2013 Mazda MAZDA3 brakes problems

Filed May 1, 2025 · Brakes · CA

The Brake Pedal consistently malfunctions, even after the replacement of the master cylinder (by independent service center). The master cylinder does not hold pressure due to a faulty ABS control unit (which, when Mazda was contacted, said that part was on backorder until September). If the manufacturer knows this is an issue and can't supply the part due to so many replacements needed in their vehicle, why is there no recall? There is no warning to the driver on the dashboard of this issue and has causes repeated issues while breaking.

Filed Jan 29, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

ABS Module suddenly start failing causing brake sinks down. Almost crashed because of it. It appears to be a very common issue but Mazda still does not recall these ABS modules made by Ford/ATE. Also, it does not show any ABS warning light, which might be why not many people have called on this as they probably thought it was normal. There is all sort of communication error codes if you read with a OBDII scanner. In fact, Ford had a recall for these ABS modules, citing "stuck or slow-responding valves due to reaction with brake fluid".

Filed Feb 24, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 49,000 miles · UT

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. The four complaints about this same problem all indicate no injuries or fatalities; I hope there don't have to be injuries or fatalities for this to be considered serious enough to warrant a recall. Also, the speed doesn't matter, I had to put in a number so I indicated 45 MPH, but it happens on the freeway at 80 MPH as well as on city streets. There are currently 49,259 miles on the car. When I bought it it had 33,370 miles on it. Like I said, it is getting worse. It is more distracting due to more pronounced flickering and dimming of the illumination of the road.

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Brakes · 52,700 miles · FL

While driving the vehicle the pressure on the break pedal got very low. I had to push the pedal all the way down to slow down the vehicle. I took the vehicle to a nearby mazda dealership. After a couple of days they told me that there was nothing wrong with the breaks per say (pads, rotors, etc,), but that the ABS hydraulic and the master cylinder had both failed causing the lack of pressure on the break pedal. The technician told me this was quite unusual and that had never seen that before on a mazda particularly with only 52,000 miles. He told me the car was dangerous to drive. I'm thankful that I did not get into a car accident and hurt myself nor anyone else. The vehicle still under warranty for the power train parts, but the dealership informed that mazda would not cover for the repairs. I was quoted $1,617 for the repairs and I have been without the vehicle for 4 days. I been told that I would get a loaner as soon as one is available. Given that this was not wear and tear, I believe mazda should be responsible for the repairs of the vehicle and make sure that there are no issues with these parts in other vehicles that could cause someone to get hurt.

Filed Nov 15, 2017 · Brakes, Lights · 134,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mazda 3. While driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal was applied and the headlights flashed without warning. The contact called a local dealer (mazda knoxville, 8814 kingston pike, knoxville, tn 37923) and was informed that the system needed to be updated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2017 · Brakes, Lights · 50,000 miles · CA

Headlights flicker while applying brakes. Problem occurs only when the car is in motion. Sometimes cars think I am flashing my lights at them so they will turn their bright lights on. Once I almost drove off the side of a winding road because when the flickering lights bounced off of the guard rail reflectors, it was disorienting

Filed Aug 10, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

When braking, the headlights pulse. When braking, the car rides bumpy. The stability control light will come on at random times. These have been happening for the past couple years, and all mechanics have said that everything looks fine on the vehicle.

Filed Mar 25, 2017 · Brakes · CA

I discovered only one of my rear brakes worn beyond the pad and into the metal beyond. I am deaf - so unknown if stuck & squealing or if a tech bulletin or recall. The one side appeared to have been stuck in the applied position full time. My mother called mazda no info - bring it in !! I will try.

Filed Jan 10, 2017 · Brakes, Lights · GA

When the brakes are applied and the headlights are on, the headlights will flicker or pulse. The flashing headlights are very noticeable when following behind another car. This problem has been happening for many months.

Filed Nov 16, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 73,000 miles · UT

When braking or decelerating, the headlights pulse. It looks like we're signaling other drivers at night (although who knows what we're supposedly saying) and it is a serious hazard. This was particularly a problem heading down a mountain at night during a winter storm to have our visibility go in and out. There is already a notice out according to our mechanic, but we received nothing from mazda and are being charged to reprogram the computer that is supposedly causing the problem.