At the shop, Mazda visibility issues have a recognizable signature. 324 documented complaints across 32 year-model entries from 2006 to 2023 is consistent with what we see come in. 2014 Mazda CX-5 tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 7 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Across the 126 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 21,042 miles. Repair cost runs around $350 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Wipers, washers, backup camera, defroster — exercise all of them on the test drive. None of these failures are emergencies but they add up.
ProblemsByVin MAZDA / VISIBILITY
32 model-year entries · 2006–2023
Mazda visibility problems
324 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Mazda vehicles for visibility issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See visibility across all makes →
Complaints
324
Recalls
3
Year-models
32
Avg fix
$350
1crash
7injuries
Worst-affected Mazda model-years for visibility Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2014 Mazda CX-5
71 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2016 Mazda CX-5
39 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2010 Mazda Mazda3
28 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2015 Mazda CX-5
16 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2018 Mazda Mazda3
14 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 severe
2008 Mazda Mazda3
14 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2017 Mazda CX-5
12 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2019 Mazda CX-5
10 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2013 Mazda CX-5
9 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2006 Mazda RX-8
9 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2021 Mazda CX-30
8 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2021 Mazda CX-5
7 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2009 Mazda Mazda6
7 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2023 Mazda CX-5
6 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2016 Mazda Mazda3
6 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2012 Mazda Mazda3
6 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2019 Mazda Mazda3
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$350 moderate
2015 Mazda Mazda3
5 complaints · ~$350 severe
2015 Mazda Mazda6
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2014 Mazda Mazda3
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2014 Mazda Mazda6
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2011 Mazda Mazda3
5 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2017 Mazda MX-5
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2017 Mazda Mazda3
4 complaints · ~$350 moderate
2016 Mazda CX-3
3 complaints · ~$350 moderate
Active recalls — Mazda visibility 5 on file
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors
Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3919G.
Pilkington North America, Inc
If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Pilkington will contact the wholesalers and retailers that purchased the windshields to try to identify the affected customers. The affected windshields will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact Pilkington at 1-844-278-7230.
On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear
After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear teeth to distort or fracture during operation resulting in the loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from january 7, 2008, through november 28, 2008
The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before july 15, 2011. Owners may contact Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
Common questions
How many Mazda visibility complaints are on file with NHTSA?
324 complaints across 32 model-year entries from 2006 to 2023. 3 active recall campaigns cover visibility issues across the Mazda lineup.
Which Mazda model has the most visibility complaints?
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 leads with 71 complaints in this category. Next: 2016 CX-5 (39) and 2010 Mazda3 (28).
What does it cost to fix Mazda visibility problems?
Independent shops average $350 for visibility repairs across the Mazda lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mazda visibility recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover visibility on Mazda vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Mazda.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.