2017 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2017 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 25, ranking 16th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Mazda3 years. NHTSA lists 83 complaints and 2 recalls, led by electrical system issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 25/100
- #16 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 83
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 27 city / 36.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2017 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other28 (34%)
- Electrical System21 (25%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (16%)
- Brakes8 (10%)
- Engine6 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (7%)
- Structure & Body5 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (6%)
- Fuel System3 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report the car jerking or wobbling to the side while driving, with dealers unable to find a cause.
- Owners describe unintended acceleration where the car sped forward or increased speed rapidly despite braking.
- Several report the brake pedal going to the floor with little or no stopping effect.
- One owner reported a door flying open on the freeway during a highway drive.
- Windshields reportedly showed ripples near the pillars that caused eye strain and distorted forward vision.
- Owners describe the engine failing to accelerate momentarily during a turn despite pressing the throttle.
2017 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
2 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 19V272000Apr 4, 2019Visibility & Wipers187,880 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
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.
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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 3219D.
2017 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36.5 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,125
- 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.
2017 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Mazda3 reliable?
- Relative to other Mazda3 model years, the 2017 rates Good, with a complaint index of 25 and rank 16th worst of 21 years tracked.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mazda3?
- NHTSA complaints most often involve the Electrical System (21 complaints, 25% share) followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras (13 complaints, 16% share) and Brakes (8 complaints, 10% share).
- Does the 2017 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Mazda3: one for a rearview camera that may flicker or show a distorted image, and one for a windshield wiper relay that could leave wipers inoperative.
- How does the 2017 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- The 2017 model has a lower complaint index (25) than earlier years like 2010 (100) and 2008 (95), which carry Avoid verdicts, making 2017 one of the better years for this model.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Mazda3?
- EPA rates the 2017 Mazda3 at 30.5 mpg combined (27 city / 36.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,125.