Mazda Mazda3 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Mazda Mazda3 2018 and 109 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Mazda Mazda3 between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Mazda Mazda3 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Mazda Mazda3 2018
Backup camera and sensors
NHTSA campaign 23V487000 · 2023-07-14
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 21V875000 · 2021-11-12
What happens
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 19V272000 · 2019-04-04
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Engine and cooling
NHTSA campaign 17V745000 · 2017-11-21
What happens
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
109 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
6 with a crash · 5 injuries · 1 death
Most reported problems on the Mazda Mazda3 2018
- Electrical system: 30 (28% of complaints)
- Wipers: 16 (15% of complaints)
- Backup camera and sensors: 15 (14% of complaints)
- Engine: 12 (11% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 7 (6% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Mazda Mazda3 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Shift into reverse several times and make sure the camera always displays.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Mazda Mazda3 recalls by year
- 2016 : 6 recalls · 103 complaints
- 2017 : 2 recalls · 84 complaints
- 2018 : 4 recalls · 109 complaints
- 2019 : 6 recalls · 74 complaints
- 2020 : 2 recalls · 32 complaints
- 2021 : 1 recall · 54 complaints
- 2022 : 0 recalls · 24 complaints
- 2023 : 0 recalls · 12 complaints
- 2024 : 3 recalls · 12 complaints
- 2025 : 1 recall · 8 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mazda Mazda3 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Mazda Mazda3 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Mazda Mazda3 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: electrical system (30 of 109 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).