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2014 Mazda Mazda3 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Mazda Mazda3 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tank assembly and parking brake. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank leak and gasoline odor.” 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. Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50 share the Skyactiv-G platform.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #16V684000 · Sep 22, 2016

Issue: Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #17V393000 · Jun 22, 2017

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.

Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #14V173000 · Mar 4, 2014

Issue: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

Risk: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #23V487000 · Jul 14, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Mazda Mazda3.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank leak and gasoline odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744056
“Gas tank is leaking from the TOP. I could smell gas after a refill (and refilling a portable tank) that I thought must have been a spill I hadn't noticed, and the smell faded. But then it happened again at the next refill, and I knew it wasn't just a spill”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694054
“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle had smelled gas fumes in the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549642

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rearview camera failure and recall part delay

BACK OVER PREVENTION

16 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-03

“The rear backup sensors no longer work and did not give any indication they stopped working. They do not detect cars driving up from behind when driving or switching lanes or objects or people behind the car anymore when you reverse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727114
“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633721
“In reference to the existing recall on my vehicle (Manufacturer recall # 6023G, NHTSA recall #: 23V-487), I would like to report that the vehicle manufacturer (Mazda) has yet to offer a solution to this problem, which is now over a year old”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612119

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear brake caliper seizure and corrosion

SERVICE BRAKES

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2019-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES SEIZED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11075169
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISES FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11022672
“MY 2014 MAZDA3 WITH VIN [XXX] IS EXPERIENCING SQUEAKING AND BINDING OF THE MANUAL PARKING BRAKE WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245801

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment screen cracking and system glitches

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2025-03

“THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN HAS SPIDER CRACKS IN 2 CORNERS THAT ARE STARTING FROM THE SEALED INSIDE OF SCREEN. IT IS SPREADING AND ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET BLOGS HAPPENING TO OTHER MAZDA'S”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266431
“THE INFOTAINMENT CENTER ON THE DASH REPEATEDLY GLITCHES OUT, WILL START RANDOMLY CALLING CONTACTS IF BLUETOOTH IS SYNCED WILL RANDOMLY SWITCH TO RADIO STATIONS, PANDORA, INFO ON THE SCREEN, USING THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AND CENTER CONSOLE CONTROLS WILL NOT DO ANYTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11228362
“A FEW TIMES WHEN STARTING UP THE VEHICLE, THE MAZDA EMBLEM POPS UP SLOWLY, THEN FADES AWAY, AND THE LCD SYSTEM SCREEN WILL CONTINUE TO BE A BLANK, BLACK SCREEN WITH NO RESPONSE UNTIL I RESTART THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10667403

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transaxle and transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2022-04

“MY DAUGHTER'S 2014 MAZDA3 TRANSAXLE WAS MAKING A WHINING NOISE. UPON DOING AN INTERNET SEARCH, WE DISCOVERED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) THAT ADDRESSED THIS SITUATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11078911
“AROUND 68,000 MILES, I BEGAN TO HEAR A SUBTLE WHINING NOISE COMING FROM MY 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3. I WAS UNSURE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM AND ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11367068
“AT APPOX 84000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED WITH OUT WARNING. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A TRIP FROM ALABAMA TO NORTH CAROLINA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025007

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake failure to engage

PARKING BRAKE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that when attempting to secure the vehicle, the electric parking brake failed to engage after pulling up the hand lever”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749418
“The contact's nephew owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, the parking brake failed to engage, and there was no resistance”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743735
“ON MAY 7, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00 PM I PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE, ON A HILL, AT TOWSON WOODS APARTMENT COMPLEX. I TURNED THE CAR OFF WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AT OVER 3/4 OF THE WAY UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10597877

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2017-08

“I WAS TURNING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE BETWEEN TWO PARKED CARS WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TO 1/3 OF THE WAY INTO THE SPACE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED (MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11018647
“MY 2014 MAZDA 3 SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED TRUCK. THERE WAS AN EYE-WITNESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888959
“MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY WITH 2 PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10616673

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific 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. Mazda CX-50 Turbo and CX-9: 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. AWD CX-5, CX-50, and CX-9: 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from front-biased AWD coupling.

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. Mazda3 and CX-5 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. CX-50 Turbo and CX-9 Turbo: 45,000 miles.

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

AWD CX-5, CX-50, CX-9: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff 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. Behind the glove box on Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50.

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)

48 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2014 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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