Back over prevention: camera
Remedy pending
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.
Research · Compact Cars
2016 Mazda CX-3Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Most complaints involve electrical system (11) and exterior lighting (7). The EPA rates it 29–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
29–31mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jul 2023
Owner complaints
48
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Structure: hatchback
Free remedy
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.
Steering
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
48 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2016 – May 2026
- Electrical system11
- Exterior lighting7
- Back over prevention6
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Engine4
- Visibility/wiper4
- Seats2
- Lane departure2
- Seat belts2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
11 reports
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical component issues have bled over to the digital speedometer, making it difficult to see the speed at which you are driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unknown Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No”
Exterior lighting
7 reports
“THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE CONTAINED MOISTURE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, CAUSING DIFFUSED, DIMMED VISIBILITY AT NIGHT...VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO, CONCERNED THAT ELECTRICAL MAY BE AFFECTED EVENTUALLY.... Mazda still will not recall and repair?? on fixed income, to pricey for me to repair!”
Back over prevention
6 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 35 | 31 | $2,000 | 290 |
| CX-3 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,150 | 308 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 13.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 13.6%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 CX-3 questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have?
3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-3 problems?
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (11), exterior lighting (7), back over prevention (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Mazda CX-3 at 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2016 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Mazda CX-3 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026