YearToAvoid

2016 Mazda CX-3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 7 CX-3 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 ranks worst of the 7 model years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 48 NHTSA complaints. Electrical System issues make up 35% of complaints, plus 3 recalls including a rearview camera flicker and a front strut mounting recall.

Complaints
48
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
30
28 city / 33.5 hwy

Top 2016 Mazda CX-3 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System17 (35%)
  2. Other10 (21%)
  3. Engine6 (13%)
  4. Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (13%)
  5. Fuel System5 (10%)
  6. Structure & Body4 (8%)
  7. Visibility & Wipers4 (8%)
  8. Brakes2 (4%)
  9. Lane Departure2 (4%)
  10. Seat Belts2 (4%)

What owners report

  • Headlights fail to produce adequate illumination when turning, and dealers report being unable to adjust them.
  • Windshield wipers leave water streaks across the glass during rain, even after blade replacement, reducing visibility.
  • Sudden unintended acceleration reported while braking to a stop, with the engine revving and brakes feeling ineffective.
  • Parking brake recall repairs delayed for months due to unavailable parts.
  • Rear liftgate corrosion recall left unresolved for over two months, raising concerns about road salt exposure.
  • Sunroof shattered suddenly while driving on a smooth, straight road at moderate speed.
2016 Mazda CX-3 complaints: complaints filed per month7Jan 2016Dec 2016Jan 2019Jan 2020Sep 2021Feb 2023Dec 2023Jun 2024
60 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2016 to May 2026; peak Dec 2019 (7).

2016 Mazda CX-3 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V487000Jul 14, 2023Collision Avoidance & Cameras236,100 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    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.

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: 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 letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

  2. NHTSA 16V644000Sep 6, 2016Structure & Body580,455 vehicles

    Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

    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.

    Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

    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.

  3. NHTSA 16V203000Apr 11, 2016Steering578 vehicles

    Steering

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

    Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

2016 Mazda CX-3 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
28 MPG
Highway
33.5 MPG
Combined
30 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,175
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other CX-3 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002014201620172018201920202021
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014No verdict030—
2016Avoid10048330
2017Caution6721130
2018Caution5010130

All Mazda CX-3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 CX-3 has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of the 7 model years tracked, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other CX-3 years.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
Electrical System issues account for 35% of complaints (17 of 48), followed by Engine and Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues, each at 13%.
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 CX-3: a rearview camera display issue, a rear liftgate support problem, and a front strut mounting nut/bolt issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
How does the 2016 CX-3 compare to other CX-3 model years?
The 2016 CX-3 ranks worst with a Complaint Index of 100, ahead of 2019 (83, Avoid) and well above 2017 (67, Caution) and 2018 (50, Caution).
At what mileage do 2016 CX-3 problems typically appear?
Across all reported issues, the median mileage at failure is 20,000 miles, though Electrical System complaints show a higher median of 52,500 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.