2011 Mazda MAZDA3: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 132 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (18% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Feb 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 132 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The car is jerking and check engine light is on. Also when you are stopped and press on the gar it takes a bit to get speed. The transmission control module needs to be replaced. There seems to be this issue on many mazda's just not sure why a recall hasn't been done for this case.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2024
“The Baffle in my tank has broken loose for uncertain reasons. This seems to be a common problem with Mazda and has had a recall in the 2015 models even.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2022
“Automatic transmission failure. It causes the vehicle to jar around and have misproper steering. For example improper acceleration causes inability to move in a fluid motion. Causes risks of someone rearending or hitting another vehicle.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“My Mazda 3 2011 dash is splitting and it was inspected by the Mazda dealership. It pulls a safety issue because the glue and sticky material that was coming from the dash is shining into my eyes every time I drive during daylight. I am afraid the airbags will be affected too because the dash is coming part that means air bags can be a malfunction also.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2021
“The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2021
“The seat height adjustment lifter link has broken and my driver seat wobbles tilting up and down during normal operation. There is a recall for this exact issue for this exact model of vehicle 2011 Mazda 3.”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2021
“Anti theft system activated on me after I shut off the car. Was sitting in a parking lot waiting for my daughter to get out of work. I shut the car off and it wouldn't start. My mechanic said the anti theft system activated which shouldn't of happened.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2021
“The driver seat is causing server lower back pain regardless of the position of the seat. I tried all ways I could adjust the seat but the curvature in the seat is pushing against my lower back. I have been easy on the zoom zoom effect but in acceleration and breaking, it just hurts my lower back.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2021
“Transmission slips out and shift shock in first gear to second year. Over revving and bucking on the freeway. These are BAD transmissions”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2021
“The airbag light keeps coming on flickering periodically as I'm driving. I'm very concerned about this airbag if it's going to deploy while I'm driving or if it's going to even deploy if I do get into an accident and if it's going to work or am I going to be killed if it doesn't deploy I'm very concern it's is safety issue.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact MAZDA3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
NHTSA has 132 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3. The most complained-about area is air bags (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 48,550 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body:hatchback/liftgate. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.