16 complaints reported

2018 Mazda Mazda3 Electrical System

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
16
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jun 2025

There is a infotainment display that sits on the center part of the dash that has touch screen capability that over time starts to fail and results in what is known as "ghost touch", where random screen settings change as though someone is using the touch screen on the infotainment screen. I had issues to where settings for screen brightness have changed causing my ability to see the controls being hindered and the radio sometimes turning up loudly and then off causing a scare distraction while driving. This screen is also used for the back up camera. There is currently a class action lawsuit for this.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Oct 2024
Nov 2024

NHTSA: #23V-487 This recall has not been resolved yet despite it being established in July 2023. States no remedy available, and this is very frustrating.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jul 2023
Oct 2024

The touchscreen has started to exhibit similar issues as seen in previous recalls for the Mazdas. Commonly known as "ghost touch," the screen receives erroneous inputs, causing settings to change or unwanted functionality to start/stop. Depending on the active screen, the system will exhibit different behavior. In my case, the discoloration is directly at the 6 o'clock position. Whatever application button is there is the one that will be triggered. On a Bluetooth connection, that is the random button. On the AM or FM application, that is the seek button. On the settings menu, that could be any number of important things, including safety systems' settings including the ability to disable traction control. You can see on the display where it has been overheated and is discolored. This is the same location that the "ghost touches" occur. It is intermittent, but occurs more frequently as the unit heats up or after the car warms in an parking lot.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Sep 2024
Aug 2024

Mazda issued a recall for backup camera failures on specific vehicles over 1 year ago on July 14 2023 (Mazda Recall 6023G, NHTSA #23V-487). According to Mazda dealerships I contacted, parts are still not available. Drivers impacted have been waiting for repair components related to this safety recall for over a year. Simply submitting this as a complaint about an ongoing recall resolution.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jul 2023
Aug 2024

This is in reference to the recall for the rear view camera on 7/14/2023 Manufacturer Recall Number6023G NHTSA Recall Number23V-487 Mazda has still NOT come up with an adequate remedy solution. The dealerships continue to state that they do not have the parts to replace it even though this recall was made 8 months ago. This is unacceptable as the rear view camera is an essential safety mechanism. If Mazda is unable to repair this defect, drivers should be allowed to get it repaired at other more component repair shops and be reimbursed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jul 2023
May 2024

Safety Recall 6023G - NHTSA Campaign Number 23V-487. The car was purchased in 2018. On 5/29/2024 the backup camera view has gone black, providing no image. Since I've owned this car, the backup camera view appears, sometimes flickers, and now, has gone completely black, only to "pop" on randomly. I have asked the local Mazda dealer on multiple occasions, since purchasing the car, if it can be repaired/replaced, but am told parts are not available or that there is no "start date" on file. The mechanic has done something to that camera system when the car gets an oil change, and the problem goes away, only to return.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

I have seen the problem online called ghosting or ghost control. The infotainment system changes station, settings, selected input or anything else it randomly selects on its own and this is occurring while driving the vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

I was driving in the rain on the freeway and my wiper stopped working on 12/27/2022. Dealership diagnosed the issue that it was caused by the front body control module with an internal relay failure. The cause was exactly the same as the recall campaign #3219D after my research. However, the original recall did not cover my vehicle even though my vehicle's model year is exactly the same as stated in the recall campaign. I had to pay out of pocket to repair this issue at the dealership ($663.34) and went back and forth with Mazda's customer service and they could not do anything because my VIN does not match the original recall. The vehicle was repaired on January 2023 but I was not aware that I could file a complaint here on NHTSA. My file number with Mazda Corporation was - 00069514 In below, I have attached: - the screenshot of my dashcam, right after the wiper failed while I was on the freeway. - A PDF of the recall campaign #3219D - an invoice and description of the repair from the dealership File that I could not attach due to the limitation: - a detailed video of the dealership technician, they recorded and showed what my vehicle's issue was.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Dec 2022
Mar 2024

There is a known issue with the infotainment system referred to as ghost tough. This causes the system to randomly change stations/songs, etc while the car is in motion. There is also a delamination issue. Mazda issued a recall for 2014-2016 vehicles, however a quick internet search shows that this issue continues to be a problem. This issue can be extremely distracting as the driver attempts to stop the system from changing.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jan 2023
Mar 2024

The screen/head unit in my car is registering ghost touches. Basically the screen thinks it's being touched even though it isn't. This causes much distraction and hinders the use of the screen because if I try to actual use the head unit, the ghost touch overrides my input which makes it unusable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: May 2024
Jan 2024

I became aware of this recall for my backup camera and one day i closed my trunk wasnt expecting it too affect my car but it did!! the rear backup camera was flickering and distorted as i was back out of a parking spot and almost got rear ended by someone and mazda told me by the middle of january they should have a fix for this its a camera and a wiring harness and fastener no need to have too wait this long for something that can cause a major accident its not only happened once but twice out of nowhere i have pictures and video recordings of it!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Nov 2023
Dec 2023

Touchscreen in vehicle is randomly changing without my touching the screen. This is a well-documented issue in other 2014-2016 Mazdas for which a recall has been previously issued. However, my vehicle also experiences this same issue ("ghost touch") which indicates to me that the problem is not just limited to 2014-2016 vehicles and that my 2018 Mazda should be included in the original recall to replace the defective touchscreen. The random operation of the touchscreen is a safety hazard and should be immediately recalled by Mazda.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Dec 2023
Aug 2023

The infotainment screen has begun cracking and causing a ghost touch issue. This is distracting and dangerous.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Aug 2023
Jul 2023

This is related to the existing recall with the backup camera. I have intermittently experience, fuzzing of the review camera. I have also experienced total loss of the review camera. In addition, I have had occasionally experienced the panel system not switching over to the rear view camera. The issues appear to be associated with opening and closing the rear hatch and if occurred could sometimes be resolved by turning the car off and back on. The issue was persistent and occurring on a more or less regular basis, but then in the last month it has ceased to occur though I have been opening and closing the hatch on a regular basis... I had been avoiding opening and closing the hatch to avoid losing the camera :( I am concerned that due to the intermittent nature of the failure that when I take the vehicle in under the recall that it will not occur and the dealership will consider the matter closed even if it reoccurs later. Note that in the attached pictures the vehicle is on and in reverse, but the screen is not showing the rear camera view.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Apr 2023
Apr 2022

To Whom It May Concern: On Sunday October 2, 2022, while driving in very rainy conditions caused by Hurricane Ian, my windshield wipers failed. On Monday, October 3, 2022, I took the car to an independent mechanic at Chesapeake Import Services in Annapolis, MD. The auto mechanic ran a diagnostic test on my vehicle to discover an electric malfunction caused by a defective relay. This is the same issue that is noted as part of the recall that has already been identified here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V272-0572.pdf. Unfortunately, my VIN does not fall into the recalled VINs. I am requested that you review and expand the recall to include additionally impacted vehicles, and this issue seems to be significantly more widespread that originally noted. I have contacted Mazda, and they are refusing to take responsibility for this faulty part, as it's not part of the original recall. I have documentation from the mechanic regarding the diagnostic, and they are willing to speak on my behalf regarding their findings on my vehicle. Please contact me ASAP to review the issue. I am currently not able to drive my car due to the safety issues involved with having inoperable windshield wipers. Thank you for your attention.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Feb 2022
Sep 2021

THE CHARGE WARNING SYSTEM CAME ON AND THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC IT HAPPENED ON FEBRUARY 3RD AND I HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT ON FEBRUARY THE 9TH 2021 I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET LOOKED AT MY MAZDA AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITHOUT HAVING THE INDICATION WHEN I CLEARLY TOLD THEM MY CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IT CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Sep 2021

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Quick Summary

The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 has 16 Electrical System complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.