2014 Mazda Mazda3 Fuel System Problems

24 owners have reported fuel & propulsion system problems with the 2014 Mazda Mazda3 to NHTSA — 17% of all 138 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 32,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 18 Mazda3 model years for fuel system complaints (a typical year has 6). One related recall has been issued.

24complaints
32ktypical miles
1related recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    333%
  • 25k–50k
    222%
  • 50k–75k
    111%
  • 75k–100k
    00%
  • 100k–150k
    222%
  • 150k+
    111%

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 after refueling the vehicle, he could smell fuel fumes inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V684000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

32,000 miles · Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle had smelled gas fumes in the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a plastic fuel pump module in the gas tank had corroded and the seam of the gas tank had leaked. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 158,500.

159,000 miles · Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that an abnormal odor was detected while the vehicle was turned on or off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V684000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

115,000 miles · Dec 2022

- After filling up the gas tank and putting the cap back on, there is a distinct smell of gasoline until some of the fuel is used up. In summary, it appears to be spilling or leaking fuel/fumes when we fill up the tank. -This is a problem when parking our car in our garage and we are concerned that it could cause a fire. - We have not yet confirmed this with a dealer or independent service center nor have we had any other entity or person confirm this. - This issue was noticed recently and within the last year or so and without any alerts and/or warning lamps. - We understand that there is a recall on the Mazda3 for model years 2014-2016 regarding the ICV Valve (deformed gas tank) and even though it appears to be the same issue, our vehicle doesn't fall within the recall group. …

Nov 2022

Gas tank is leaking from the TOP. I could smell gas after a refill (and refilling a portable tank) that I thought must have been a spill I hadn't noticed, and the smell faded. But then it happened again at the next refill, and I knew it wasn't just a spill. Brought it to our trusted mechanic who said that the TOP of the tank was rusted out (wow!)(so, not from road salt) and needs to be replaced. Not cheap, but worse, I'd been driving around in a very hazardous situation that Mazda knows happens. No warning lights, no recall. Thanks, guys. Here's a thread about this being a common issue: https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/2014-mazda3-fuel-tank-replacement.245797/

Sep 2025

The gas tank leaked gas due to corrosion on the top of the tank at the fuel pump. Strong smell of gas fumes evident and puddling of gas under the car after being driven. The problems was diagnosed at McGrath City Mazda in Chicago and also by my local garage JDH Auto repair in Prairie du Sac, WI. The fuel tank was replaced, along with the evaporation cannister. Until their was actual leaking of gasoline, there were no signs, lights, warnings of this problem. I have retailed the old tank if you wish to inspect the tank. This car was washed on a regular basis and did not show other issues from corrosion.

May 2023

Noticed strong smell of gasoline when the car was parked. Took it to an independent service dealer who diagnosed leaking fuel from top of the tank. Gas tank was removed and replaced. Tank cost was $380.00 plus repair shop labor/supplies cost. See attached invoice. During a recent online search for this vehicles current book value I noticed there was a manufactures recall issued for this same problem, that I paid to have repaired. I never received any recall notice for a leaking gas tank problem for my vehicle.

Oct 2024

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...

Sep 2021

The fuel tank leaks fuel at a full tank and smells of gas in the cabin until about 3/4 tank. Car was dripping a large puddle of gas inside of a parking garage. Problem has been reproduced by my mechanic even after replacing the fuel pump retaining ring. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. CEL did not come on until recently reporting a very small EVAP leak. Inside the car and the surrounding area would smell of gasoline even if there was no leak in the ground.

May 2026

Had a gas smell in our garage for months, thought our riding mower or snowblower was the cause but realized it was this car. Took to our mechanic and they said it was the fuel leak issue from NHTSA campaign 16V684000 however this car was manufactured in Dec 2013 and the official recall campaign began with cars manufactured the following month aka Jan 2014. We have been unable to get assistance from the dealership or reach anyone at Mazda due to the huge hold times.

Jul 2021

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 16V-684 · Sep 22, 2016 · 17,484 vehicles

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…

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016.

Fuel System complaints in other Mazda3 years

’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’2576410957322224146311822
Fuel System complaints per model year, Mazda Mazda3.

Frequently asked questions

How common are fuel system problems on the 2014 Mazda Mazda3?

NHTSA has 24 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2014 Mazda Mazda3, 17% of the model year's 138 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2014 Mazda Mazda3 fuel system problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-684 (tank assembly, Sep 22, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2014 Mazda Mazda3 fuel system problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 33% 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.