2022 Mazda Mazda3 problems
The Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan (first three generations), a combination of "accelerate" and "excellent") is a compact car manufactured by Mazda. It was first introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, replacing the Familia/323/Protegé in the C-segment.
The second-generation Mazda3 for the 2009 model year was unveiled in late 2008, with the sedan premiering at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show. For the 2012 model year, Mazda began offering the Mazda3 with their newly developed Skyactiv technology, including a more rigid body, a new direct-injection engine, and a new 6-speed transmission.
The third generation was introduced in mid-2013 as a 2014 model year. The third-generation model is the first Mazda3 to adopt the "Kodo" design language and a more complete Skyactiv range of technologies.
The fourth-generation Mazda3 for the 2019 model year was unveiled in November 2018 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For the 2019 model, the all-new Mazda3 is equipped with the updated Skyactiv technologies, including a spark-controlled compression ignition engine marketed as the Skyactiv-X.
A performance-oriented version of the Mazda3 was marketed until 2013 as the Mazdaspeed3 in North America, Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, and the Mazda3 MPS in Europe and Australia.
The Mazda3 became one of Mazda's fastest-selling vehicles, with cumulative sales in January 2019 of over 6 million units.
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Common 2022 Mazda Mazda3 problems
The 2022 Mazda3 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners, including powertrain issues, seat belts and airbags problems, windows and windshield problems, engine problems, electrical problems, and in-car electronics issues.
Powertrain problems seem to be one of the most common issues with the 2022 Mazda3. One owner reported having trouble starting the car, which hesitated to start and eventually displayed a powertrain problem message. This issue can be concerning for owners, especially if the car is still under warranty and needs to be taken to a dealership for repairs.
Seat belts and airbags problems are also a significant concern for 2022 Mazda3 owners. One owner reported a driver's side airbag malfunction, which can be a severe safety issue. It is essential to address these problems promptly, as they can affect the car's safety and potentially lead to accidents.
Windows and windshield problems are another common issue with the 2022 Mazda3. One owner reported a windshield that cracked spontaneously, which can be a significant inconvenience and potentially lead to safety issues. Additionally, interior accessories problems have been reported, which can affect the car's functionality and overall driving experience.
Engine problems have also been reported by 2022 Mazda3 owners. One owner reported a problem with the communication hub, which was replaced under warranty. This issue can affect the car's performance and potentially lead to more severe problems if not addressed promptly.
Electrical problems have been reported by some 2022 Mazda3 owners. These issues can affect the car's overall functionality and potentially lead to safety concerns. It is essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the car's safety and reliability.
In-car electronics issues have also been reported by 2022 Mazda3 owners. These issues can affect the car's infotainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, and head-up display. One owner reported that the display and all systems related to display go blank/stop working at random times while driving, which can be a significant inconvenience and potentially lead to safety concerns.
In summary, the 2022 Mazda3 has several common problems reported by its owners, including powertrain issues, seat belts and airbags problems, windows and windshield problems, engine problems, electrical problems, and in-car electronics issues. These problems can affect the car's safety, reliability, and overall driving experience. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the car's safety and reliability.
Is the 2022 Mazda 3 reliable?
Is the Mazda3 Reliable? The 2022 Mazda3 has a predicted reliability score of 74 out of 100.
What is the most common problem with Mazda3?
Mazda 3 Reliability and Common Problems
- The Mazda 3 is one of the most reliable compact sedans, with a high reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
- Common problems with the Mazda 3 include lightning issues, infotainment problems, faulty brakes, and sway bar links that need to be replaced.
What are the cons of Mazda3?
- Rear visibility: Because of the shape and design of the roof, some drivers may complain of poor visibility behind them. ...
- Back seat: The back seat of the Mazda 3 is crammed. ...
- Limited colors: The Mazda 3 doesn't have many colors to choose from.
Is the Mazda 3 really reliable?
Mazda as a brand performed fairly well in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, claiming 13th place out of the 32 manufacturers ranked. Kia did better, coming eighth, but most rivals came lower down the table. Every new 3 comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty.
2022 Mazda Mazda3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mazda3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2022 Mazda Mazda3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2022 Mazda Mazda3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2022 Mazda Mazda3.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-14
- VIN: 3MZBPACL2NM
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated unexpectedly. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and bumped his head. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated. The vehicle stopped independently while the contact was driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to four dealers and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and twelve complaints had been filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,287.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-03
- VIN: 3MZBPAAL3NM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The coolant control valve stays open.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-04
- VIN: JM1BPBNY5N1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: For a few weeks in November 2023, I had my dash alarm/notify me when I would turn on my car and it would state "Airbag System Malfunction" then disappear. Potential risk with this issue is that the airbag may deploy randomly or not deploy at all if collision happens. This is extremely scary as I have a child and I commute daily for work. I have turned my car into the dealer since 11/29/23 and currently have a loaner. No update so far from the dealer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
- VIN: 3MZBPACLXNM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Purchased the car new in April 2022. They have replaced the battery twice in the last year. They now tell me that there are no replacement batteries made for my vehicle and have acknowledged a problem with the battery made by Johnson control. The battery will not hold a proper charge after the vehicle is shut off. They have offered a loaner car but cannot tell me how long it would take to resolve the issue. In order to drive the vehicle I have to carry a jump pack in the car with me in case the battery goes dead and will not start.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-14
- VIN: 3MZBPBAY8NM
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Constant rattling after only 2,000 miles. Sounds like it’s coming from behind the glove box. Another constant rattle from the head up display.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-14
- VIN: 3MZBPBAY8NM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Humming or wining noise coming from back of vehicle when driving in highways around 75 mph.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-23
- VIN: 3MZBPBAY1NM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: with less than 7000 miles on a new Mazda3, the transfer and transfer housing went out. This meant the all wheel drive did not operate properly, which could have caused an accident in the right conditions. This was covered by warranty, as well as a shock, strut, and numerous related parts. In total, the warranty covered the total $4395 to repair a car with less than 7000 miles on it.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-03
- VIN: JM1BPAML8N1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I purchased the car on 02/05/2022, the car mileage is close to 15, 500 miles, on 03/03/2023 the car displayed a vehicle issue message stating low oil level. I checked the oil level dipstick and it was in fact below the minimum line. I added 1 quart of oil as advised by owner's manual. On 3/13/2023, I had an appointment with the dealership for inspection and the dealership confirmed there are no oil leaks and stated the car is fine. The car was not due for oil change and that time, so it had burned a substantial amount of oil. The dealership told me to keep an eye on the oil levels. For the meantime, looks like I will have to drive with a spare quart of oil, very disappointing being that it's a new car.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BPAJL7N1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I was rear ended while at complete stop by someone going over 40mph on 12/19/22. My airbags did not deploy and my seat belts did not lock out. Directly after being hit my phone flashed a safety fracture malfunction on the dash board and then sent the notification to the mazda app on my phone.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-11
- VIN: JM1BPACL6N1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: On 8/11/2022, my car indicated a message on my dashboard that said “Air Bag System Malfunction. Have the Vehicle Inspected.” I also received a Safety & Security message in my Inbox on my app that stated “Air bag system and seat belt pre-tensioner system malfunction. Vehicle airbags and seat belt pre-tensioner may not operate correctly in an emergency. Have the vehicle inspected by your dealer.” This message was received multiple times. I called the dealer and they weren’t sure what it meant so I took it to them on October 6, I dropped off my car at the dealer. They called me a few hours later and told me that my car was not safe to drive because the airbag and seat belts weren’t working. Fortunately they had a rental for me, however, today is 11/10/2022 and I still don’t have my car back. They stated that it may take up to 6 weeks to get the parts in. And this dealer has never seen anything like this before.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-05
- VIN: JM1BPAAL4N1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The same or similar issue is described here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10209787-0001.pdf Essentially, this issue has to do with the wiring under the seat that is responsible for airbag functioning. Adjusting the seat caused "Airbag Malfunctioning" alarm/notification to go off on a numerous occasions. Potential risk with this issue is that the airbag may deploy randomly or not deploy at all if collision happens. The vehicle has been inspected by vehicle who is working on the repair. However, the vehicle has been waiting for spare parts for 3 weeks now.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-14
- VIN: JM1BPBNY7N1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I purchased my car on February 5, 2022. After two months and 3000 miles later, I started receiving a notification that reads “Airbag Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” I took the car to the dealer, and after 6 hours, they determined that the airbag was not receiving enough power, which triggered the warning. They replaced the part, and now two months later, I have received the same notification. This problem is persistent, and I have seen in forums that many are having to deal with this issue. Mazda needs to recall the cars to replace the parts with ones that will not cause this type of inconvenience. After all, airbags are a huge part of safety.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-28
- VIN: JM1BPALL6N1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: "Air bag system malfunction" Mazda3 Hatchback Preferred Package 2022. Current Miles: 3911 Owned for 6months. Received w/5 miles, I believe.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-21
- VIN: 3MZBPBAY6NM
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: When adjusting the driver seat, the vehicle began to display "Air Bag System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." This was with roughly 20 total miles on the odometer. It is a new car - Mazda3 Turbo Sedan 2022. After researching online, this is a very common problem with new Mazda3s and there are many customers with the exact same issue. The customers have also made complaints to the NHTSA. Mazda has a technical service bulletin for this problem (Bulletin no:08-001/22) and states the issue is due to "Driver-side air bag module circuit: open circuit or resistance high". This issue also occurs on the passenger-side air bag. It is a possibility that I could have been in an accident and the side airbag would not function. Or even perhaps the air bag may have had an electrical error and engaged itself while I could have been driving. My local dealership has verified the issue, however, they still have not been able to correct the issue after 8 weeks. So I have had to use a loaner for 7 weeks now. In summary, I'm filing a complaint because 1)This issue is so common 2)It pertains to something crucially important to safety 3)This is occurring almost immediately after purchase 4)Mazda does not seem to be able to readily and quickly fix the issue.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-15
- VIN: JM1BPAA7XN1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Hello, I bought my 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan in February of 2022. I’ve had my car for a total of 5 months. From the very first month I bought my car I’ve had problems with the “Air Bag / Seat belt pre tensioner.” I have seen this issue appear on my dashboard as well as my Mazda app to give me warnings numerous times I can’t keep track. I have taken my vehicle to my Mazda dealership a total of 7 times for this same issue “Air bag/seatbelt pre tensioner” and yet to have my car fixed. Every time I take my car into the dealership service they claim the issue has been fixed and it has not been till this day. I decided to do my own research on my vehicle and seen so many complaints throughout the internet regarding the same issue on my model 3 sedan. These issues have been happening from previous models of the company vehicles. The service department and corporate are well aware of my issue and say I’m not the first customer with this type of complaint. This issue on the Mazda 3 sedan needs to be investigated as this is a huge safety issue for customers. We shouldn’t have to pay the price as the buyer. Thank you
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-12
- VIN: 3MZBPACL7NM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Air bag warning light went on. Found Code B1126:13 Driver Side Airbag deployment. Replaced driver side air bag under warranty.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-23
- VIN: 3mzbpaclxnm
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Purchased vehicle new at dealership April 15th 2022 w/ 17 miles on the odometer. After 500 miles on the odometer, began receiving multiple daily warnings through the MyMazda app indicating airbag/seat belt pretensioner malfunction. Subsequently noticed the same warning lit up on the dash while driving for approximately 10 seconds and then light went out. Discovered technical service bulletin dated 317/2022 no: 08-001/22 indicating this a known problem for Mazda 3 vehicles between 2019 and 2022. Showing design flaw in path layout for wire harness connecting to side airbag module in seat back. Recommends modifying plastic module cover by removing several inches of plastic, several inches of foam padding, and pinning section of wire harness to steal seat frame with plastic grommet. This is a clear safety hazard concern that should have been addressed before I was allowed to drive the vehicle away from the dealership. Mazda's position is not to address the issue until they receive a customer complaint. If I had been in an accident I may have been severely injured or killed because of this malfunction.
Negative 2022 Mazda Mazda3 car reviews
Positive 2022 Mazda Mazda3 car reviews
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This car has more standard features than its competitors in its class, such as Toyota, Honda, and Kia. One of my favorite features is the extra horsepower, even with a naturally aspirated engine.
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This car is an absolute blast to drive! I got the Wolf Gray with the red interior, and it's such a nice combination. But let me tell you, the aesthetics are just the cherry on top. I bought this car for the pure driving joy it offers! It's like a refined GTI with Audi styling and Toyota reliability. The infotainment system is very simple and easy to use, and even the Android Auto interface, while not touchscreen, is incredibly intuitive. The driving dynamics are like a Miata with cargo space, and I cannot sing enough praises about how much fun it is to drive. I recently switched from a Kia Stinger GT2 with 365hp, and while that car was more refined and luxurious, this car has a purity of driving pleasure that is unmatched. The Stinger was great on the freeway, but the Mazda 3 is a pure joy everywhere else! You have to test drive one to truly appreciate it. Plus, it gets amazing gas mileage and has decent cargo space. This car is definitely worth buying, unlike luxury cars that you just lease.
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I absolutely love this car! It has so much style and class, and it's definitely not a common sight on the road. My black-on-black hatch looks especially exotic and definitely stands out from other comparable brands. It's perfect for meeting clients, as it exudes a sense of professionalism that a Civic or Corolla just can't match. Although it's my second vehicle and we have a CX-5 for family duties, I've taken this car on many 200+ mile road trips and it's been an absolute dream to drive. It's much quieter than the Civic and the seats are more comfortable for me than Honda's. I also prefer Mazda's NA 2.5 engine to Honda's turbo, as it delivers power in a more linear and predictable way. The manual transmission is also great, with a predictable clutch and plenty of power to chirp the tires on the 1-2 upshift. I'm also really glad that this manual comes with Mazda's full safety suite, which is a huge plus. Although the dial controller may take some getting used to, it's much easier to use while driving than a touch-screen. The only thing I would change is the lane-centering system, which could be a bit more advanced for long road trips. Overall, this is an amazing car and probably the last manual I'll own unless I get a
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I have the Mazda3 2.5S hatchback Select trim in platinum quartz metallic. It's a really beautiful car that looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is. It's fun to drive, has lots of power for a car of its size, and makes my daily commute pleasurable. Although the backseat is pretty cramped, it's not such an issue for me since I don't have kids and I rarely have passengers back there. The fuel economy is a little below average, which is rather unfortunate, but it's still a great car. Lots of people complain about poor visibility due to the wide C pillars and small rear window, which I get, but it doesn't feel like a huge issue with the blind spot monitoring and backup camera. Overall, I have no regrets and I'm very happy with my purchase. Civics and Corollas are good cars, but the Mazda3 is more refined and enjoyable. It's a very sophisticated and classy vehicle.
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I did a lot of research before buying a car because I'm quite picky. The Mazda3 hatchback turbo checked a lot of boxes for me, and in my opinion, it's a great value. The driving experience is fantastic overall. I love the engine, and it packs a lot of punch. It's definitely one of the best turbo 4s out there. Although the thrust peters out when you get higher up in the rpms, it still offers a thrilling ride. The handling is great and inspires a lot of confidence, even though the steering doesn't offer much feedback. The styling is fantastic inside and out. It's definitely one of the prettiest hatchbacks on the market right now, with an interior that rivals much more expensive cars. I love the simplicity of the design. The sound system is great, and so is the infotainment system, which features an Audi-style rotary controller instead of a touchscreen. My only complaint is that there is a minor glitch when using Spotify with Apple CarPlay, where it sends you back to the Spotify Home Screen sometimes after you go to Now Playing. Visibility out the back isn't great, but the driver assistance systems make up for it. Another minor annoyance is that the parking brake is always on in park, meaning when you put it in drive, you still have to disable the parking brake. Also, I'm not a big fan of the cup holders being placed under the dash instead of near the armrest. However, aside from my few minor grievances, this car is really great and offers a ton of features for the money. After putting 1000 miles on it, I can highly recommend this car to someone who wants something practical, fun to drive, and doesn't want to break the bank.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2022 Mazda Mazda3 problems:
2022 Mazda 3 2.5 6 months later : r/mazda3
Dec 1, 2022 ... Just hit 18K and have kept up with all maintenance for this vehicle. Anyone have any advice and questions/concerns with this car??
Frequent Mazda Battery Issues? | 2004 to 2020 Mazda 3 Forum and ...
Jan 30, 2022 ... 2014 Mazda3 has this problem in a severe way. I've had about 8 batteries so far. New battery May 2022 dead by October 2023. New battery in ...
Is your 4th gen Mazda 3 reliable? : r/mazda3
Dec 13, 2022 ... 2019 EU model, few minor issues, basically common issues with 2019s: Rattling HUD and B-pillars. Squeaking driver's seat seatbelt lock. Tearing ...
2022 MAZDA MAZDA3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
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2023 Mazda 3 Transmission Issues? : r/mazda
Jul 11, 2023 ... Have any of you 4th gen mazda 3 owner's experience any transmission issues? I have '23 turbo hatch with 9k miles and the transmission ...
Other years of Mazda Mazda3
Are you having problems with your 2022 Mazda Mazda3?
Regan Wilderman 2025-02-18
I bought the 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch in November and unfortunately, I've had a few issues with it. The airbag light came on during the first week, and despite visiting three different dealerships, the problem wasn't resolved until almost four months later when they found out that the airbag sensor in the driver's seat was backordered until the summer. The diagnosis process caused some additional problems, and now the car vibrates randomly, which is not related to safety or the road. There are also some loud rattles coming from the back of the car, the seatbelt adjuster, and even the HUD being loose. However, I must say that the car drives well and is very comfortable, except for the strange noises that can be annoying. The Bose sound system is the best feature in my opinion, and the updated infotainment system is great. Overall, I'm disappointed with the issues I've had, especially as a Mazda enthusiast for years.
Stanton Leuschke 2025-02-07
The 2021 Mazda 3 has unfortunately not lived up to the standards set by its predecessor, the 2015 Mazda 3. The interior rattles have been a persistent issue, caused by the use of cheap plastic parts. These rattles are a common problem in most Mazda 3s of this generation and are deeply built into the dash, making them difficult to fix. Despite the dealership's efforts, the rattles persist, including speaker rattles, glovebox rattles, infotainment rattles, seatbelt receiver rattles, and other rattles during acceleration behind the infotainment center. However, it is important to note that this issue does not reflect the overall quality of the Mazda 3, which is a reliable and well-designed car.
Milton Russel 2024-11-22
I was really looking forward to test driving and potentially buying this car. However, after test driving the base model, I was underwhelmed. The engine lacked acceleration and torque, which was disappointing. While the turbo option may be appealing, it comes at a significant price increase. Additionally, the cabin felt quite cramped, especially in the rear where it was difficult to fit a car seat. Even the front seat felt cramped, similar to driving a Miata without the fun. Overall, I was disappointed with my experience.
Reginald Farrell 2024-11-16
The car experienced an issue with the airbag system shortly after purchase, which was initially thought to be a faulty sensor. However, upon bringing it to the dealer, it was determined that a new driver side airbag was needed. Despite the inconvenience, I chose to wait for the repair rather than accept a loaner car. Unfortunately, the repair took longer than expected, but the issue was eventually resolved after 5 weeks. Although there was a subsequent issue with the airbag sensor, it was addressed in a timely manner. Overall, I remain confident in the quality of my new car.
Bobbie Prosacco 2024-09-25
Performance, interior quality, handling, fuel consumption, and power accessories are all great! However, I noticed that the car has less than 3500kms on it and the oil light is on. Sure enough, the oil level is down by that much. This is not what I would expect for a car that costs 48000 taxes in. Can you please explain this issue?