Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Mazda Mazda3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power, and the contact became aware that the vehicle had failed to shift out of first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel was functioning erratically, and the instrument panel lights frequently remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket seal had failed, which resulted in an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. …
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal growling sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 140,000. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. It was later discovered that the Title mileage was 197,687.
There is an existing recall on my car 2014 Mazda 3 dated July 14, 2023 for the glitches with rearview mirror and rearview mirror disconnecting at random. While this has been outstanding for one year Mazda discourages customers from scheduling appointment to get the vehicle inspected and fixed in accordance to the guidance listed in NHTSA recall. I visited Capitol Mazda San Jose on 11/18/23 as well as called them to schedule a check on 7/17/24 but both these times I was informed that there are no parts to be replaced. I believe the remedy listed with NHTSA is not being followed and the customers do not have a timeline to get a resolution to this issue. I'm sharing the remedy listed by NHTSA. "Dealers will inspect vehicles. If inspections verify no concern with the rearview camera image, a wiring harness fastening seal will be added to prevent harness movement. …
In reference to the existing recall on my vehicle (Manufacturer recall # 6023G, NHTSA recall #: 23V-487), I would like to report that the vehicle manufacturer (Mazda) has yet to offer a solution to this problem, which is now over a year old. In addition to the reported distortion/flickering from the rearview camera, we are experiencing times (about 1 in 10) where the image displayed from the rearview camera is simply a blank screen. This makes operating the vehicle in reverse more difficult and dangerous, especially in situations were visibility is limited (night, dark spaces, garage parking, etc.). This is a safety issue, first and foremost, and a solution from the manufacturer is long overdue.
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. Consequence A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. This is what i seem to be experiencing please expand recall...
Due to improper design of the rearview camera wiring harness fastener, my rearview camera image has been distorted and flickering for years. There has been no remedy for this issue for many years now and its quite dangerous to have a camera that doesnt work at all.
The is an open recall on this vehicle since 7/14/23. It is for rear camera wiring harness. If has been 7 months and there still is no information about a repair to this defect. When will Mazda address this issue and have repair parts?
The car screen displays, GPS, for calls, radio etc, doesn't works, it's off, and the airbags are deactivated and they're off as well and have to press hard on the brake to get the car to stops.
On numerous occasions when I attempt to accelerate, the vehicle does not move forward and feels like it might be jammed. The car will then propel into gear causing my vehicle to skid out. The problem is intermittent. It appears to be happening the worst when making right hand turns. This has resulted in one accident, and two near fatal accidents.
I was driving on the freeway and decided to pass a diesel truck to get over in to the exiting lane on the right.... I started to pass the diesel and realized that I would need to pass faster to make the exit... I pushed the gas pedal in harder to accelerate and as I was picking up speed my car just locked up.... It felt like the car stalled..... And the car went off.... I had to very quickly pull out of the lane and to the side of the road as the car was no longer operating... I narrowly missed being plowed by the diesel truck... And was able to pull off to the side. I tried to restart my car by pushing the button and it wouldn't restart an all these light were lighting up in the console. I had to wait about 10 mins and finally my car came back on.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.
Electrical complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2014 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 Mazda Mazda3, 20% of the model year's 138 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-173 (alternator/generator/regulator, Apr 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles, and 61% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.