Does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have a collision avoidance recall?

Yes. Recall 19V907000, reported December 19, 2019, covers 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles where the Smart Brake System can falsely detect an obstacle and trigger automatic emergency braking. Mazda's remedy is a dealer software update to the SBS.

How common are collision avoidance complaints for the 2020 Mazda3?

NHTSA lists 15 Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints for the 2020 Mazda3, which is 47% of the 32 total complaints filed for that model year — the highest share among all Mazda3 model years listed.

At what mileage do these problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported complaints is 5,653 miles.

Have these false braking incidents caused any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2020 Mazda3 lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported complaints.

Is this issue worse on the 2020 Mazda3 than other years?

Yes, relative to other Mazda3 model years. The 2020 model's 47% share of complaints tied to Collision Avoidance & Cameras is higher than every other year listed, including 2018 at 19% and 2021 at 14%.

2020 Mazda Mazda3 Collision Avoidance & Cameras Problems

NHTSA has logged 15 Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, 47% of all 32 complaints for the year — the highest share of any model year. A related recall (19V907000) addresses false Smart Brake System activations, with a median failure mileage of 5,653.

Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints: 15; 47% of 32
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 5,653 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical collision avoidance system symptoms owners report

Owners report the Smart Brake System (SBS) suddenly and forcefully applying the brakes at highway and city speeds with no obstacle present.
Some describe a collision warning alert or 'Brake!' message on the dash followed by an automatic full stop, even in stop-and-go or slow traffic under 5 mph.
Several drivers say the vehicle braked hard for cars in adjacent lanes or for vehicles far ahead with plenty of stopping distance.
One owner reported the front radar sensor failing outright, disabling forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, reportedly linked to water intrusion.
A few owners note the collision warning sounded without triggering the automatic brakes, or triggered braking with no actual risk of collision.
Multiple owners say dealers could not duplicate the false-braking issue during inspection despite repeated occurrences.

When 2020 Mazda Mazda3 collision avoidance system complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 13, 2021, latest Sep 26, 2023.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2021 to Sep 2023; peak May 2021 (2).

Collision Avoidance & Cameras recalls for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3

NHTSA 19V907000Dec 19, 2019Collision Avoidance & Cameras35,390 vehicles
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.

Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints by Mazda3 model year

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

20101 (0%)
20110 (0%)
20120 (0%)
20130 (0%)
201412 (9%)
201513 (10%)
201612 (12%)
201713 (16%)
201820 (19%)
20199 (12%)
202015 (47%)
20217 (14%)
20222 (8%)
20232 (17%)
20242 (17%)
20252 (29%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have a collision avoidance recall?: Yes. Recall 19V907000, reported December 19, 2019, covers 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles where the Smart Brake System can falsely detect an obstacle and trigger automatic emergency braking. Mazda's remedy is a dealer software update to the SBS.
How common are collision avoidance complaints for the 2020 Mazda3?: NHTSA lists 15 Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints for the 2020 Mazda3, which is 47% of the 32 total complaints filed for that model year — the highest share among all Mazda3 model years listed.
At what mileage do these problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported complaints is 5,653 miles.
Have these false braking incidents caused any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2020 Mazda3 lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported complaints.
Is this issue worse on the 2020 Mazda3 than other years?: Yes, relative to other Mazda3 model years. The 2020 model's 47% share of complaints tied to Collision Avoidance & Cameras is higher than every other year listed, including 2018 at 19% and 2021 at 14%.