Mazda CX-3 Recalls (2016-2021)
The Mazda CX-3 has been the subject of 4 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA across the 2016 to 2021 model years. They cluster mostly around the back over prevention, fuel system, and structure.
The Mazda CX-3 scores 69 out of 100 (grade B), a better-than-average recall record. That score reflects how serious the recalls are rather than how many. 75% involve a critical safety system, none carried a do-not-drive warning, and 25% were issued in the last three years. How the score works.
Those 4 campaigns span 6 model years of the Mazda CX-3. The single largest affected 580,455 vehicles, over structure. A recall repair is free at a franchised dealer and most never expire, so an older open recall is still worth fixing. Beyond recalls, you can also see the most common CX-3 problems owners report and its crash-test safety ratings.
The full record is below, grouped first by model year and then listed in detail. Each entry gives the defect NHTSA describes, the safety risk it creates, the manufacturer's remedy, the number of vehicles in that campaign, and the dates. A recall covers a whole production run, so a campaign listed for the Mazda CX-3 may not apply to your exact vehicle, and one you have already had repaired will still appear in the history. To see what is actually open and unfixed on a specific car, check its 17-digit VIN.
Mazda CX-3 recalls by model year
Recall activity by model year. Select a year to jump to its recalls below. Older years often carry more recalls simply because defects surface over time.
Mazda CX-3 recalls by affected system
Which vehicle systems the recalls touch, using NHTSA's component groups. Select a system to see how it is recalled across every make and model.
Recalls by model year
2021 Mazda CX-3 Recalls
1 recall affects the 2021 Mazda CX-3, involving the back over prevention.
2020 Mazda CX-3 Recalls
1 recall affects the 2020 Mazda CX-3, involving the back over prevention.
2019 Mazda CX-3 Recalls
2 recalls affect the 2019 Mazda CX-3, involving the back over prevention and fuel system.
2018 Mazda CX-3 Recalls
1 recall affects the 2018 Mazda CX-3, involving the back over prevention.
2017 Mazda CX-3 Recalls
1 recall affects the 2017 Mazda CX-3, involving the back over prevention.
2016 Mazda CX-3 Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2016 Mazda CX-3, involving the back over prevention, structure, and steering.
Every Mazda CX-3 recall in detail
Back Over Prevention
- Affected years
- 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3
- Vehicles in this recall
- 236,100
- Reported
- Jul 14, 2023
- Owners notified
- Aug 14, 2024
Defect: 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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 23V487000.
Fuel System
- Affected years
- 2019 Mazda CX-3
- Vehicles in this recall
- 121,038
- Reported
- Nov 12, 2021
- Owners notified
- Jul 18, 2022
Defect: 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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 21V875000.
Structure
- Affected years
- 2016 Mazda CX-3
- Vehicles in this recall
- 580,455
- Reported
- Sep 6, 2016
- Owners notified
- Mar 8, 2017
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 16V644000.
Steering
- Affected years
- 2016 Mazda CX-3
- Vehicles in this recall
- 578
- Reported
- Apr 11, 2016
- Owners notified
- May 10, 2016
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 16V203000.
Common questions about Mazda CX-3 recalls
- Does the Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA has 4 recall campaigns on record for the Mazda CX-3 across the 2016 to 2021 model years. The most common areas are the back over prevention, fuel system, and structure.
- How many times has the Mazda CX-3 been recalled?
- The Mazda CX-3 has 4 recall campaigns from the 2016 to 2021 model years. A single campaign often covers several model years at once, so the number of recalls is not the same as the number of years affected.
- What is the most serious Mazda CX-3 recall?
- The most serious recall on record involves the structure, affecting 580,455 vehicles. If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Which Mazda CX-3 model year has the most recalls?
- The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has the most, with 3 recall campaigns on record. Older model years often pick up more recalls over time, since defects can surface years after a car is built.
- How do I check if my Mazda CX-3 has an open recall?
- Enter your 17-digit VIN on the recall check page. It returns the recalls tied to your exact vehicle straight from NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, with no expiration on most safety recalls.
Recall data comes from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. For how it is sourced and how the safety score is built, see the methodology and data sources. This page is a reference, not legal or safety advice.