How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Mazda3?

NHTSA lists 33 Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Mazda3, which is 25% of the 132 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2011 Mazda3?

Yes. Campaign 17V082000 covers seat lifter link reinforcement, and campaign 16V644000 covers lift gate support replacement on affected 2010-2013 Mazda3 vehicles.

At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 70,000 at the time of failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2011 Mazda3.

Were there any crashes or injuries tied to these complaints?

NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 4 injuries associated with Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Mazda3, with no fires reported.

How does the 2011 Mazda3 compare to other model years for this problem area?

The 2011 model's 33 complaints and 25% share are lower than the 2010 Mazda3's 274 complaints and 40% share, but higher than most later model years like 2014 through 2021.

2011 Mazda Mazda3 Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 33 Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Mazda3, 25% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. Two recalls (17V082000 and 16V644000) cover related seat lifter and lift gate support issues.

Structure & Body complaints: 33; 25% of 132
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 70,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Driver's seat tracks fail to lock securely, letting the seat slide, sink, or pop off its track while driving.
Owners report a loud snap or weld/bolt failure at the base of the seat, causing the seatback to fall backward unexpectedly.
Headlamp housings let in water after rain or car washes, causing condensation buildup and eventual bulb/ballast failure.
The dashboard surface develops a shiny, sticky feel and appears to be melting without any cleaner or solvent applied.
The interior door handle cable can snap, trapping occupants inside until they climb over the seat or use the outside handle through a window.
The hood latch striker can rust at its weld point, risking hood separation or the hood striking the windshield or driver visibility.

When 2011 Mazda Mazda3 body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 13, 2012, latest Jul 16, 2026.

33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2012 to Jul 2026; peak Feb 2016 (3).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2011 Mazda Mazda3

NHTSA 17V082000Feb 9, 2017Structure & Body173,859 vehicles
Seats
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.
Risk: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
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.
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.

Structure & Body complaints by Mazda3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010274 (40%)
201133 (25%)
201233 (15%)
201320 (17%)
20141 (1%)
201512 (9%)
20168 (8%)
20175 (6%)
20183 (3%)
20196 (8%)
20201 (3%)
20212 (4%)
20223 (13%)
20231 (8%)
20242 (17%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Mazda3?: NHTSA lists 33 Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Mazda3, which is 25% of the 132 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2011 Mazda3?: Yes. Campaign 17V082000 covers seat lifter link reinforcement, and campaign 16V644000 covers lift gate support replacement on affected 2010-2013 Mazda3 vehicles.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 70,000 at the time of failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2011 Mazda3.
Were there any crashes or injuries tied to these complaints?: NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 4 injuries associated with Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Mazda3, with no fires reported.
How does the 2011 Mazda3 compare to other model years for this problem area?: The 2011 model's 33 complaints and 25% share are lower than the 2010 Mazda3's 274 complaints and 40% share, but higher than most later model years like 2014 through 2021.