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2017 Mazda Mazda3 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2017 Mazda Mazda3 carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering windshield wiper/washer and camera. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Touchscreen ghost-touch and infotainment malfunctions.” 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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2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Campaign #19V272000 · Apr 4, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Fix: 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.

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 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Mazda Mazda3.

Reported to NHTSA

Touchscreen ghost-touch and infotainment malfunctions

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

26 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10 → 2025-07

“My 2017 Mazda Mazda3 Sport is affected by a problem widely known as "ghost touch" by owners of this vehicle. This issue causes the touch screen to behave erratically and activate random functions, which is extremely distracting while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638088
“The infotainment touchscreen has a ghost touch issue which causes settings to be randomly changed when the car is moving less than 5 miles per hour”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11597342
“VEHICLES CENTER CONSOLE DISPLAY SCREEN SUFFERS FROM GHOST TOUCHES. THE DISPLAY REGISTERS INPUTS FROM THE TOUCHSCREEN WITH NO ONE TOUCHING THE DISPLAY THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT IS ON THE 14-16 VERSIONS OF THIS VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530520

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rearview camera failure under back-over-prevention recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2025-03

“The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera would intermittently display a distorted or blank image”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624190
“The rearview camera is flickering and sometimes does not work at all. The NTSA recall 23V-487 (manufacturer number 6023G) is issued for that problem back in July 2023”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570810
“The Manufacturer Recall Number6023G, NHTSA Recall Number23V-487, has not been performed by the dealer. The dealer states that they do not have a remedy. Not only have I had the problem of flickering and distortion, but the back-up camera often does not operate at all”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592230

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper recall repair delays

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2020-08

“DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL. THE FOLLOWING IS A COPY I HAVE SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND MAZDA USA. I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO HAVE SAFETY RECALL REPAIR ON MY VEHICLE SINCE 05/12/19. I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL 3219D LETTER FOR MY 2017 MAZDA3”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220822
“IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN ONE MONTH SINCE A RECALL HAS BEEN PLACED ON MY MAKE AND MODEL, NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER OF MY VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT ME TO INFORM OF THIS RECALL SO I CAN TAKE NECESSARY MEASURES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11205569
“I AM CURRENTLY STATIONED OVERSEAS AND CONTACTED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE ISSUE. I NEVER RECEIVED A REPLY AND IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE I WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11344263

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake system defects and premature wear

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2022-01

“CAR WAS PARKED IN A CARPORT ON FLAT GROUND. CAME OUTSIDE CAR WAS GONE .. ROLLED OUT OF THE CARPORT DOWN A 500 FT DRIVEWAY, TURNED INTO THE DRIVEWAY ACROSS THE HIGHWAY INTO A VEHICLE PARKED THERE.. ELECTRONIC BRAKING WAS APPLIED AND STILL ENGAGED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446133
“I LEASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2016 , SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS WHICH WHILE PARKED AND IN GEAR WITH THE MECHANICAL E-BRAKE SET I HAVE WALKED OUTSIDE TO FIND MY CAR NOT WHERE I LEFT IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278539
“WE LEASED THIS CAR IN JULY OF 2017. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER ON 8/9/17 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR. AS SHE APPROACHED THE EXIT RAMP ON A HIGHWAY NEAR OUR HOUSE SHE FELT WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS ANOTHER CAR HITTING HER IN THE REAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11075322

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and loss of power while driving

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2024-04

“ENGINE STALLS; STOPS RUNNING. LOSES TOTAL POWER WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES, BUT MOST LIKELY MORE. MY MAZDA COMPUTER SHOULD HAVE RECORDED THESE INCIDENTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11300606
“I have a 2017 Mazda 3 with exactly 59,454 miles. I was driving my car into work and a warning came on saying coolant temperatures high pull over immediately. I feel my safety was at risk since I was on a highway and my car lost power and would not allow me to accelerate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582576
“My 2017 Mazda 3 (85,000 miles) suddenly had the engine light go on and a loss of power. I’m lucky I didn’t have an accident. I took it immediately to the shop and they informed me that my low pressure fuel pump is bad. I see they have a recall on Mazda 2018–2020 fuel pumps”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11542240

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)

25 crashes 1990–2024

How the 25 occupant deaths break down

18

driver deaths

7

passenger deaths

25

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2017 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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2017 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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