WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS FLICKER/PULSE. OVER THE LAST 6-12 MONTHS THIS ISSUE HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED SO THAT IT HAS BEGUN REDUCING VISIBILITY. PLUS, NEARBY CARS ARE DISTRACTED, EVIDENTLY THINKING WE ARE IN DISTRESS. WE BELIEVE THIS CREATES AN ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC HAZARD. NOTE: INITIALLY, THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY NOTICEABLE WHEN SLO…
2013 mazda Mazda3 lighting problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$250
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN BRAKING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 20-60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED SMITH HAVEN MAZDA (827 JERICHO TURNPIKE, ST JAMES, NY 11780, 631) 724-4070) …
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.
HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHILE DECELERATING. ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN BRAKING. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONG TIME, JUST DECIDED NOW TO REPORT IT. I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE ONLINE.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2013 mazda Mazda3?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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