Almost every Mazda3 year is a good buy; the 2016 and 2017 have the fewest complaints. The 2018 and 2019 drew more, mainly infotainment 'ghost touch' and emergency braking faults, but are still close to average.
Best years: 20162017 Years to avoid: none stand out
Every Mazda3 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | - | 3 | Electrical | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 12 | - | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 24 | 86 | 0 | Air bags | Few reports |
| 2021 | 54 | 129 | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2020 | 32 | 105 | 2 | Collision avoidance | Average |
| 2019 | 74 | 146 | 6 | Other | Average |
| 2018 | 110 | 170 | 4 | Electrical | Watch out |
| 2017 | 84 | 112 | 2 | Other | Good buy |
| 2016 | 103 | 108 | 6 | Electrical | Good buy |
| 2015 | 129 | 120 | 4 | Brakes | Average |
| 2014 | 138 | 131 | 4 | Other | Average |
| 2013 | 117 | 112 | 1 | Exterior Lighting | Average |
| 2012 | 226 | 183 | 1 | Transmission and drivetrain | Watch out |
About the Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a compact car with a reputation for reliability, and our data agrees: its complaint rate is well below average. The main repeat complaints are an infotainment screen that presses itself ('ghost touch') on 2017-2018 cars and automatic emergency braking warnings on the 2019 redesign.
- 2014-2018: Third generation. Very few mechanical complaints; infotainment ghost touch on 2017-2018.
- 2019 on: Fourth generation. Some automatic braking warnings.
Mazda3 warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Mazda files with NHTSA. 2,015 Mazda3 bulletins are on file in total.
SSPD8 - Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00 - WARRANTY EXTENSION For certain 2018-2025MY CX-5, 2019-2023MY Mazda3, 2019-2022MY CX-3, 2018-2021MY Mazda6, 2020-2023MY CX-30 that are equipped with the suspected coolant control...
Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat in the coolant control valve on certain CX-5, Mazda3, CX-3, Mazda6...
On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open.
SSPD8 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DTC P0126:00.Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a spe...
Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 M...
SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - SSPD5 - WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - VALVE STEM SEALS CLASS ACTION In conjunction with a Class Action Settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an extension of the Engine powertr...
CSP13 - CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM - Mazda CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION.
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the Mazda3
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
Engineering analysis EA21002 · 2012, 2013 · opened Sep 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
Mazda3 vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Mazda Mazda3?
2016 and 2017. Almost every Mazda3 year is a good buy; the 2016 and 2017 have the fewest complaints. The 2018 and 2019 drew more, mainly infotainment 'ghost touch' and emergency braking faults, but are still close to average.
Which Mazda Mazda3 years should I avoid?
No year stands out as clearly bad. Check the recall list for the exact year you are looking at.
Is the Mazda3 reliable?
Yes. It has one of the lower complaint rates among compact cars. Check the infotainment screen on 2017-2018 cars and any automatic braking warnings on 2019 and later.
Based on 1,115 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.