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

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

Is there a recall related to these Structure & Body problems?

Yes. Campaign 17V082000 covers a seat lifter link reinforcement bracket, and campaign 16V644000 covers replacement of liftgate supports on 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles.

What seat problems do 2011 Mazda3 owners report?

Owners describe the driver's seat sliding out of its track, sometimes popping loose while driving, and in one case a weld or bolt at the seat base snapping and tipping the seat backward.

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

The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2011 Mazda3 is 70,000 miles.

Were there any injuries linked to these complaints?

NHTSA records show 4 injuries and 2 crashes associated with complaints in this problem area for the 2011 Mazda3.

2011 Mazda Mazda3 Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 33 Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Mazda Mazda3, about 25% of that year's 132 total complaints. Two recalls cover this area: a seat lifter bracket recall and a liftgate support recall. Median mileage at failure was 70,000.

Structure & Body complaints: 33; 25% of 132 complaints
All complaints this year: 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 track fails or slides out of position unexpectedly, sometimes popping loose while driving.
A weld or bolt at the base of the seat can snap, causing the seat to tip backward suddenly while underway.
Headlamp housings let in water, causing condensation buildup that leads to bulb and ballast failure and loss of illumination.
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 while driving.
The dashboard surface can develop a soft, sticky, melting texture without any cleaners or solvents applied.

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.

20054 (4%)
200615 (9%)
200711 (5%)
20088 (3%)
20095 (4%)
2010275 (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 the 2011 Mazda Mazda3 have?: NHTSA lists 33 Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Mazda3, which is about 25% of the 132 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to these Structure & Body problems?: Yes. Campaign 17V082000 covers a seat lifter link reinforcement bracket, and campaign 16V644000 covers replacement of liftgate supports on 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles.
What seat problems do 2011 Mazda3 owners report?: Owners describe the driver's seat sliding out of its track, sometimes popping loose while driving, and in one case a weld or bolt at the seat base snapping and tipping the seat backward.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2011 Mazda3 is 70,000 miles.
Were there any injuries linked to these complaints?: NHTSA records show 4 injuries and 2 crashes associated with complaints in this problem area for the 2011 Mazda3.