Check a VIN

2014 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

The most common problem on the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 is electrical system, typically around 17,000 miles. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical MAZDA3 model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
67/100
Owner complaints
138
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
8839 warranty
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3

Fuel smell 13Backup camera 12Check engine light 8Fuel leak 8Stalling 6Sudden acceleration 6Grinding brakes 5Fuel pump 5

Recalls 4

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported July 14, 2023 · 236,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

Recall number 23V487000 · Recall details

Parking brakeReported June 22, 2017 · 227,814 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.

Recall number 17V393000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported September 22, 2016 · 17,484 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.

Recall number 16V684000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported April 3, 2014 · 5,700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.
Risk
Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 14V173000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3

Technical service bulletins for the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 883

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 883 bulletins for the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3

What 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that when attempting to secure the vehicle, the electric parking brake failed to engage after pulling up the hand lever. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for an unrelated recall repair, but the parking brake failure was not addressed or resolved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Fuel system · RI

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.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Brakes · 72,000 miles · CA

The contact's nephew owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, the parking brake failed to engage, and there was no resistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Driver assistance · VA

The rear backup sensors no longer work and did not give any indication they stopped working. They do not detect cars driving up from behind when driving or switching lanes or objects or people behind the car anymore when you reverse. This happened without any notice or warning indications.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · TX

Airbag warning symbol on dashboard flashes with or without passenger seated in front seat.

Filed Jan 19, 2026 · Visibility · VA

Blend door actuator linkage will not allow for heat to be turned on, will blow cool/cold air, have had it looked at and the gear teeth will not stay in line with on another to be able to turn when the knob inside the car is turned. I was told that this may be a recall but do not see anything listed, but that it is a known problem for this model of mazda 3 and ford expiditions

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Fuel system · NY

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/

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 197,687 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jun 27, 2025 · Airbags, Brakes · CA

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.

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Fuel system · OH

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 before you buy

Compare the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3

MAZDA3 vs Ford FocusMAZDA3 vs Honda CivicMAZDA3 vs Toyota CorollaMAZDA3 vs Volkswagen JettaMAZDA3 vs Hyundai ElantraMAZDA3 vs Nissan SentraMAZDA3 vs Chevrolet CruzeMAZDA3 vs Subaru Impreza

Other model years

20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3

Is the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Owners have filed 138 complaints about the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3, 1.2 times a typical MAZDA3 model year.

What is the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 year score?

The 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 scores 67 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MAZDA3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3?

Electrical system, with 27 complaints, typically around 17,000 miles. Next is brakes (26).

How many recalls does the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 have?

4 recalls, covering back over prevention, parking brake and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V173000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mazda MAZDA3 have the most electrical problems?

The Mazda MAZDA3 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2010 (50 complaints), 2013 (32 complaints) and 2018 (30 complaints).

Share your experience with the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2014 Mazda MAZDA3?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN