Most common 2017 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of the 84 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda3 complaints by model year
Best Mazda3 years: 2023, 2020, 2024. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2008. Compare all years →
2017 Mazda Mazda3 recalls (2)
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019.
What 2017 Mazda Mazda3 owners say
Electrical system all 20 →
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain or in the snow, the instrument cluster, the instrument panel, and the infotainment system became inoperable, causing the Forward Sensing Camera system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing in the rain or in the snow. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while operating the vehicle in inclement weather. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the main display screen malfunctioned, and the back-up camera failed to display an image. Additionally, the display provided erroneous warnings included the low tire pressure information. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and indicated that the display interface was faulty and needed to the replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Driver assistance
I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the accelerator. I pressed the brake 3 times. The brake pedal went to the floor without seemingly any effect. In seconds the car traveled across the front lawn, picked up concrete from and old cistern top and smashed into the front porch tearing it off it's foundation. Portions of the porch and tree limb fell shortly after the impact. The front tire was spinning at a rapid rate when I exited the vehicle. Extraction of the vehicle was not accomplished for 2 weeks while experts determined how best to accomplish the extraction. …
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain or in the snow, the instrument cluster, the instrument panel, and the infotainment system became inoperable, causing the Forward Sensing Camera system to become inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing in the rain or in the snow. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while operating the vehicle in inclement weather. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Brakes
I made a right turn onto a gravel driveway that has a slight incline. My speed was less than 10 mph. At the top of the incline I attempted to make a U turn so I could park the car. Midway through the U turn the car's acceleration increased rapidly to high speed without my stepping on the accelerator. I pressed the brake 3 times. The brake pedal went to the floor without seemingly any effect. In seconds the car traveled across the front lawn, picked up concrete from and old cistern top and smashed into the front porch tearing it off it's foundation. Portions of the porch and tree limb fell shortly after the impact. The front tire was spinning at a rapid rate when I exited the vehicle. Extraction of the vehicle was not accomplished for 2 weeks while experts determined how best to accomplish the extraction. …
52000 miles and warped brake rotors. Car stops fine. No danger just shimmy in steering wheel when stopping. This has happened way too soon. If it's about Zoom Zoom Zoom then Mazda should be using a better quality rotor. I will be attempting to do the brake repair myself.
2017 Mazda Mazda3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 28 / 37 / 32 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 37 / 31 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 28 / 37 / 31 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 34 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 a good car?
Based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Mazda3 rates average: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mazda3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Mazda Mazda3?
The electrical system — 20 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the driver assistance (13) and brakes (7).
How many recalls does the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3, the most recent from July 14, 2023 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2020 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2012 and 2008. See the full Mazda Mazda3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Mazda Mazda3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 29,000 miles; 82% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.