Model year guide

2016 Mazda Mazda3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 21 on record.

2016 Mazda Mazda3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2016 Mazda Mazda3 at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints102
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Typical price$13,336

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2016 Mazda Mazda3 recalls 6

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer NHTSA Campaign #19V272000 · 04/04/2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 321…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #16V684000 · 22/09/2016

Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. 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.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage NHTSA Campaign #16V685000 · 23/09/2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the recirculation pipe weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall …

Parking Brake NHTSA Campaign #17V393000 · 22/06/2017

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when r…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #15V621000 · 02/10/2015

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 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. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's fuel shut-off valve. As needed, the fuel shut-off valve and the affected fuel tank emissions system components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle un…

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #23V487000 · 14/07/2023

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner le…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2016 Mazda Mazda3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Back Over Prevention
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Parking Brake
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2016 Mazda Mazda3 safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Low
$11,200
Typical price
$13,336
High
$18,995

From 20 comparable 2016 Mazda Mazda3 listings.

2016 Mazda Mazda3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Sport/GX · Grand Touring/GT · SV/Base · Touring/GS · SE
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl

2016 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles on record

Other Mazda Mazda3 model years

2016 Mazda Mazda3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?

Based on 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, back over prevention, steering.

What is the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

How much is a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Comparable 2016 Mazda Mazda3 listings run roughly $11,200–$18,995, typically around $13,336 (from 20 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.