Mazda MAZDA3 Fuel/propulsion System Problems
Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Mazda MAZDA3 across 18 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (21). The words owners use most often: “fuel tank” (23% of reports).
- 105fuel/propulsion system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $980typical repair cost reported by owners
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel tank: mentioned in 24 of 105 complaints (23%)
- Gas smell: mentioned in 8 of 105 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical fuel/propulsion system repair on the Mazda MAZDA3 at $980, and half of them between $640 and $1,550.
Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2016–2025), 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 fuel/propulsion system problems happen?
Based on 51 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 105 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 2 a fire.
Mazda MAZDA3 fuel/propulsion system complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel/propulsion System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 MAZDA3 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2020 MAZDA3 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2019 MAZDA3 | 8 | 11% | 7,776 |
| 2018 MAZDA3 | 7 | 6% | 34 |
| 2017 MAZDA3 | 3 | 4% | 38,000 |
| 2016 MAZDA3 | 6 | 6% | 44,000 |
| 2015 MAZDA3 | 12 | 9% | 2,000 |
| 2014 MAZDA3 | 21 | 15% | 23,550 |
| 2013 MAZDA3 | 2 | 2% | 65,000 |
| 2012 MAZDA3 | 18 | 8% | 50,150 |
| 2011 MAZDA3 | 3 | 2% | 27,500 |
| 2010 MAZDA3 | 4 | 1% | 203,115 |
| 2009 MAZDA3 | 3 | 3% | 42,700 |
| 2008 MAZDA3 | 2 | 1% | 68,000 |
| 2007 MAZDA3 | 6 | 3% | 95,000 |
| 2006 MAZDA3 | 3 | 2% | 113,500 |
| 2005 MAZDA3 | 1 | 1% | 190,000 |
| 2004 MAZDA3 | 2 | 1% | 115,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists fuel/propulsion system for the Mazda MAZDA3. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Low pressure fuel pump failure with 75,575 miles on odometer. Fuel pump completely seized. Car was parked at a retail location and would not start. Upon troubleshooting, mechanic was able to determine the low pressure pump was not delivering fuel. Pump was replaced. Faulty fuel pumps could lead to…
The fuel tank leaks fuel at a full tank and smells of gas in the cabin until about 3/4 tank. Car was dripping a large puddle of gas inside of a parking garage. Problem has been reproduced by my mechanic even after replacing the fuel pump retaining ring. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer…
While parked on a slight downhill grade, gasoline started leaking and created a significant puddle on the ground. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. An independent service center ran numerous tests over two days, including a smoke test. Diagnosis: There is a hole in top section of fuel…
Fuel leaking out of top of tank. Took car to two different shops. They both told me about a recall on the gas tank. They did every test possible and replaced O ring. Even did smoke evap system test. Tank still leaks from the top when full. They said the tank needs replaced. There is a recall for…
Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda MAZDA3s have fuel/propulsion system problems?
No. NHTSA has 105 owner complaints about fuel/propulsion 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 fuel/propulsion system?
No recall currently lists fuel/propulsion system for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix fuel/propulsion system problems on the Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners report a typical cost of $980 (half paid between $640 and $1,550), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Mazda MAZDA3?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel tank”, in 24 of 105 complaints, followed by “gas smell” (8).
Other Mazda MAZDA3 problems
- Steering problems (393)
- Electrical System problems (366)
- Structure problems (282)
- Air Bags problems (259)
- Power Train problems (249)
- Engine problems (211)
- Service Brakes problems (197)
- Seats problems (175)
See all Mazda MAZDA3 problems.