2017 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Report

2017 Mazda Mazda3: Strong Crash Safety, but Persistent Infotainment 'Ghost Touch' and Rearview Camera Issues Mar Daily Reliability

82Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
6Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (18)Electrical System (9)Back Over Prevention (7)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (6)Service Brakes (5)Visibility/Wiper (4)Structure (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Engine (3)Wheels (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3

The 2017 Mazda Mazda3 generally presents a strong safety profile, evidenced by its excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover. However, an analysis of 82 NHTSA complaints reveals a significant pattern of issues, particularly with the infotainment system and rearview camera. The 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category leads with 18 complaints, often detailing 'ghost touch' issues where the screen registers inputs without user interaction, leading to random changes in volume, radio stations, and even unintended phone calls. This is a major distraction and safety concern, especially while driving. Recall history includes two significant campaigns. Recall 23V-487 addresses a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' issue where the rearview camera image may flicker or be distorted, increasing crash risk. Several complaints directly reference this, with owners reporting distorted or black screens and difficulty obtaining parts for repair. The second recall, 18V-602, pertains to 'VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER' where a defective relay could cause wipers to become inoperative, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk. While these recalls address critical safety components, the persistent infotainment issues, despite numerous complaints, have not resulted in a recall for the 2017 model, leaving owners to bear repair costs for a widely reported defect. Beyond the infotainment and camera issues, other notable complaint areas include 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (9 complaints), 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' (7 complaints, likely related to the camera recall), and 'SERVICE BRAKES' (5 complaints). While the overall crash test performance is commendable, the high volume of complaints regarding the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' functionality and the rearview camera's reliability, coupled with the lack of a comprehensive solution for the infotainment, suggest a notable gap between crashworthiness and daily operational safety and reliability for this specific model year.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Mazda Mazda3 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Infotainment 'Ghost Touch' / Erratic Behavior
Touchscreen registers inputs without user interaction, leading to random changes in volume, radio stations, navigation, and unintended phone calls. Highly distracting and a significant safety concern while driving. Many complaints note Mazda has not issued a recall for the 2017 model despite similar issues in earlier years.		 High Common variable miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction (Flickering/Distorted/No Image)
Rearview camera image may flicker, be distorted, or fail to display, reducing driver's rear view and increasing crash risk. Subject of NHTSA Recall 23V-487, but owners report difficulty obtaining parts for repair.		 High Common variable miles
Windshield Wiper Inoperability
Defective windshield wiper relay may cause wipers to become inoperative, reducing visibility. Subject of NHTSA Recall 18V-602.		 High Rare variable miles
Fuel System Leaks/Smell
Strong gasoline vapor smell after filling tank, potentially due to cracked fuel pump or stuck fuel vent, leading to costly repairs outside warranty.		 Medium Occasional past warranty miles
Transmission Pulling/Jerking
Transmission exhibits pulling or jerking during shifting, even after software updates, posing a potential safety risk when accelerating into traffic.		 Medium Rare variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Mazda Mazda3:

Unknown Or Other 21% of complaints

Primarily related to infotainment system 'ghost touch' issues and other unspecified electrical or system malfunctions.

Electrical System 10% of complaints

General electrical issues, including battery drain and infotainment system malfunctions.

Back Over Prevention 8% of complaints

Mainly rearview camera malfunctions, including distorted images or complete failure, directly related to recall 23V-487.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

Issues reported with the braking system.

Visibility/Wiper 4% of complaints

Includes windshield wiper failures, addressed by recall 18V-602.

Structure 4% of complaints

Complaints related to the vehicle's structural integrity.

Fuel/Propulsion System 3% of complaints

Issues such as fuel leaks and strong gasoline odors.

Engine 3% of complaints

General engine-related complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Mazda Mazda3

Is the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 received excellent crash test ratings (5 stars overall, frontal, and side; 4 stars rollover). However, 82 complaints highlight significant safety concerns, particularly with the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' issues and the rearview camera, which is subject to recall 23V-487. While it performs well in crash tests, daily operational safety is impacted by these common malfunctions.

What are common problems with the 2017 Mazda Mazda3?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 are related to the infotainment system, specifically 'ghost touch' where the screen acts erratically without user input, and rearview camera malfunctions (flickering, distorted, or no image), which is covered by recall 23V-487. Other common complaints include general electrical system issues and, less frequently, fuel system problems and transmission irregularities.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3. NHTSA Recall 23V-487 addresses a rearview camera issue where the image may not display properly. NHTSA Recall 18V-602 concerns a defective windshield wiper relay that could cause wipers to become inoperative. Owners have reported difficulties getting parts for the camera recall.

How does the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Mazda Mazda3 performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Is the infotainment 'ghost touch' issue a safety concern?

Yes, the infotainment 'ghost touch' issue is a significant safety concern. Numerous complaints describe the screen randomly changing radio stations, adjusting volume, or even making unintended phone calls while driving. This erratic behavior is highly distracting and increases the risk of a crash, as drivers may divert attention from the road to deal with the malfunctioning system.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 boasts excellent crash test ratings, be aware of widespread infotainment 'ghost touch' issues and rearview camera problems; verify if recall 23V-487 has been addressed and consider an extended warranty for electrical components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Mazda Mazda3

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The data includes 82 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Mazda Mazda3 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.