What 138 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

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.

NHTSA ODI 11744056

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/

NHTSA ODI 11694054

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.

NHTSA ODI 11655737

Gas tank is leaking. According to the records the service recall has been repaired (via a previous owner). However, what started out as fumes is now definitely a leak and the dealership will not repair under the recall a second time.

NHTSA ODI 11640835

I thought I smelled gasoline when sitting in my car. I got out and inspected all around the vehicle, discovering that gasoline was leaking underneath. Both the hazardous fumes and the potential for a fire in the vehicle put me at risk. The loss of fuel on public roads could have resulted in danger to anyone behind me on the road due to the fire hazard and potential loss of traction before I noticed the problem. I immediately brought the car to my mechanic's personal shop (he is also a master mechanic at a local automotive dealership). He confirmed that the leak was gasoline and diagnosed the problem as a rusted seam near the top of the fuel tank having ruptured, allowing the leak and filling the cabin of the vehicle with fumes. I knew that the local Mazda dealership would be unable to repair this promptly, if at all, since they had just fixed the exact same problem in my mother in law's vehicle of the same make, model, and year, and had struggled to get the replacement tank for weeks due to the supply chain problems experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, I paid my own mechanic to source and install a tank, and coat it with anti-corrosion treatment. I contacted Mazda, explained the problem, and demanded they reimburse me, as the car was only 8 years old at the time. The Mazda representative refused to do anything to help me and did not answer my subsequent emails, so I posted about this problem on the [XXX] forum, and discovered others have had the same problem as my mother in law and I. There were no warning signs of the problem other than the smell of gasoline. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11587982

Fuel was leaking from car.

NHTSA ODI 11579319

Gas smell / leak from gas tank when more than 7/8 full. Seems to leak from the top. AEB frequently says disabled due to high interior car temperature. Even in winter when temperature below freezing.

NHTSA ODI 11576655

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle had smelled gas fumes in the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a plastic fuel pump module in the gas tank had corroded and the seam of the gas tank had leaked. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 158,500.

NHTSA ODI 11549642

strong gas smell

NHTSA ODI 11547401

The gas tank leaked gas due to corrosion on the top of the tank at the fuel pump. Strong smell of gas fumes evident and puddling of gas under the car after being driven. The problems was diagnosed at McGrath City Mazda in Chicago and also by my local garage JDH Auto repair in Prairie du Sac, WI. The fuel tank was replaced, along with the evaporation cannister. Until their was actual leaking of gasoline, there were no signs, lights, warnings of this problem. I have retailed the old tank if you wish to inspect the tank. This car was washed on a regular basis and did not show other issues from corrosion.

NHTSA ODI 11547054

The car has a smell of fuel when filling the tank and for a long period following. My mechanic tells me the surface of the tank has decayed and that it will cost $1600 to correct. I don't have the $1600, so he told me to fill the tank only halfway, which seems to have solved the issue of the fuel smell. I can't understand how a fuel tank could decay and believe Mazda should be responsible for something that is poorly designed or improperly manufactured.

NHTSA ODI 11528643

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that an abnormal odor was detected while the vehicle was turned on or off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V684000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511850

Gas smell when tank is filled past 3/4

NHTSA ODI 11507956

Accelerating on the highway passing a semi-truck when I lost acceleration power. Nearly caused a serious accident at highway speeds. Engine light then came on. After the incident the car's engine would stutter when accelerated above 2000rpm. Was able to bring it to a local mechanic who diagnosed both fuel pumps as damaged and replaced. Part was not inspected by police or insurance as it did not lead to a crash.

NHTSA ODI 11493552

- After filling up the gas tank and putting the cap back on, there is a distinct smell of gasoline until some of the fuel is used up. In summary, it appears to be spilling or leaking fuel/fumes when we fill up the tank. -This is a problem when parking our car in our garage and we are concerned that it could cause a fire. - We have not yet confirmed this with a dealer or independent service center nor have we had any other entity or person confirm this. - This issue was noticed recently and within the last year or so and without any alerts and/or warning lamps. - We understand that there is a recall on the Mazda3 for model years 2014-2016 regarding the ICV Valve (deformed gas tank) and even though it appears to be the same issue, our vehicle doesn't fall within the recall group. - Please help us determine if this is the same problem as the 2014-2016 model year recalls and if your agency will need to issue a similar recall on this model year.

NHTSA ODI 11492079

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, he could smell fuel fumes inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V684000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ODI 11486365

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. Consequence A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. This is what i seem to be experiencing please expand recall...

NHTSA ODI 11433763

Had a gas smell in our garage for months, thought our riding mower or snowblower was the cause but realized it was this car. Took to our mechanic and they said it was the fuel leak issue from NHTSA campaign 16V684000 however this car was manufactured in Dec 2013 and the official recall campaign began with cars manufactured the following month aka Jan 2014. We have been unable to get assistance from the dealership or reach anyone at Mazda due to the huge hold times.

NHTSA ODI 11431971

MY 2014 MAZDA3 IS LEAKING FROM A SEAM IN THE FUEL TANK. THERE IS AN EXISTING CAMPAIGN FOR OTHER 2014 MAZDA3S #16V684000 BUT MY VIN APPARENTLY IS NOT CAUGHT IN THAT CAMPAIGN. SEEMS HIGHLY SUSPECT THAT SOME VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR WERE MISSED WHEN DEVELOPING THE CAMPAIGN. MY VEHICLE IS ON THE LIFT NOW AND MY MECHANIC IS WATCHING FUEL DRIP FROM THE SEAM IN THE TANK. NOTE THIS IS HAPPENING WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL, WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. AFTER PARKING THERE IS DISTINCT FUEL ORDER EMANATING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11254420

JULY 2018 I NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL GETTING REALLY HOT AND MAKING A POPPING SOUND AFTER DRIVING IT ON HOT PAVEMENT. THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS STUCK AND I HAD TO GET A NEW ROTOR, REAR DRIVER'S BRAKE CALIPER AND NEW BRAKE PADS. I HAD TO WAIT 3 WEEKS FOR THE CALIPER TO COME IN. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS ODD ALL THE OTHER CALIPERS WERE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY EXCEPT THE REAR PASSENGER ONE. WE LOOKED ONLINE AND NOTICED A RECALL BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. FAST FORWARD 1 YEAR - AUGUST 2019, I WAS SMELLING FUEL AROUND THE DRIVER'S WHEEL WELL AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE AFTER FILL UP. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND THERE IS A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE SEEM OF THE GAS TANK. THE WHOLE TANK HAS TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY THE FUEL PUMP. ONCE AGAIN I HAVE ANOTHER WAIT FOR THE PARTS FROM MAZDA - AT LEAST A WEEK. THESE ARE 2 VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS IN THE MATTER OF A LITTLE OVER A YEAR FOR A CAR WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT. HE SAID WHEN HE LOOKED UNDER THE BACK SEAT HE COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH FUEL LEAKED OUT. HE SAID FROM LOOKING ONLINE, MY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR BOTH OF THESE INCIDENTS SINCE OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR WERE. I CONTACTED MAZDA CORPORATE ABOUT EACH OF THESE ISSUES AND THEY TELL ME MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IMPACTED BY THE RECALL AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE IT'S NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI 11252054

SAFETY RECALL-ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER IN THE BACKSEAT I NOTICE MY BATTERY LIGHT COME ON. AFTER THAT EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN EVEN WHEN PRESSING MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THE CAR EVEN TRIED STOPING AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. WE WERE SUCCESSFULLY ABLE TO GET IT TOWED BUT I BELIEVED THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE THE DEALERS DIDN'T FIX THE RECALL AND INSTAED THEY BYPASSED IT.

NHTSA ODI 11197077

PURCHASED AS NEW VEHICLE. FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE I SMELLED GASOLINE IN GARAGE AFTER PARKING OVERNIGHT. AFTER 1,000 MILES/3 MONTHS THE GAS SMELL BECAME INCREASINGLY STRONGER AND GAS MILEAGE PLUMMETED FROM 30 MPG TO 18 MPG. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE SEAMS OF FUEL TANK WERE LEAKING--ENTIRE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED; NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10714143

HARSH VIBRATION IN CABIN SIMILAR TO AN ENGINE MISFIRE OCCURS RANDOMLY NEAR IDLE OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER IGNITION. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AND WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN REPRODUCING OR ISOLATING SOURCE OF THE VIBRATION. VIDEO DOCUMENTATION OF THE FAILURE DURING ITS OCCURRENCE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO BOTH PARTIES AND HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE SENIOR REGIONAL ENGINEER FOR ANALYSIS. CURRENT OWNER HAS AN OPEN VEHICLE REPURCHASE CLAIM UNDER LEMON LAW WITH THE MANUFACTURER PENDING INVESTIGATION OF FAULT. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10678354

MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH A PUSH TO START/STOP (KEYLESS) "FEATURE". I PULLED MY CAR INTO THE GARAGE LAST NIGHT (WITH THE RADIO OFF), PRESSED THE START/STOP BUTTON TO STOP THE ENGINE, AND WENT INSIDE. WHEN I WOKE UP THIS MORNING, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING, ALL NIGHT INSIDE MY ATTACHED ENCLOSED GARAGE. CO METER MEASURE NON-ZERO PPM LEVELS A FEW HOURS AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF. OTHER THEN THE RADIO, THERE ARE NO OBVIOUS NON-AUDIBLE INDICATIONS THAT THE ENGINE IS RUNNING / NOT RUNNING. ADDITIONAL EXPECTATION WOULD BE THE CAR SHOULD BE SMART ENOUGH TO AUTOMATICALLY SHUT ITSELF OFF AFTER IDLING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. MINE WAS RUNNING IN THE GARAGE FOR ABOUT 6.5 HOURS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10658837