Mazda CX-3 Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year
The Mazda CX-3 has 4 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 2016–2021; the most recent is 23V487000 (Jul 14, 2023) for backup camera / back-over prevention, covering 2016–2021 models. The 2016 model year has the most, with 3.
Recall repairs are free at Mazda dealers. This list is model-level, so it can't tell you whether your car is affected or already fixed. For that, check your VIN.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns · Data pulled Nov 7, 2026 · By CarWhere Research
Most CX-3 recalls involve backup camera / back-over prevention (1), fuel system (1) and steering (1).
Mazda CX-3 recalls by model year
Campaigns that cover each model year. One campaign can cover several years, so it is counted once in every year it covers.
| Model year | Recalls | Main components | Per-year check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | backup camera / back-over prevention | — |
| 2020 | 1 | backup camera / back-over prevention | — |
| 2019 | 2 | backup camera / back-over prevention, fuel system | — |
| 2018 | 1 | backup camera / back-over prevention | — |
| 2017 | 1 | backup camera / back-over prevention | — |
| 2016 | 3 | backup camera / back-over prevention, structure, steering | — |
Biggest Mazda CX-3 recalls
Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.
CX-3 model years: 2016
CX-3 model years: 2016–2021
CX-3 model years: 2019
CX-3 model years: 2016
All 4 Mazda CX-3 recalls (newest first)
Jul 14, 202323V487000Backup camera / back-over prevention2016–2021
Component: Backup camera / back-over prevention (sensing system, camera)
CX-3 model years: 2016–2021 · about 236,100 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The 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.
Nov 12, 202121V875000Fuel system2019
Component: Fuel system
CX-3 model years: 2019 · about 121,038 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Sep 6, 201616V644000Structure2016
Component: Structure (body, hatchback/liftgate)
CX-3 model years: 2016 · about 580,455 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The 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.
Apr 11, 201616V203000Steering2016
Component: Steering
CX-3 model years: 2016 · about 578 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
How to check if your CX-3 has an open recall
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- If a recall is open, call any Mazda dealer's service department to book the free repair. Bring the recall number from the list above.
- Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.
Recalls are only part of the picture. Owner complaints show which years have the most problems: Mazda CX-3 years to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mazda CX-3 have?
4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the Mazda CX-3 across model years 2016–2021. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 4. The 2016 model year has the most, with 3.
What is the latest Mazda CX-3 recall?
23V487000, filed with NHTSA on Jul 14, 2023: backup camera / back-over prevention (sensing system, camera), covering 2016–2021 CX-3 models. The fix is free at Mazda dealers.
What is the biggest Mazda CX-3 recall?
By vehicles covered, 16V644000 (Sep 6, 2016), a structure campaign covering about 580,455 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the CX-3.
How do I check if my Mazda CX-3 has an open recall?
Run your 17-character VIN through a VIN recall check. A model-level list can't tell you whether your car was built in the affected range or has already been repaired. Any Mazda dealer can also look up the VIN and do the repair.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are done free at franchised Mazda dealers, whether or not the warranty has expired and wherever you bought the car. Manufacturers must offer a free remedy for vehicles up to 15 years old at the time the recall is filed, and many still repair older ones.
Sources and method
- NHTSA recalls database: every campaign for the MAZDA CX-3, queried by model year through NHTSA's public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov).
- Affected-vehicle counts are NHTSA's "potential units affected" for the whole campaign, which can include other models.
- Campaigns filed under a separate NHTSA model name (for example a hybrid or heavy-duty variant) are not included here.
- Data pulled Nov 7, 2026. Problem, risk and fix text is NHTSA's own campaign wording.