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2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
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Mazda 3 Change Vehicle

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The Mazda3 has always stood out as a sportier choice than compact rivals from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. The all-new Mazda3 has an improved, elegant, and quiet interior and a refined ride. But these improvements come at the cost of fuel efficiency and a less exciting driving experience.
Alerts
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
GREEN CHOICE
2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Mazda 3

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2019 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2019 Mazda 3 has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years * Redesign year
Worse Better
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01
02
03
04*
05
06
07
08
09
10*
11
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14*
15
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17
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19*
20
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 329,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2020 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Android Auto

"Consitantly lose connection, very counter intuitive and difficult"

Anonymous, ON (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen goes blank

"The display screen blanked out. No radio controls, GPS or other features were available. I could drive the car, and took it to the dealer. They fixed the problem under warranty. I do not know the cause of the problem."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"terrible design. How to you take a simple system like changing radio station and make it impossible? Mazda did it. no on at dealer can help they say that is the current design"

Anonymous, (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Software update fixes

"hesitation on starting to move forward"

Anonymous, (2019 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Vehicle was recalled for a software problem. Satisfactorily address at the dealership"

Anonymous, NY (2019 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Was told update would fix car not starting but it really had nothing to do with the problem."

Anonymous, ON (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The paint chips and flakes all the time."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The paint is very fragile. In 6 months, I got more stone paint chips on the hood, roof and doors than in 5 years with my previous vehicule (2012 Hyundai Accent). I do not know if it is related to the specific color of my car (Mazda red), or if all colors are this fragile. An official complaint will be opened with Mazda Canada about this issue."

Anonymous, QC (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"very thin body painting, chips all around the car"

Anonymous, PR (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The car gave me an indication that some of the airbags weren't functional. I took it to the dealer, who kept the car for about a week while they obtained a part to fix the airbag problem. During that time, they gave me a free loaner. The problem was a defective part that was on back order."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The front camera went bad, so many features that use the camera were completely or partially disabled."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"same chipping of the paint; doors work perfectly"

Anonymous, PR (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Mirrors

"Corrosion of the mirror on drivers side"

Anonymous, NH (2019 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"The car would not engage properly so it would not start."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission would not shift out of first gear. Many alarm notices appeared so I took it immediately to the dealer."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Gauges

"In direct hot sunlight, the car has intermittent lighting failure on all interior gauges and displays. Everything goes black. Once the car cools down the gauges come back in (5-10 minutes)."

Anonymous, KS (2019 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"sound comes from dash top like something is loose."

Mark M., IL (2019 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Problem(s) fueling the tank

"unable to fill up the gas tank and finally the dealer replaced it."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"Heat or cool uncontrolled at start up. resolved by cycling the climate control thermostat full range up and down."

Anonymous, (2019 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Dec 19 2019
Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V907000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 35390
Hide Recall Details
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Jul 29 2019
Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V558000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 22571
Hide Recall Details
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
Jul 05 2019
Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3819F.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V514000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 9430
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
Jun 27 2019
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V497000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 262220
Hide Recall Details
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS
Jun 07 2019
A wheel separating from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the front and rear wheel lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3519F.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V425000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 25003
Hide Recall Details
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
May 14 2019
Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V363000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 17016
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