This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-003/26 01/30/26 Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light ON with DTC P20F8:00 stored. P20F8:00 - Swirl control circuit range/performance problem. In these cases, increasing temperature levels of the Swirl Control Valve (SCV) motor due to excessive actuation leads to duty limitation, causing poor openingangle response and resulting in a stuck judgment. To eliminate this concern, the PCM logic has been modified. REPAIR PROCEDURE Reprogram the PCM with the Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS), using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software (MDARS). Refer to MDARS ECU Reprogrammi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Mazda Mazda3 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mazda3 | 9 |
| 2021 Mazda3 | 3 |
| 2023 Mazda3 (this page) | 3 |
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit the check engine light ON with DTC P2112 (Throttle valve actuator control motor current system: Characteristic malfunction). The DTC is stored when the engine is started at sub-zero ambient temperatures. To eliminate this concern, the PCM logic has been modified. REPAIR PROCEDURE Reprogram the PCM with the Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS), using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software (MDARS). Refer to MDARS ECU Reprogramming Procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗When inspected, the differential or PTO oil is dark or black. This is considered normal and NO repair should be performed. During production, differential ring and pinion gears receive a manganese phosphate coating (commonly referred to as black oxide). This coating forms a porous, oil-retentive surface that improves boundary lubrication and reduces adhesive wear during initial contact cycles. Designed as a sacrificial layer, it is gradually removed under load throughout the break-in process. As a result, after the first few hundred miles, or at the initial gear oil service interval, the lubricant may appear darkened by the worn-off coating. It will contain trace ferrous particles from the n
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may see the A/T warning light on during (or immediately after) engine start-up with DTCs P073D:00-TCM / P1738:00-TCM stored. P073D:00-TCM: Turbine/input shaft speed sensor: Sensor output range malfunction P1738:00-TCM: Automatic transaxle internal malfunction This concern is caused by improper TCM logic. To eliminate this concern, the TCM control software has been modified to change the DTC detection logic, preventing DTC judgment during start-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Cars lurches/jerks at low speeds when shifting 1-2 gears and sometimes rpm bounces up and down when downshifting.
On three occasions thus far when the vehicle was started and placed in drive the transmission slipped terribly, the engine rpms would race when pressing the accelerator and the vehicle would move at no more than a few MPH. The problem is intermittent but can be inspected. The problem has occurred on public roads when stopped at a light or stop sign and I was unable to move forward again after…
Transmission failure when driving. Car was towed to dealership and diagnosed. Transmission and torque converter replacement required under factory warranty. Very long lead time for dealer to acquire replacement parts, about 4 months.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 Mazda Mazda3?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2023 Mazda Mazda3?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Mazda/Mazda3.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.