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2015 Mazda 3

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2015 Mazda 3 is a popular compact car praised for its sporty handling, fuel efficiency, and stylish design. Available as a sedan or hatchback, it offers a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems reported by owners. The 2015 Mazda 3 came with two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine generating 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Mazda 3 for its responsive steering, comfortable interior, and relatively affordable price. Common complaints include infotainment system glitches, some reliability concerns related to the direct injection system, and premature wear of certain interior components.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4

  • Direct Injection Carbon Buildup
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and hesitation during acceleration, especially at higher mileage. This is due to carbon deposits forming on the intake valves, which is inherent to direct injection engines without port injection.
    • Solution: Cleaning the intake valves via walnut blasting or chemical cleaning. Installing an oil catch can can also help reduce oil vapors entering the intake manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ for cleaning. $100 - $200 for an oil catch can installation.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Purge Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, difficulty fueling the car, rough idling, and potential stalling.
    • Solution: Replacing the purge valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Inline-4

  • Direct Injection Carbon Buildup
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.0L, rough idling, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and hesitation during acceleration.
    • Solution: Cleaning the intake valves via walnut blasting or chemical cleaning. Installing an oil catch can can also help reduce oil vapors entering the intake manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ for cleaning. $100 - $200 for an oil catch can installation.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Purge Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, difficulty fueling the car, rough idling, and potential stalling.
    • Solution: Replacing the purge valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

  • Delayed or Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delays when shifting gears, particularly when cold. Harsh or jerky shifts can also occur.
    • Solution: Performing a transmission fluid flush (using Mazda’s specified fluid), reprogramming the transmission control module (TCM), or in severe cases, replacing valve body solenoids.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for a fluid flush. $100 - $300 for TCM reprogramming. $500 - $1500+ for valve body repair/replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Shock Absorber Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the rear shock absorbers, leading to a bouncy ride, reduced handling stability, and visible fluid leaks from the shocks.
    • Solution: Replacing the rear shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 for both rear shocks, including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
    • Description/Symptoms: The Mazda Connect infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or randomly reboot. This can affect navigation, audio, and other system functions.
    • Solution: Updating the infotainment system software to the latest version. In some cases, replacing the CMU (Connectivity Master Unit) is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update, if available). $500 - $1000+ for CMU replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain leading to difficulty starting the vehicle, especially after short periods of inactivity.
    • Solution: Identifying and addressing parasitic draws in the electrical system. Replacing the battery with a higher quality or larger capacity battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400 to diagnose and repair parasitic draws. $100 - $300 for a new battery.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • Rattling/Buzzing from Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling or buzzing noises emanating from the dashboard area, often related to loose trim pieces or wiring.
    • Solution: Identifying and securing the loose components causing the noise. This might involve adding padding, tightening screws, or replacing clips.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on the severity and complexity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Mazda 3 generally offers a positive ownership experience, but several common issues can arise. The direct injection engines are susceptible to carbon buildup, potentially leading to performance problems. The automatic transmission can exhibit shifting issues, and electrical gremlins related to the infotainment system are not uncommon. While the cost of addressing these issues varies, some repairs, such as infotainment system replacement or transmission valve body repair, can be relatively expensive. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchasing. Addressing the carbon buildup with regular cleaning or installation of an oil catch can is a worthwhile preventative measure.

Mazda, 3
Mazda 3 2015
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