2017 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 16, 2026 · 83 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MAZDA3 years
Fewer complaints than other years 15th of 23 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3. That ranks 15th out of 23 MAZDA3 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is unknown or other (27 complaints, 33%), typically at around 30,000 miles. Complaints mention 6 crashes, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2017 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Unknown or Other27 · ~30,000 mi
Electrical System20 · ~30,000 mi
Back Over Prevention11 · ~50,000 mi
Service Brakes7 · ~13,516 mi
Engine5 · ~27,500 mi
Visibility/wiper5 · ~22,822 mi
Structure4 · ~23,000 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance3 · ~30,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System3 · ~38,000 mi
Power Train3 · ~6,600 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Unknown or Other2733%30,000——
Electrical System2024%30,000——
Back Over Prevention1113%50,000——
Service Brakes78%13,516——
Engine56%27,500——
Visibility/wiper56%22,822——
Structure45%23,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance34%30,000——
Fuel/propulsion System34%38,000——
Power Train34%6,600——
Suspension34%35,000——
Wheels34%19,735——
Air Bags22%2——
Steering22%49,346——
Vehicle Speed Control22%9,500——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)11%4,200——
Equipment11%———
Exterior Lighting11%———
Lane Departure11%———
Seats11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2024, with 27 complaints
2017: 2201722018: 102018102019: 6201962020: 102020102021: 4202142022: 5202252023: 6202362024: 272024272025: 122025122026: 120261

n = 83 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraJul 14, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V487000 · 236,100 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerApr 4, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V272000 · 187,880 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Many modern trucks, SUVs, and cars use LED headlights that are excessively bright and create dangerous glare. When approaching these vehicles from the opposite direction, the headlights can be blinding — similar to having a flashlight shined directly into your eyes — causing temporary loss of…

Exterior Lighting · received Apr 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11731744

Anytime the tank was filled with gas there was a strong smell of gasoline vapors that persisted for several days. The car was a few months past its warranty on emissions issues and so I was charged about $1500 to replace a cracked fuel pump and fuel vent that was stuck open. The mechanic also said…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11686763

Repeated instances of the Mazda Infotainment system making changes randomly without any user input while driving. Repeated instances of the navigation system freezing, going black, rebooting while driving.

Electrical System · received Jul 28, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11676786

The original OEM radio in my Mazda has been experiencing persistent ghost touch issues, making it incredibly frustrating to use. The screen often registers inputs without me touching it, leading to random changes in volume, station selections, and menu navigation. As a result, I find myself unable…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 25, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11676190

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -> Infotainment display has "ghost touch" issue. Infotainment starts acting up on its own without driver input. It changes radio station automatically, places a call randomly, disconnects call…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 18, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11674432

Other Mazda MAZDA3 years

← 2016 MAZDA3 · 2018 MAZDA3 →

See all Mazda MAZDA3 problems by year, every Mazda model, or the Mazda VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owners most often report unknown or other, electrical system, back over prevention problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 27 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MAZDA3 model years, the 2017 has fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.