Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

The 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 has 137 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?

Top problems: OTHER (32 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (22 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (14 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, PARKING BRAKE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 is approximately $1,390/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Mazda MAZDA3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 has 137 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 137. The most common issue is other problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 mazda 3. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 17v393000 (parking brake) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. the contact received the recall notification in august of 2017. the dealer (romano mazda, 3120 erie blvd e, syracuse, ny, 132140) was contact. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 7 crash reports 1 injury

137

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

32 complaints

23%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE DEALER (ROMANO MAZDA, 3120 ERIE BLVD E, SYRACUSE, NY, 132140) WAS CONTACT
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MAZDA OF WESLEY CHAPEL (26944
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE DEALER (ROMANO MAZDA, 3120 ERIE BLVD E, SYRACUSE, NY, 132140) WAS CONTACT”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3

Based on 61 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 36K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Later than typicalmedian 57K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER04/04/2019

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.

Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Mazda MAZDA3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,390

Full coverage / month

$116

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-17%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1390

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda MAZDA3 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2016 MAZDA3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 137 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V393000 (PARKING BRAKE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE DEALER (ROMANO MAZDA, 3120 ERIE BLVD E, SYRACUSE, NY, 132140) WAS CONTACT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I PULLED OVER AS BEST I COULD AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT RATS HAVE CHEWED THROUGH THE ENGINE HARNESS AND OTHER WIRING. THEY SAY THEY HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF CASES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS JUST LIKE THIS. THEY SAID THAT RA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: IN AUGUST I RECEIVED NOTICE OF A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE OF A BRAKE PROBLEM. THE LETTER INSTRUCTED US TO WAIT FOR NOTIFICATION THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY TWO MONTHS SINCE I GOT THE NOTIFICATION. I HAVE CALLED THE COMPANY, AND THEY TELL ME THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. BECAU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)