Mazda just released their massively improved third generation (BM) Mazda 3 last year. This car has been making waves for offering one of the best initial built and quality levels for a vehicle of this price range. But has this improvement been reflected in its reliability quotient so that it can match the perceived benchmarks of this class, those being the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla? Well at 3 officially recorded recalls and 88 complaints it certainly is on the safer side of things, but going a bit technical, the sales to complaint ratio dos look a bit on the higher side. Anyways, should you be putting $16,945 on this sedan or go for the aforementioned cliché alternatives or even value-oriented alternates like the Kia Forte and the Hyundai Elantra? Let’s take a look at the common issues that Mazda 3 owners face to ease up the decision.
2015 Mazda 3 Sedan User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- A few owners of the 2015 Mazda 3 have reported the engine hesitating or stalling randomly (with the inability to restart) coupled with the “check engine” warning light. Mazda was quick to trace this issue down to a faulty fuel shut-off valve that causes fuel to enter the emission system, thereby causing an engine stall. The affected components were replaced under a recall (ID-15V621000) which was initiated by the tail end of the launch year.
- Transmission problems- Not a widespread issue, but the initial batches of the 2015 Mazda 3 are known for transmission-bearing faults. Owners complain about jerks, noise, and loss of drive occasionally from this unit. At least two transmission replacements have been officially reported on cars with mileages under 10,000-miles. As it stands, the issue is completely resolved.
- Rear brake issues- The rear brakes on the 2015 Mazda 3 are known for binding issues which results in premature brake disc and pad wear. This issue is caused by excessive corrosion of the parking brake actuators which causes the pads to remain partially engaged on the rotors. The issue was brought to the knowledge of Mazda and has been a part of the recall (ID-17V393000).
Electric System complaints
- Radio/ infotainment issues- The radio on the 2015 Mazda 3 is susceptible to software glitches. Occasional reboots, boot loops, blank backup camera view, ghost touches, and freezing media screens are the most common issues reported by owners. Software updates and reprogramming have been provided by the dealer, but a few owners still complain about the issue reappearing intermittently.
Structural complaints
- Fit and finish issues- Although the 2015 Mazda 3 looks perfect at first glance owners have been pointing out panel gaps and rattle from the cabin. Even though the dealers have received multiple complaints on this, there seems to be no official remedy for this. Owners are forced to find workarounds to resolve rattle issues.
- Rust issues- Initial batches of the2015 Mazda 3 had minor rust issues. Owners have reported seeing rust, especially with suspension components, corners, and edges of body panels including wheel arches and doors. Although some dealers do provide buffing under warranty, it does not comes out as a permanent fix.
2015 Mazda 3 Sedan Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
22nd June 2017 |
17V393000 |
Parking brake actuators may corrode |
Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind, causing it to not work properly, and increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
The 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 on August 24, 2017. |
|
2 |
22nd September 2016 |
16V684000 |
Possible fuel leak from the deformed fuel tank |
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, increasing the risk of a fire. |
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 on November 1, 2016. |
|
3 |
2nd October 2015 |
15V621000 |
The fuel shutoff valve may cause a fuel leak. |
The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a fire or a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the vehicle's fuel shut-off valve. As needed, the fuel shut-off valve and the affected fuel tank emissions system components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2015.
|
Should you buy a used 2015 Mazda 3 Sedan?
The Mazda 3 is a car that can win your heart at the first glance. The quality levels and design put it at the peak of its segment as the overall initial appeal goes. Being relatively new, the recall numbers are a bit on the higher side when compared to most of its competitors but the number of customer complaints is actually on the low side and is in line with the best. Apart from a few niggles with the powertrain on initial batches, no new concerning issues have popped up as of now. Also, the Mazda 3 is ranked high in our reviews for this year making it top our recommendation lists as well. That said, we can’t vouch it to be immune to complaints as seen from this article but the chances of you coming across one are really low.
