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2019
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Mazda 3

EPA MPG: 30 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View of 2019 Mazda 3 Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2019 Mazda 3
Side Profile, facing to left view of 2019 Mazda 3 Full Dash view of 2019 Mazda 3
Stereo System view of 2019 Mazda 3 Trunk with Hatch Open Feature view of 2019 Mazda 3
Center Storage Console view of 2019 Mazda 3 Passenger Dash view of 2019 Mazda 3

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2019 3 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2019 Mazda 3 has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2019 Potential Trouble Spots

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.

Electrical Accessories

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, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

""seems to be a regular issue ... usually fixed with a software update, but it's incredibly annoying to have to keep returning to the dealership to have updates done ... obviously it's an ongoing issue with no permanent fix yet""

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

"The turn signal indicators sometimes indicate cars near me. Other times they only let me know of one car next to me and dont warn me of that one, which has almost caused accidents. Theis system appears to be getting worse. The back up signal kept beeping the other day. I got out of the car to check because I had not seen anything. There was nothing around. The ac is inconsistent."

Anonymous, ME (2019 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other electrical system problem

""There is a faulty design in the wiring held in the steering area. When you use the tilt telescopic feature it pinches some wires and the horn stops, the turn signal notification sound stops, and the open door chime cuts in and out. The dealer has had to repair the wiring several times, but it continues to happen.""

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

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

CD player

"Entire sound system ceased working"

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

""while driving, the screen went blank and the engine completely shut off""

Anonymous A., ON (2019 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other in-car electronics problem

""Sometimes when there is a software update, phone call audio does not route through my Mazda speakers. The audio has completely stopped routing through my Mazda speakers now. I have unpaired/paired my phone with no success. I have tried through Bluetooth, but I prefer to plug the iPhone into the USB port in my car. Its possible I need to try a new cable, but if thats the case, I would expect Bluetooth to work. This has been an inconvenience since I can no longer answer the phone in my car hands-free. Obviously I cant handle the phone while Im driving. This feature is one of the big benefits of Apple CarPlay. There are also occasions when CarPlay simply will not connect. This is rare but extremely inconvenient. It doesnt make sense that it wont launch when its connected with a cable. Also, some valuable features are only available if you subscribe to the Mazda app for a fee. It was free until a few months ago. The Mazda app would send alerts if I forgot to lock the car, if I needed service, and it would send other helpful reminders. I particularly liked the notifications about locking the car. Why on earth would anyone subscribe to this app? Mazda is already collecting and presumably selling your data, not just data on the app but data gathered from connecting to your phone. Why do I have to subscribe to an app for remote start? That is just stupid. I only got the remote start to work one time. I didnt mention the Mazda app issue earlier in my survey, but it came back to me as I wrote about CarPlay since the app is downloaded through the Apple Store. I am basically giving Mazda a whole lot of data. And Im supposed to pay for a subscription? When the dealer completely failed to service my vehicle when I had a major problem that deprived me of the use of my car for a solid month? No. Just no.""

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

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"I had to purchase a new battery."

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

"battery died"

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

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

""AC failed, had to replace the compressor""

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

Suspension/Steering

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.

What Owners Say

Other steering/suspension problem

""I had issues with vibration, rough riding, and hard pulling when applying the brakes at higher speeds after getting the brakes, tires replaced, and alignment done. I took it to the dealer and was told nothing was wrong. They realigned it and rebalanced the tires. Following the second oil change (approx 11 months), it was found that the control arms needed replacing because the bushings were blown out, driver's side control arm was no longer secured to its mountings and collapsed due to bushings. I was told the bushings are not solid like others and are greased-filled, so they get weak from hot temperatures and tend to fail. It was a $2500 repair for a car with 50,000 miles. I've never had this kind of issue this early on, in new car ownership.""

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

Engine Major

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

What Owners Say

Other major engine problem

""This issue went on for a month and is still not resolved to my satisfaction. I was deprived of my vehicle for most of this time and Mazda of Roswell was horrible to deal with. While stopped at a red light in idle, RPMs went from 500 to 2000 a couple times. It got worse. Took car to Mazda dealership and at intake the dealer observed the issue. After over a week at the dealer I could not get a response; Mazda will only work on your car if you schedule an appointment. Unfortunately their online calendar is pretty much always full. I took it to a mechanics and spent about $2500 on repairs for OBD readings from oxygen sensor to other issues; the first time I picked up the car from the mechanic, I drove the car less than a mile before the issue returned. The second time I picked up the car from the mechanic, it was okay for a few days and the issue returned. I complained to Mazda USA and they made an appointment for me at Mazda of Hennessy, where my car was repaired within ONE DAY for less than 300 dollars. Worst problem I have ever had with any vehicle. If you cannot count on the dealer when you have a real problem, who can you rely on? This variable RPM issue caused my engine light to come on and I almost missed the deadline to get my emissions test done in time to renew my tag. The car was not safe to drive. I complained to NHTSA but did not receive a response. I still believe there is an air handling issue because my car has never sounded the same since this horrible episode. My air conditioner makes a deep hum and it never did this before. The engine does not sound like it did before and it seems like the air isnt flowing like it should. I cannot express how awful it was to be gouged by a local mechanic my boyfriend has used for over 20 years. I still live in fear this issue will recur. If it does, will I be able to get an appointment at Mazda? This whole experience felt like planned obsolescence. Mazda wants to sell cars and they do not want to service their vehicles. Or maybe that was just Mazda of Roswell. Hennessy Mazda was a while different story, but they are 65 miles from my home.""

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

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Engine Cooling

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

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Engine Minor

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

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

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

Noises/Leaks

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

Paint/Trim

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

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2019 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
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 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
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
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
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
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS
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
Hide Recall Details
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