Mazda Mazda3 Complaints (2022)

24 consumer complaints on file.

#11756362August 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) / infotainment system has experienced a complete, permanent internal electronic failure, logged by Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC U3000:49 (Control Module Internal Electronic Failure). The main display screen is completely dark at all times and never powers on or responds. The unit is available for inspection upon request. This total hardware failure creates critical safety hazards: 1. Non-Compliance with FMVSS No. 111 (Rear Visibility): Because the rearview camera relies entirely on the main display screen, the backup camera is 100% inoperative. When shifting into Reverse, the screen remains black, offering zero rearward visibility and creating an immediate backover risk to pedestrians, children, and property. 2. Complete Loss of Driver Assistance & Emergency Systems: The permanently dark display eliminates access to active safety guidance, rear cross-traffic visual alerts, parking distance indicators, turn-by-turn navigation, and hands-free emergency communication interfaces. 3. Ongoing Driver Distraction: Operating the vehicle without essential safety/navigation displays requires additional driver focus, causing persistent cognitive distraction. The failure was confirmed via professional OBD-II diagnostic scanning showing DTC U3000:49, which explicitly denotes an unprovoked internal component failure rather than wear and tear. The manufacturer has declined to repair or replace the failed assembly out of warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706801December 23, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Transmission control unit (TCU) failure with error code P061B in 2022 Mazda 3. Problem began approximately 6 months after purchase (February 2023, mileage 8181). Despite five repair attempts by Russell & Smith Mazda Houston (August 8, 2023; January 22, 2025; April 8, 2025; October 13, 2025; December 23, 2025), dealer has been unable to correct the issue. TCU malfunction substantially impairs vehicle use and creates serious safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703034December 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“My 2022 Mazda 3 is experiencing an ‘in-network malfunction’ related to the vehicle’s internal communication system. Multiple technicians have told me this is an internal vehicle network/communication fault, not caused by wear or damage. The dealer refuses to repair it unless I pay out-of-pocket, even though this appears to be a manufacturer defect in the electrical network system, (TCU)This malfunction affects the reliability of the vehicle’s electronics and could impact safety systems while driving. Mazda has not taken responsibility for diagnosing or repairing the issue, and I believe this defect needs to be investigated, as other owners may be affected as well.”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693896October 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car doesn't start if sitting more than 4 days untouched. When i went to the dealer, they informed me they know about the issue but nothing can be done about it. They even told me what the issue was, there's something in the car (they don't know what) that draws a lot of power non stop. kills the battery and some time will get stuck mid ignition. I've replaced the battery a few times as well. It's very stressful trying to deal with it after a 12-16 hour shift at work. knowing it will happened again and again, over and over.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675382July 22, 2025
AIR BAGS
I recently received a warning on the dashboard that there is an airbag malfunction and needs to be taken in to get serviced. The warning continues to appear. This appears similar to a recent recall of 2024-2025 Mazda 3s and CX-30s, but there does not appear to be a recall issued for 2022 Mazda 3 models. I have scheduled an appointment for July 24, 2025 at the Mazda dealership to get my vehicle inspected, but because there is no active recall, Mazda states that I may have to pay for the diagnosis and any repairs. I disagree that I am required to pay for any diagnosis/inspections/repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648817March 17, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:INTERIOR
Driver door does not open from inside the vehicle. Door opens when opened from outside the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632713December 27, 2024
AIR BAGS
The passenger-side "airbag off" light does not go off, even with an adult in the passenger seat. This is a US car without an ability to disable the airbag, so this should never happen. We assume this means that the airbag will not inflate in an accident. It happens on about 60% of drives with a passenger, and the dealer was unable to reproduce.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608484August 14, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2022 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated unexpectedly. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and bumped his head. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated. The vehicle stopped independently while the contact was driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to four dealers and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and twelve complaints had been filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,287.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577126March 13, 2024
ENGINE
The coolant control valve stays open.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11557754November 30, 2023
AIR BAGS
For a few weeks in November 2023, I had my dash alarm/notify me when I would turn on my car and it would state "Airbag System Malfunction" then disappear. Potential risk with this issue is that the airbag may deploy randomly or not deploy at all if collision happens. This is extremely scary as I have a child and I commute daily for work. I have turned my car into the dealer since 11/29/23 and currently have a loaner. No update so far from the dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555198November 15, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased the car new in April 2022. They have replaced the battery twice in the last year. They now tell me that there are no replacement batteries made for my vehicle and have acknowledged a problem with the battery made by Johnson control. The battery will not hold a proper charge after the vehicle is shut off. They have offered a loaner car but cannot tell me how long it would take to resolve the issue. In order to drive the vehicle I have to carry a jump pack in the car with me in case the battery goes dead and will not start.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521951May 14, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Humming or wining noise coming from back of vehicle when driving in highways around 75 mph.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521950May 14, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Constant rattling after only 2,000 miles. Sounds like it’s coming from behind the glove box. Another constant rattle from the head up display.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516740April 12, 2023
POWER TRAIN
with less than 7000 miles on a new Mazda3, the transfer and transfer housing went out. This meant the all wheel drive did not operate properly, which could have caused an accident in the right conditions. This was covered by warranty, as well as a shock, strut, and numerous related parts. In total, the warranty covered the total $4395 to repair a car with less than 7000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511602March 13, 2023
ENGINE
I purchased the car on 02/05/2022, the car mileage is close to 15, 500 miles, on 03/03/2023 the car displayed a vehicle issue message stating low oil level. I checked the oil level dipstick and it was in fact below the minimum line. I added 1 quart of oil as advised by owner's manual. On 3/13/2023, I had an appointment with the dealership for inspection and the dealership confirmed there are no oil leaks and stated the car is fine. The car was not due for oil change and that time, so it had burned a substantial amount of oil. The dealership told me to keep an eye on the oil levels. For the meantime, looks like I will have to drive with a spare quart of oil, very disappointing being that it's a new car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500455January 6, 2023
SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS
I was rear ended while at complete stop by someone going over 40mph on 12/19/22. My airbags did not deploy and my seat belts did not lock out. Directly after being hit my phone flashed a safety fracture malfunction on the dash board and then sent the notification to the mazda app on my phone.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11493145November 10, 2022
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
On 8/11/2022, my car indicated a message on my dashboard that said “Air Bag System Malfunction. Have the Vehicle Inspected.” I also received a Safety & Security message in my Inbox on my app that stated “Air bag system and seat belt pre-tensioner system malfunction. Vehicle airbags and seat belt pre-tensioner may not operate correctly in an emergency. Have the vehicle inspected by your dealer.” This message was received multiple times. I called the dealer and they weren’t sure what it meant so I took it to them on October 6, I dropped off my car at the dealer. They called me a few hours later and told me that my car was not safe to drive because the airbag and seat belts weren’t working. Fortunately they had a rental for me, however, today is 11/10/2022 and I still don’t have my car back. They stated that it may take up to 6 weeks to get the parts in. And this dealer has never seen anything like this before.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492585November 7, 2022
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The same or similar issue is described here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10209787-0001.pdf Essentially, this issue has to do with the wiring under the seat that is responsible for airbag functioning. Adjusting the seat caused "Airbag Malfunctioning" alarm/notification to go off on a numerous occasions. Potential risk with this issue is that the airbag may deploy randomly or not deploy at all if collision happens. The vehicle has been inspected by vehicle who is working on the repair. However, the vehicle has been waiting for spare parts for 3 weeks now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11474009July 14, 2022
AIR BAGS
I purchased my car on February 5, 2022. After two months and 3000 miles later, I started receiving a notification that reads “Airbag Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” I took the car to the dealer, and after 6 hours, they determined that the airbag was not receiving enough power, which triggered the warning. They replaced the part, and now two months later, I have received the same notification. This problem is persistent, and I have seen in forums that many are having to deal with this issue. Mazda needs to recall the cars to replace the parts with ones that will not cause this type of inconvenience. After all, airbags are a huge part of safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11471664June 29, 2022
AIR BAGS
"Air bag system malfunction" Mazda3 Hatchback Preferred Package 2022. Current Miles: 3911 Owned for 6months. Received w/5 miles, I believe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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