2016 Mazda CX-3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Mazda CX-3: 3 recalls, 48 owner complaints and up to 31 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #16V203000 · 2016 · 578 vehicles
What's wrong: The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle May loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Why it matters: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #16V644000 · 2016 · 580,455 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V487000 · 2023 · 236,100 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera image May not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Why it matters: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), warning light on (2).
- Other / unknown (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Exterior lights (7): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
- Backup camera (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has 48 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 CX-3 model years for complaints (2.9× the average CX-3 year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 20,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (21 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 35 | 31 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 27 | 32 | 29 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Mazda CX-3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-3 problems?
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (11), other / unknown (10), exterior lights (7).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 31 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Mazda CX-3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.