2013 Mazda MAZDA3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 117 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is exterior lighting (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The Brake Pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). The master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty ABS control unit (which, when Mazda was contacted, said that part was on backorder until September). If the manufacturer knows this is an issue and can't supply the part due to so many replacements needed in their vehicle, why is there no recall? There is no warning to the driver on the dashboard of this issue and has causes repeated issues while breaking.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2024
“Transmission Control Module malfunction. The AT light came on and the car made a jerking motion and a clunking noise. It lost power and would not shift which is very dangerous in moving traffic. It put me at risk for getting hit by another vehicle not expecting the abrupt change in speed by my vehicle. The check engine light is now lit up. There were no warning lights before the vehicle's transmission malfunctioned. A code came up on the vehicle when tested. U0101 lost communication with TCM. From what I have read, researched, and have been told this issue is very common for certain years of Mazda 3's including mine.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V644000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“After filing up the gas tank, there is a strong smell of fuel coming from the car. It remains strong until the tank is run down to about 3/4. Gas can be seen dripping down the tank under the car. Gas drips are clearly visible on the ground. This has been an ongoing problem for approximately two years.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2023
“Steering becomes unpredictable and stiff accompanied by surging and loss of power. Check engine light comes on. Code P0882”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2023
“ABS Module suddenly start failing causing brake sinks down. Almost crashed because of it. It appears to be a very common issue but Mazda still does not recall these ABS modules made by Ford/ATE. Also, it does not show any ABS warning light, which might be why not many people have called on this as they probably thought it was normal. There is all sort of communication error codes if you read with a OBDII scanner. In fact, Ford had a recall for these ABS modules, citing "stuck or slow-responding valves due to reaction with brake fluid".”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2022
“When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for this vehicle. A similar problem exists on the 2014 Mazda's and a recall does exist for that vehicle.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2021
“Exact same issue as campaign number: 17v082 the seats in this year of mazda 3 are the same as in the 2010-2011 models. The metal has snapped in half causing the need for repair for safe driving. This happened while turning a corner on a city street going about 30km/h driver is 260lbs”Owner report · Seats · May 2021
“When you press on the brakes all the vehicles lights flashing from bright to deem the headlights, inside panel lights flashing from bright to deem making it difficult to see at night it acts like car is losing power”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2021
“Ongoing problem - reported by others in many forums. Technical service bulletin issued. During breaking headlights pulse brighter and dimmer”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 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 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
NHTSA has 117 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 41,500 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.