Mazda MAZDA3 Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 366 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Mazda MAZDA3 across 21 model years. The 2010 model year has the most (50).
- 366electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 14mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $1,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the Mazda MAZDA3 at $1,450, and half of them between $1,050 and $1,600.
Based on 12 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2010–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 216 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 366 complaints, 14 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 2 an injury.
Mazda MAZDA3 electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 MAZDA3 | 5 | 42% | 1,900 |
| 2023 MAZDA3 | 3 | 25% | — |
| 2022 MAZDA3 | 5 | 21% | — |
| 2021 MAZDA3 | 7 | 13% | 1,700 |
| 2020 MAZDA3 | 3 | 9% | — |
| 2019 MAZDA3 | 11 | 15% | 4,000 |
| 2018 MAZDA3 | 30 | 28% | 29,850 |
| 2017 MAZDA3 | 20 | 24% | 30,000 |
| 2016 MAZDA3 | 22 | 21% | 28,330 |
| 2015 MAZDA3 | 24 | 18% | 27,000 |
| 2014 MAZDA3 | 27 | 20% | 12,300 |
| 2013 MAZDA3 | 32 | 27% | 49,000 |
| 2012 MAZDA3 | 25 | 11% | 62,000 |
| 2011 MAZDA3 | 15 | 11% | 60,000 |
| 2010 MAZDA3 | 50 | 7% | 83,500 |
| 2009 MAZDA3 | 5 | 4% | 60,000 |
| 2008 MAZDA3 | 17 | 6% | 68,800 |
| 2007 MAZDA3 | 19 | 9% | 101,500 |
| 2006 MAZDA3 | 21 | 13% | 71,145 |
| 2005 MAZDA3 | 17 | 18% | 100,000 |
| 2004 MAZDA3 | 8 | 6% | 93,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel; seat belts:front:warning light/devices
Model years: 2019
Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.
Risk: Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Model years: 2014
Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.
Risk: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.
Electrical system
Model years: 2010
Problem: Mazda is recalling 25,400 my 2010 mazda3 vehicles. A clearance between the engine harness and the housing of starter motor may be insufficient. Due to this, the covering of the harness may be damaged through vibration during operation possibly causing a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing. A short-circuit can result in engine control malfunction and/or poor shift quality.
Risk: The main fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and inability of restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will have the engine harness inspect and add a protector clip on the affected section of the harness. If necessary, the harness will be repaired. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on may 6, 2009. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While driving to work, the dashboard displayed âCharging system malfunction, pull over.â The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle has electric power steering, so a loss of charging power while driving could reduce steering assist and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This happened three…
The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) / infotainment system has experienced a complete, permanent internal electronic failure, logged by Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC U3000:49 (Control Module Internal Electronic Failure). The main display screen is completely dark at all times and never powers…
I was denied work on a network issue recall 3 separate times at the dealership I bought the car. The first time I was told it was because of a smell. If I clean the car, they will fix it. I noticed after they were in the car my backup camera didnât work which I also thought might be a recall but…
The AT light came on the dash, added transmission fluid because it was a little low but the light still has not gone off. I think there is an electrical problem within the transmission. It's had shifting issues since purchasing this vehicle. I also have a small child that comes with me to work and…
The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda MAZDA3s have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 366 owner complaints about electrical system for the Mazda MAZDA3. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mazda MAZDA3 electrical system?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,450 (half paid between $1,050 and $1,600), from 12 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
Other Mazda MAZDA3 problems
- Steering problems (393)
- Structure problems (282)
- Air Bags problems (259)
- Power Train problems (249)
- Engine problems (211)
- Service Brakes problems (197)
- Seats problems (175)
- Tires problems (167)
See all Mazda MAZDA3 problems.