Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Mazda Mazda3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself. I have just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 with Skyactive Technology and I noticed that when I was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while I braked. I have been told there is a TSB on this issue (attached) and Mazda is well aware of this happening. This concern is caused by inadequate alternator output controlled by the PCM when the battery is under a heavy load. They are to the point now of charging people for a doing the TSB on the car that is causing the problem of the alternator not producing the proper wattage to support both the headlights and the brake lights at the same time. …
ABS Module suddenly start failing causing brake sinks down. Almost crashed because of it. It appears to be a very common issue but Mazda still does not recall these ABS modules made by Ford/ATE. Also, it does not show any ABS warning light, which might be why not many people have called on this as they probably thought it was normal. There is all sort of communication error codes if you read with a OBDII scanner. In fact, Ford had a recall for these ABS modules, citing "stuck or slow-responding valves due to reaction with brake fluid".
The TCM - Transmission Control Module defected - gear lights disappear, down shifting problems, driving, stop in the middle of highway or road while driving, kick / jerk when ATF lights comes on goes off then check engine lights comes on all fluids has been changed drove good for a few days started again took to advance auto parts and auto zone codes stated electrical TCM computer issues, delayed shifting, check engine and ATF lights comes on , DTC codes U1000, LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TCM. The TCM overheats because it is sitting directly on the transmission, under the battery box. My child safety was put at risk daily. This car fails to stop at a traffic light, a slow response when approaching a stop sign or traffic light is dangerous and scary. …
My headlights dim and flicker, most noticeably when applying the brakes. It was barely noticable at first. My son-in-law, who is an auto and diesel mechanic, brought it to my attention in December 2017 when he was driving it. It is getting worse and becoming more and more of a problem, making it hard to see, especially when approaching a stop at an intersection. I am not sure if the tail lights are also effected, but complaint id 11164134 reported that their's were. My experience with electrical problems causes me to worry that there is a possibility that the headlights will fail entirely, leaving me unable to see while driving at night. This is not a single incident; it always occurs everytime I drive at night, so I am putting today's date in the "when did this happen" field because I can't indicate that it is an ongoing problem. …
PCM does not regulate alternator output correctly causing the headlights to flash/strobe and horn tone to fluctuate while braking in motion. The headlights flashing could lead other drivers to believe you are signaling them, and lack of power to horn reduces the audibility and May not be heard by other drivers. Dealership/Mazda is aware of the issue and has provided a "software update" to fix the issue, but has not issued a recall, thus requiring consumers to pay $60-$100 usd for the update if out of warranty. On November 22th 2017 I was approaching an intersection and was braking coming to the red light when a vehicle on a side street waved at me and pulled out in front of me I used my horn of which fluctuated with power, I was able to avoid the crash but it was a close call. I suspect the other vehicle thought my flashing headlights were signaling them to "go ahead". …
While driving the power steering malfunctions the radio display keep restarting and the power steering goes out, and then the vehicle powers completely down while driving. I have looked in forums and this issue has been occurring at least since 2004, and has not been fixed! Https://www.foxnews.com/us/Mazda-to-recall-Mazda3-and-mazda5-to-address-loss-of-power-steering there is an old article that Mazda 3's have been recalled for this exact issue, but the issue apparently has actually never been fixed. See the attached document, do I need get an attorney to get this fixed since my car is 2013 and the issues are only being addressed in later models? Clearly they didn't fix the issue if newer models end up with the same issue. This needs to be recalled is extremely dangerous! …
Horn gradually failed, became weaker and weaker, eventually totally silent. Looked on google to find location (it is very tight in there!) discovered numerous complaints of failed horns for this exact make and model. Horn is made by fiamm (italy). Examined horn, the adjustment screw is sealed. Failure is internal. Vehicle is two years old, has 39,000 miles. Replaced horn with $10 aftermarket item, all OK now. Took me about 45 minutes to do, and I am an experienced mechanic (cause is absolutely miserable access, only had to remove one nut and one wire, the trick is getting to it), I fix everything from wristwatches to airplane engines. No accidents, no injuries, but you must have a working horn . . . This is my wife's car, and I want her to be safe.
Car's electrical system will cut out without warning. This has happened on the interstate. The radio shuts down, the ability to accelerate is lost, and power steering goes. Several sensor lights come on. I have to fight to get the car to the side of the road and then turn the car off. When restarted the check engine light stays on but the car works fine. This will also happen when the car is idling with the same loss of power. I turn the car off and then back on and it works okay again. This happened in a very mountainous pass recently and there were no shoulders to pull over on and I had no power steering or acceleration. I've taken to several mechanics and they cannot find the issue.
In the past 6 months, my car battery has died 3 on separate occasions. Whether it's a cold start or I've driven somewhere and turned the car off. No restart, battery dead. Each time I've had to call a service for a jump and have taken it to a local auto parts store where tests have been performed on the battery, alternator and starter ... Nothing found wrong each time. The last time the car wouldn't start, I have push button start. Even though the battery was dead, the push button was stuck in the 'car running' position, making it impossible to be jump started. The car dealership had no clue why this happened or if it would happen again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mazda 3. While driving at any speed at night, the headlights flickered and flashed when the brake pedal was applied. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to maxon Hyundai Mazda (2329 us 22, union, nj 07083). The contact was informed that the failure was a known issue, but there was no recall and the warranty expired. The vehicle was also taken to crystal Mazda (220 rte 22 west, greenbrookee, nj 08812) where it was also stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Electrical complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Mazda Mazda3, 27% of the model year's 117 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Mazda Mazda3, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.