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NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2018 Mazda Mazda3
Common Problems

Ranked from 46 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

3
High severity
4
Medium
1
Low

8 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Infotainment System Glitch (Ghost Touch)

    17complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The infotainment screen randomly changes settings and functions without user interaction, causing distraction and potential safety issues.

    $200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Backup Camera Malfunction

    10complaints
    High severityOther

    The backup camera intermittently fails to display images or shows distorted views, increasing the risk of collisions during reversing.

    $250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  3. 3

    Engine Stall During Attempted Start

    5complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine fails to start or stalls after multiple attempts, requiring significant time and effort to restart.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recall: 17V745000

  4. 4

    Windshield Wiper System Failure

    5complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    The windshield wipers stop functioning properly, leading to reduced visibility during rainy conditions.

    Related recall: 21V875000

  5. 5

    High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

    4complaints
    High severityEngine

    The high-pressure fuel pump fails, preventing the engine from starting or running smoothly, posing a safety risk.

    $500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recall: 17V745000

  6. 6

    Acceleration Control Issues

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    The vehicle maintains speed after releasing the accelerator, not behaving as cruise control should.

    Related recall: 21V875000

  7. 7

    Battery Failure

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The battery repeatedly dies, requiring frequent replacements or charges.

  8. 8

    Fuel Odor and Leaking

    2complaints
    Medium severityFuel system

    A strong fuel odor emanates from the vehicle, possibly indicating a fuel leak, posing a fire risk.

    Related recall: 21V875000

Other years & sources

2010 Mazda Mazda3All NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.