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2018 Mazda MAZDA3 fuel system problems

11 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,000.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
78,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Delivery: fuel pump
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mazda MAZDA3 fuel system problems in other years

2004201020152021

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 fuel system

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fuel pump 8

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported November 12, 2021 · 121,038 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

Recall number 21V875000 · Recall details

What 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 45 MPH, the vehicle sputtered, hesitated to accelerate, and the check engine warning light illuminated. When the contact firmly depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine made a knocking noise, and the vehicle stalled. Diagnostic testing at AutoZone retrieved DTC related to the knock sensor. The vehicle underwent a tune-up, and the knock sensors and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and drove to the residence with the hazard lights activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) was completed. The contact associated the engine hesitation and stalling failures with the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 17V745000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was excluded from both recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Fuel system · 179,550 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The dealer had to reschedule the appointment due to a scheduling issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a crack in the top of the fuel pump. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced, and the vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The repair coverage was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was 179,550.

Filed Sep 27, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · HI

I was parked in a downtown garage, and the vehicle would not start after many attempts, after about 45 minutes of trying (waiting 5 minutes between tries). The engine would turn normally and sounded like it was trying to start, but didn't fully engage. It finally did after 45 mins, and I drove it to the local Mazda dealer in Honolulu. I noticed the check-engine light was on at that time (but not before the incident). They ran a diagnosis, and couldn't replicate the issue, and said it may be a battery problem with low voltage, due to the engine's error codes. But I questioned that since the engine was able to turn normally and adequately at all starting attempts. And the battery was only 2 years old. So I replaced the battery at their recommendation. About 2 hours after picking up the car from the dealer, the same issue happened again. I recorded the issue on my phone this time, and gave it to the dealer. And this time I didn't want to chance it, so had the car towed back to the same dealer. They couldn't replicate the issue immediately, but after several attempts (over a day), they finally experienced it. They said the issue is the fuel pump. I am the original owner, and had purchased the car new from a Mazda dealership, and it has less than 26K miles on it. I researched previous recalls with this same issue on Mazdas, even the same year and model, and it appears to related: [XXX] [XXX] No one was physically harmed due to this issue, but it was certainly a safety risk. If the fuel pump fails while driving, the driver could lose control of the vehicle while in motion. I have attached the invoices for the repairs. I have contacted Mazda Customer Experience and they assigned a case number # [XXX]. However, I was informed that the repairs are unlikely to be covered as there is no open recall on the VIN regarding this issue. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · Fuel system · 51,000 miles · FL

The contact’s sister owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that while attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, and the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2024 · Fuel system · FL

The car just didn't want to turn on with the key and completely stopped

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Fuel system · NH

Fuel smell after a fill-up, fuel pump is cracked/deformed EXACTLY as described in Mazda bulletin 5321K (THIS BULLETIN EXCLUDES THIS MODEL). Strong fuel smell in the cabin, liquid fuel leaking from the top of the tank.

Filed Jun 27, 2023 · Fuel system · OH

I have a 2018 Mazda 3 hatchback 2.5l with a faulty fuel pump. I bought the car 1 year old with 2k mikes on it in 2019 from Jake Sweeney Mazda in Cincinnati ohio. They tell me the issue with power loss and stalling I need a new fuel pump it's failing cost is $1600 to repair. Then I learn a few days later on my own 121,000 2018-2109 Mazda 3 and others were recalled due to a faulty fuel pump with the exact problem I have manufactured by Denso. But I'm told my vin # isn't on the recall. The Denso fuel pump is the brand. However no one at the dealership in Cincinnati or Columbus ohio will tell me what type of fuel pump I have. When I went to the Columbus dealership I believe called Byer Mazda they told me an upgrade was done (which never happened) to my fuel pump. Unless Mazda stole my car and returned it no work was ever done on my fuel pump. Only oil changes. Could an upgrade NOT performed and my Vin was marked as upgraded but wasn't? Why do I have a faulty fuel pump withBthe EXACT symptoms on the EXACT model or EXACT year of my Mazda.. NO ONE at Mazda will tell me what brand fuel pump was manufactured in my car. Neither the dealerships or the 800# I call can saY what fuel pump was manufactured in my car. But they can say what was recalled based on vin#. The car just turned 5 years old and shouldn't need a new fuel pump. Isn't this all a little suspicious especially since they cannot conveniently for them say what manufacturer fuel pump is in my car. The car has lost all power and stalls. What happens when I pay the $1600 and the fuel pump is the Denso that is faulty. What then? No one will help. All of this is fishy as can be especially cause I own the EXACT YEAR BRAND AND MODEL WITH THE EXACT PROBLEM THE OTHERS WERE RECALLED FOR. Please say to yourself this is a little fishy and ask questions instead of going by a computer. As a human being look at this as highly coincidental and needs looking into instead of dismissing me.

Filed May 24, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I was driving my car and it suddenly jerks a few times and the engine light turns on. i slowed down and then began to accelerate, and it was losing power and wouldn’t t go above 40mph - even while flooring the gas pedal. Now it won’t start at all. the lights turn on and everything else is fine, but car won’t start and after checking CEL, i’m getting the code p0192 indicating it’s Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Low Input.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Fuel system · 78,000 miles · FL

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Filed Jul 30, 2018 · Fuel system · 34 miles · MD

Please help me I had purchased a vehicle from ourisman mazda in laurel md. Ever since I purchased it I had an acceleration problem they had told me that as long as the engine light doesn't come on its how it was design. Well it keeps the same speed and RPM when you let off the accelerator. I guess your agency has contacted mazdausa from my last email. This time they told me that I had purchased a 2016 and all about the warranty. I had purchased a 2018 mazda 3 sport sedan. Vin : (xxxx). I had been told by a mechanic that worked at a dealer that they had other complaints of this problem. When I took my car to the dealer I had let the lead mechanic drive my car and he said look it keeps the same speed (after he took his foot of the accelerator) I told him its not cruse control. He then said that's how it was design. I believe it's is a safety hazard. Thank you for your time. (xxxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Questions about the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 fuel system

Does the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 have fuel system problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the fuel system of the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 fuel system problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 21V875000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mazda MAZDA3 have the most fuel system problems?

The Mazda MAZDA3 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2014 (24 complaints), 2012 (22 complaints) and 2015 (14 complaints).

Other 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

Electrical 30Driver assistance 21Visibility 16Engine 14Brakes 6Transmission 5Acceleration 2Body 2Steering 2Wheels 2Seat belts 1Seats 1

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