Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 27 | 1.3× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2018 | 10 | −65% | 1 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2017 | 21 | — | 1 | Fuel System | Limited data |
| 2016 | 48 | — | 3 | Electrical | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median CX-3 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mazda CX-3 problems
Latest Mazda CX-3 recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5…
Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
Steering
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…
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mazda CX-3 should you avoid?
None of the Mazda CX-3 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-3?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other CX-3 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mazda CX-3 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (24), fuel & propulsion system (20) and driver assistance (15). Electrical complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Mazda CX-3 had?
4 recalls across 2016–2019. The model year with the most is 2016. See all Mazda CX-3 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.