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2013 Mazda Mazda3 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering hatchback/liftgate. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Headlight flicker or pulse while braking.” Mazda's Skyactiv engines use unusually high compression ratios (13:1 to 16:1) and require strict adherence to oil intervals — extending oil life on a Skyactiv engine accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Mazda's published Schedule 1 (severe) covers most US driving conditions.

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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #16V644000 · Jun 9, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Mazda Mazda3.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Headlight flicker or pulse while braking

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

34 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2024-02

“When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436434
“WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS FLICKER/PULSE. OVER THE LAST 6-12 MONTHS THIS ISSUE HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED SO THAT IT HAS BEGUN REDUCING VISIBILITY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289040
“PCM DOES NOT REGULATE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT CORRECTLY CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO FLASH/STROBE AND HORN TONE TO FLUCTUATE WHILE BRAKING IN MOTION. THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHING COULD LEAD OTHER DRIVERS TO BELIEVE YOU ARE SIGNALING THEM, AND LACK OF POWER TO HORN REDUCES THE AUDIBILITY AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048713

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat frame weld failure and wobble

SEATS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2021-05

“THE SEAT LIFTER LINK ON MY 2013 MAZDA 3 POWER SEAT HAS A BROKEN WELD THAT ALLOWS THE DRIVERS SEAT TO WOBBLE FRONT TO BACK. THE WELD HAS OPENED UP SHOWING THE MOTOR SHAFT. WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THE SEAT MOVES BACK AND FEELS LIKE IT WILL SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11255950
“THE SWING ARM THAT ATTACHES THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE LEFT-SIDE SEAT RUNNER UNEXPECTEDLY DETACHED. CLOSE INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A WELD FAILURE / METAL FATIGUE AT THE POINT WHERE THE ARM WAS WELDED TO THE ROD THAT RUNS BELOW THE CUSHION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11015592
“EXACT SAME ISSUE AS CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V082 THE SEATS IN THIS YEAR OF MAZDA 3 ARE THE SAME AS IN THE 2010-2011 MODELS. THE METAL HAS SNAPPED IN HALF CAUSING THE NEED FOR REPAIR FOR SAFE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415704

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall 16V644000 structure repair parts unavailable

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2023-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11001765
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985078
“The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V644000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540603

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist loss

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2019-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING ABILITY WAS LOST. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256591
“THE POWER STEERING ON MY CAR JUST STOPPED WORKING AND THEN THE NEXT DAY IT WAS FINE. NOW, IT DOESN'T WORK AGAIN AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT. I WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WANTED TO BACK OUT TO GO TO WORK AND THE WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966450
“WHILE PRACTICING PARALLEL PARKING ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR BECAME HOT, POWER STEERING MIL WAS ON AND NO ASSIST TO STEER. AFTER LETTING IT COOL FOR 30 MIN DID MOTOR WORK AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10606745

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal loses pressure

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2025-05

“The Brake Pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). The master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty ABS control unit”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658244
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PRESSURE ON THE BREAK PEDAL GOT VERY LOW. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A NEARBY MAZDA DEALERSHIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140696
“DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 15 MPH, THE CAR IN FRONT OF MYSELF HAD SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT. WHEN I SEEN SHE WAS STOPPING, I PRESSED DOWN MY BRAKES SO I WOULD STOP BUT THE BRAKE PEDDLE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10577885

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission control module and shifting malfunction

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2023-11

“Transmission Control Module malfunction. The AT light came on and the car made a jerking motion and a clunking noise. It lost power and would not shift which is very dangerous in moving traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11556887
“The TCM - Transmission Control Module defected - gear lights disappear, down shifting problems, driving, stop in the middle of highway or road while driving, kick / jerk when ATF lights comes on goes off then check engine lights comes on all fluids has been changed drove good”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461728
“MY CAR SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF IT. I COASTED TO A STOP, STOPPED THE CAR, WAITED A BIT, THEN RESTARTED. IT WENT ABOUT HALF A MILE AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE DEALER SAID IT'S A FAULTY TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10552879

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2 (highway-only): 7,500 miles. Turbo engines: 5,000 miles regardless of schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles; every 5,000 on AWD models, where the front-biased coupling wears tires unevenly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Skyactiv-G direct injection is sensitive to airflow restriction — inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace ATF every 60,000 miles severe / 100,000 normal. Use Mazda FZ ATF — substitutes cause harsh 1-2 shifts and torque converter shudder.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 60,000 miles on Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L; 45,000 miles on the 2.5L Turbo.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

FL-22 Long-Life Coolant

Every 60,000 mi

Mazda FL-22 (yellow): first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000. Do not substitute — silicate-free formula prevents water pump damage on Skyactiv engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. On most models it sits behind the glove box.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

73 crashes 1990–2024

How the 73 occupant deaths break down

47

driver deaths

26

passenger deaths

73

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2013 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3 reflects Mazda's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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