2015 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2015 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 65, ranking 8th worst of 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 130 complaints, 4 recalls (one do-not-drive), and brakes as the top problem area at 22% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 130
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32
- 28.5 city / 38.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2015 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes28 (22%)
- Electrical System27 (21%)
- Other27 (21%)
- Fuel System14 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (10%)
- Structure & Body12 (9%)
- Engine7 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (4%)
- Airbags4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report brakes locking up or failing to slow the car, in one case leading to a rear-end collision at highway speed.
- Some drivers describe the parking brake or emergency brake lever not engaging when pulled during a stop.
- Owners report smoke and flames coming from under the hood, accompanied by the check engine light and sudden shutdown.
- Several owners describe airbags failing to deploy during rear-end or frontal collisions, resulting in neck and back injuries.
- Some report the vehicle suddenly lurching or pulling to the side while parking or driving, leading to collisions with other vehicles.
- One owner found a sharp object protruding through the seat vinyl near the rear of the driver's seat.
2015 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 17V393000Jun 22, 2017Brakes227,814 vehicles
Parking brake
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.
Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
- NHTSA 16V684000Sep 22, 2016Fuel System17,484 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
2015 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28.5 MPG
- Highway
- 38.5 MPG
- Combined
- 32 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,050
- 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.
2015 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Mazda3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2015 Mazda3 carries a Caution verdict, ranking 8th worst of 21 model years with a complaint index of 65.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mazda3?
- Brakes account for 22% of complaints, followed by the electrical system at 21% and the fuel system at 11%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2015 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Mazda3, including one do-not-drive recall involving a fuel tank shut-off valve that could leak fuel.
- How does the 2015 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- The 2015 model's complaint index of 65 is worse than years like 2017 (25) and 2020 (0, rated Best), but better than 2010, which has the highest index at 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2015 Mazda3?
- The EPA rates the 2015 Mazda3 at 32 mpg combined (28.5 city / 38.5 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $2,050.