2015 MAZDA MAZDA3 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 3 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with fuel odor, transmission failure, and problems with the infotainment system that cause distractions while driving.
Common Issues
- Fuel odor. A gas fume smell is noticed inside and outside the vehicle after filling the gas tank to full, lasting until about a half tank is used. No visible leaks or dashboard warnings appear in connection with this odor.
- Transmission failure. The automatic transmission suffered catastrophic failure without prior warning lights or indications during operation. Metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid, and attempts to seek reimbursement were declined by Mazda and extended service providers.
- Infotainment malfunction. The system randomly changes radio stations, scans through menus, and has made unsolicited phone calls from a connected device, creating significant driving distractions. Repairs quoted by dealerships are costly.
There are 4 recalls affecting this vehicle related primarily to the fuel system, rearview camera, and parking brake. These recalls address safety risks including fuel leaks, potential engine stalls, rear visibility issues, and parking brake malfunctions.
Recalls
- Fuel tank emissions system. NHTSA recall 15V621000 affects 14,411 vehicles. The fuel tank shut-off valve may allow fuel to enter the emissions system, causing leaks or engine stalls. The risk involves fire hazards and crash potential. Owners are advised not to drive until repairs replace the shut-off valve and related components. Rental cars are provided during repairs.
- Rearview camera system. NHTSA recall 23V487000 covers 236,100 vehicles. A flickering or distorted rearview camera image reduces rear visibility, increasing the risk of crash or injury. Dealers will inspect, replace the camera if necessary, and install wiring harness seals free of charge.
- Fuel tank inlet check valve. NHTSA recall 16V684000 impacts 17,484 vehicles. Improper handling during manufacturing may cause the inlet check valve weld to fail, leading to fuel leaks and fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace fuel tanks as needed at no cost.
- Parking brake actuator. NHTSA recall 17V393000 involves 227,814 vehicles. Water intrusion can corrode the parking brake actuator shaft causing it to bind, potentially preventing full brake engagement or disengagement. This may allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly. Inspections and replacements are done free of charge once parts are available.
Owners dealing with repeated transmission failures, fuel system defects, or unresolved recall repairs may have rights under state lemon laws. Consulting a legal professional can clarify options for addressing persistent safety and reliability problems.
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3 Summary
2015
Model Year
3
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
495809
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3
236100 vehicles affected
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3
227814 vehicles affected
PARKING BRAKE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3
17484 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3
14411 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3
ID: 2124730ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Infotainment System will randomly change radio stations while driving, or start scanning through the various system menus, and on at least in one case, started randomly making phone calls from a connected phone. This creates a major distraction while driving. This has been looked at by the dealership and would cost $1500 for the system repair. I understand that this is a known problem.
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3
ID: 2072327POWER TRAIN
1. Automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic failure during operation. Transmission was discarded by Bountiful Mazda, Utah. 2. Both other and I were at risk as the vehicle could not be controlled. 3. I read similar findings on Social Media posts. 4. Bountiful Mazda confirmed metal shavings in the drain trans fluid. 5. No prior warning on car instrumentation, or while driving, or on prior inspection by Cardinaleway Mazda, Gilbert, AZ 6. Neither Mazda USA (Mfr) nor Protective Asset Protection have taken responsibility for the initial equipment failure nor reimbursement through the extended service contract even with extenuating circumstances for late notification. I can provide copies of additional relevant material.
2015 MAZDA MAZDA3
ID: 2052335FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Since the middle of 2023 I have noticed a gas fume smell both inside and outside of my 2015 Mazda Mazda3 after I fill my gas tank to full. This smell persists up until I use about a half tank of gas or slightly less. I do not top my gas tank off and stop filling when the automatic gas pump stops. There are no visible leaks on or around the gas tank or below the vehicle, and there are no noticeable cracks around the gas tank, valves, lines, etc. Additionally, there are no warning lights present on my dashboard or any codes.