Recalls (3)
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Rearview Image May Not Display Properly
- Summary
- 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.
Rear Lift Gate may Fall if Lift Gate Stays Corrode
- Summary
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Consequence
- If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Insufficient Bolt Torque may Cause Steering Loss
- Summary
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
- Consequence
- If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (48)
48 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 48 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 11 | 22.9% |
| Unknown or other | 10 | 20.8% |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 14.6% |
| Back over prevention | 6 | 12.5% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 10.4% |
| Engine | 4 | 8.3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 8.3% |
| Lane departure | 2 | 4.2% |
| Seat belts | 2 | 4.2% |
| Seats | 2 | 4.2% |
How 2016 compares with other CX-3 years
Best and worst CX-3 years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 | 48 | 3 |
| 2017 | 21 | 1 |
| 2018 | 10 | 1 |
| 2019 | 27 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 | 1 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 5 stars overall
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2016 Mazda CX-3 suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 31 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,150
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 290 g/mi
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 31 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 35 / 31 | $2,150 | 290 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | $2,300 | 308 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2016 CX-3 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2016 Mazda CX-3 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns: 23V487000 (rear camera), 16V644000 (structure), 16V203000 (steering). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-3 problems?
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (11), Unknown or other (10), Exterior lighting (7) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 29 city, 35 highway and 31 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2016 Mazda CX-3 get?
NHTSA rated the 2016 Mazda CX-3 suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (13.8% rollover risk).
How does the 2016 CX-3 compare with other years?
Among the 2014–2021 Mazda CX-3 model years at least five years old, the 2020 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2016 the most (48). The 2016 drew 48. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.