Traction Control complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 3% | 10,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 4,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | 41,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% | 51,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2012 | 18 | 8% | 18,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% | 65,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 2% | 123,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% | 12,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% | 117,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% | 180,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
After a car wash at home, the traction control sensor and the tire pressure monitor sensor on the rear driver side tire both failed. The underlying systems continued to function but due to the sensor failure, warning lights for both systems showed up on the dash and ABS brakes were unavailable. Repair required replacement of the entire ABS module.
Cruise quit working, traction control light came on and shortly thereafter the check engine light came on. Then all the lights on the dash started flashing and went into limp mode. Car decelerated and I pulled over to the side of the road. Turned car off and then it wouldn't start. Waited about 10 min and restarted successfully with the check engine and traction control light still on. Drove another 70 miles going in and out of limp mode with dash lights flashing on & off. Took to dealer and replaced the angle (sp?) sensor in steering wheel. Dealer reset all codes and it's done it twice since getting car back, dealer can't figure out what's wrong. Have to go in and have the codes reset every time to get it back to running again.
I was driving 30 MPH on a small rural road going through a right-hand turn when the a/t, engine, and stability control lights came on. I pushed the stability control switch in attempt to shut it off but to no avail. I stopped and turned the ignition off but that didn't resolve the issue either. I drove it home but it wasn't easy. The car had no acceleration (no torque) and could barely get up the hill to my home. I had the car towed to the dealer. They are replacing an electronic module that communicates between the engine and transmission. The module and labor is $1,000+. The car has been well maintained and has 105,000 miles and is only driven on freeways and normal surface streets.
Airbags: did not deploy upon impact of a streetlamp pole on the front driverside quarter. Front farring damaged and replaced. I was turning left, it was raining, the glare of the light blinded me enough to go up on the curb and impact the streetlamp pole. I replaced the farring and had my Mazda3 fully aligned. Electrical: purchased vehicle in October 2016. Replaced battery 4 times, alternator 3 times since purchase. Seat heaters haven't worked ever. Driverside seat started wiggling after contact with streetlamp pole.
On April 8 while picking up my daughter from school on nautilus street in la jolla, pointed downhill on a steep grade, my idling vehicle lost power without warning, I lost control of steering and brakes had to stop the vehicle with the handbrake, the passenger car door was open at the time my daughter was trying to step into the vehicle as the car took off, the door hit the car in front of me breaking her tail light, it took me three tries to get the engine to turn back over.
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the brake failed with the ABS warning light, traction control, and emergency brake light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was engaged and failed to bring the vehicle to a stop. The brake pedal was depressed twice before the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the traction control module and ABS module needed to be replaced. Additionally, the brake fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.
ABS light and traction control lights are on. It is on since March.2018 the first time I have notice this problem, I was going to work and ABS light came on and then disapeared and after a few days like that just stayed on. I took it to the Mazda dealership in jacksonville fl, and they found three different faulty codes ; one for the ABS control motor c0020 one for the dcs switch c110964-64-60 and one for the ABS control module u0415 92-48. They gave me an estimate of $1100 including labor. I think this is ridiculously high! I have purchased my car in 2016 January for $7900! Why dont they cover the faulty ABS pump or parts if there was a known issue by Mazda in this models according to this website : http://www.tirebusiness.com/article/20161220/servicezone/161229997/new-hydraulic-unit-solves-Mazda-3-ABS-trrouble-codes
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mazda 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds a warning lamp illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the yaw rate censor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09V187000 (electronic stability control). The failure mileage was 12,000.
Related recalls (1)
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Mazda is recalling 7,100 my 2009 mazda3 vehicles equipped with dynamic stability control for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 126, "electronic stability control system". The yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and have the unit replaced free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2009. Owners May contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda3 years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (18), 2010 (12), 2007 (8) and 2011 (5) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda3 traction control problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-187 (electronic stability control (esc), May 29, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda3 traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 51% happened 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.