The Lemon Index2016 Mazda3.
The 2016 Mazda3 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 37 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 30 to 33 mpg combined. The best Mazda3 year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 104 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 62K miles on the car (46 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- back over prevention 2023
The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
- visibility 2019
A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
- parking brake 2017
Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Show all 6 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda3 told dealers about
Mazda3 sent dealers 667 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 2016 mazda3: intermittent no crank/no start
- Squeaking/grinding noise from the rear brake even after the brake pedal is
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda2 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1950–2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
No accidents recalls that have not been fixed. Dealer can't get parts
2016 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11035475
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Mazda3 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda3 year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2016 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (24%), electrical (14%) and parking brake (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda3 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda3 get?
30 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Mazda3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Mazda3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 18,800 and 62,200 miles. The middle report was at 36,800 miles, from 46 complaints.
Does the 2016 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Mazda3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2013 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works