Safety recallPrompt inspection

2016 Mazda CX-3 · Steering & suspension

Steering control may be reduced

The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Vehicles covered
2016
Evidence level
Official safety recall
Information reviewed
August 3, 2026
Jurisdiction
United States

What the reviewed source says

Start with the documented condition, not a parts guess.

NHTSA campaign 16V203000 includes certain 2016 Mazda CX-3 vehicles. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate. If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Words owners may use

Does this match the moment?

“steering suddenly feels heavy”“power steering stopped working”“wheel is hard to turn”“steering warning light”“car pulls while steering”“loss of steering assist”

Symptoms in the pattern

  • Steering effort, response or control may change, sometimes with a warning message
  • An open campaign appears when the complete VIN is checked
  • Some recalled vehicles may show no advance warning before the component fails

Vehicles and scope

  • 2016 Mazda CX-3
  • NHTSA campaign 16V203000
  • The manufacturer filing lists 578 potentially affected units across the complete campaign.
  • VIN eligibility determines whether this recall applies to an individual vehicle

Manufacturer position

What the official procedure directs

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016.

Mileage context

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Original evidence

Open the documents behind this page.

Repair paths and safe checks

Separate the diagnosis from the action.

Official repair pathAuthorised dealer · Confirm with VIN

Use the official recall remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016.

Boundary

Do not buy parts from the campaign description alone. VIN scope, superseded remedies and parts availability can change.

What owners reported

Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?

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Safe owner checkBasic check · 5 minutes

Check the complete VIN before arranging work

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the manufacturer or an authorised dealer to confirm whether the campaign is open for this vehicle.

Boundary

A year, make and model match does not prove that every vehicle is included. The VIN result controls eligibility.

What owners reported

Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?

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