Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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. …
When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for this vehicle. A similar problem exists on the 2014 Mazda's and a recall does exist for that vehicle.
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". …
When driving with the headlights on and I begin to slow down, whether coasting or using the brake, my headlights will flicker really bad. It does not happen all the time but it happens 90% of the time. There are times they flicker bad enough that it looks like I am flashing my highbeams. I have had to pull over multiple times because of how hard it made it to concentrate on the surrounding area. I can only imagine what its like for someone in front of me or driving towards me. Sometimes they will also flash a few times when I come to a complete stop. Ive taken it to the dealer I bought it from and they continue to say nothing is wrong. So it is still an ongoing problem from the day I bought it.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mazda 3. While driving 20-60 MPH, the headlights flickered when the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle became difficult to drive. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to a local dealer. The contact called smith haven Mazda (827 jericho turnpike, st james, ny 11780, [phone]) and Mazda 112 (2112 ny-112, medford, ny 11763, [phone]), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided reference number: 1-2451813550 the failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was not available.
When the car decelerators, or more noticeably, when I'm breaking, the headlights flicker, almost pulsing. It has not gotten me into any trouble yet, I've heard of near hits because other drivers thought they were allowing them to merge in front of them. I'm most afraid that someone will think I'm threatening them by flashing my lights at them. As if I'm angry they cut me off and flashing my lights in anger, for example. It's very rare for this not to happen when it is dark. My boyfriend is also afraid that the lights are going to go out spontaneously, leaving me in the dark.
Driving at night and the vehicle decelerates and apply brakes (which is more noticeable) the headlights flicker. I have had people think I'm a police officer behind them, also had vehicles pull out in front of me because they thought I was flashing my lights for them to go. I have taking the car into Mazda dealer have looked at as well as where I purchased the car from and they have yet to say what's wrong or even fix it. If you disconnect the battery for 5-10 minutes it stops flickering for a day or so, but starts back up and at time been worse than previous times.
When driving at night, and applying the brakes to slow down, the headlights and taillights flicker/pulse. Over the last 6-12 months this issue has become more pronounced so that it has begun reducing visibility. Plus, nearby cars are distracted, evidently thinking we are in distress. We believe this creates an additional traffic hazard. Note: initially, the problem was only noticeable when slowing from an initial speed of about 25-40mph. Now it seems to have advanced to happen at any speed above about 25mph.
Headlight complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2013 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the lights of the 2013 Mazda Mazda3, 31% of the model year's 117 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Mazda Mazda3 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.