2.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,257 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #14

Aug 262017

MAZDA3

  • 45,995 miles
The headlights on a newly purchased used 2013 Mazda 3 flickering when applying the brakes. This is especially dangerous while driving on unlit streets at night. Trying to determine if there is a covered manufactured issue. This is while vehicle is in motion and being driven.

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #13

Aug 232017

MAZDA3

  • 55,000 miles
Headlight assembly keeps collecting water which shorts out the headlights and ballast. I keep finding this to be a common problem when researching it online. I can't find any obvious worn seals or cracks. I've changed my lightbulb 3 times so far in six months. I find water every time. My light will magically just go out while I'm driving usually at night.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #12

Jan 272017

MAZDA3

  • 97,996 miles
When decelerating with headlights on while in motion, headlights flicker until pressure is released from brake pedal. Brought to dealership and was charged $26.38 for PCM reprogramming.

- Brunswick, ME, USA

problem #11

Jan 102017

MAZDA3

  • miles
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.

- Sandy Springs, GA, USA

problem #10

Dec 182015

MAZDA3

  • 73,000 miles
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.

- Provo, UT, USA

problem #9

Jan 012016

MAZDA3

  • 20,000 miles
Every time I slow down (braking or just decelerating) the lights flicker. This happens with high or low beams. This has been happening for quite some time. I thought it might be the battery, but after replacement this continued.

- Grey Forest, TX, USA

problem #8

Mar 312016

MAZDA3

  • 17,000 miles
Headlights pulse, like others have stated when decelerating, as in coming down a hill while gently braking. I am putting the latest date of occurrence, but its been going on since about summer of 2015. Would like this resolved.

- Charleston, WV, USA

problem #7

Mar 222016

MAZDA3

  • 36,000 miles
When the car decelerators, or more noticeably, when I'm breaking, the headlights flicker, almost pulsing. It has not gotten me into any trouble yet, I've heard of near hits because other drivers thought they were allowing them to merge in front of them. I'm most afraid that someone will think I'm threatening them by flashing my lights at them. As if I'm angry they cut me off and flashing my lights in anger, for example. It's very rare for this not to happen when it is dark. My boyfriend is also afraid that the lights are going to go out spontaneously, leaving me in the dark.

- Jefferson Hills, PA, USA

problem #6

Dec 272015

MAZDA3

  • 52,500 miles
When decelerating (braking) headlights flicker. This makes night time driving dangerous & difficult.

- Sullivan, ME, USA

problem #5

Oct 022014

MAZDA3

  • 36,000 miles
Driving at night and the vehicle decelerates and apply brakes (which is more noticeable) the headlights flicker. I have had people think I'm a police officer behind them, also had vehicles pull out in front of me because they thought I was flashing my lights for them to go. I have taking the car into Mazda dealer have looked at as well as where I purchased the car from and they have yet to say what's wrong or even fix it. If you disconnect the battery for 5-10 minutes it stops flickering for a day or so, but starts back up and at time been worse than previous times.

- Lonoke, AR, USA

problem #4

Nov 182015

MAZDA3

  • 40,000 miles
While braking the front lights are pulsing from regular to dim and back and forth. They return to normal after releasing the brake pedal. This was first noticed while exiting from highway speeds to a down ramp.there is a service bulletin from Mazda on this, #13-21. It has already been done to my vehicle to no avail. The problem is electrical in nature in my opinion.

- Sun Prairie, WI, USA

problem #3

Apr 122014

MAZDA3

  • 30,565 miles
Noticed flickering of headlights during night driving while braking. This headlight flicker was repeatable while night driving and braking at moderate to highway speeds.

- Blue Island, IL, USA

problem #2

Feb 142015

MAZDA3

  • 38,000 miles
The headlights flicker or pulsate when I brake or decelerated my 2013 Mazda 3 hatchback with the 2.0 L engine. Night driving is dangerous.

- Olney, MD, USA

problem #1

Oct 012014

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 12,000 miles
When I started driving and put on my headlights. Everytime I put on the brakes the headlights dim as the brake light is pushed.

- Struthers, OH, USA