles

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…

Mar 24, 2026 · Visibility/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…

MAZDA3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 413082
2016 610471
2017 28460
2018 411060
2019 67430
2020 23200
2021 15422

Across all years, the 2010 MAZDA3 has the most complaints (686). All Mazda MAZDA3 years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3, 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 2018 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (30 complaints), followed by unknown or other (26).
How many 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 110 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 20, 2026.