Mazda Mazda3 Problems by Year

We compared every Mazda Mazda3 model year from 2004–2025 using 2,990 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 29 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2010, 2012 and 2008, which drew far more complaints than other Mazda3 years at the same age. The best years are 2023, 2020 and 2024.

22model years
2,990complaints
29recalls
2010, 2012worst years
2023, 2020best years

Complaints by model year

’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’2514597166222303115686132226117138130104841097432542412128
Owner complaints per model year, Mazda Mazda3. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20258−44%1Collision AvoidanceGood
202412−59%3ElectricalGood
202312−63%—TransmissionGood
202224−56%—AirbagGood
202154−31%1EngineAverage
202032−61%2Collision AvoidanceGood
201974−23%6BrakeAverage
2018109typical4ElectricalAverage
201784−23%2ElectricalAverage
2016104typical6ElectricalAverage
2015130typical4BrakeAverage
2014138typical4ElectricalAverage
2013117typical1HeadlightAverage
20122261.7×1TransmissionCaution
2011132typical2AirbagAverage
20106865.1×3BodyAvoid
2009115typical3Wheel & TireAverage
20083032.5×2SteeringAvoid
20072221.4×2SteeringAverage
20061661.2×1EngineAverage
200597−34%2AirbagAverage
2004145typical2BrakeAverage

* Complaints compared with the median Mazda3 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mazda Mazda3 problems

Latest Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-357 · May 29, 2025 · 171,412 vehicles

Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.

Lane departure › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 24V-649 · Sep 3, 2024 · 672 vehicles

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6.

Forward collision avoidance › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 23V-718 · Oct 26, 2023 · 11,903 vehicles

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Remedy: Dealers will update the view monitor control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 23V-487 · Jul 14, 2023 · 236,100 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 21V-875 · Nov 12, 2021 · 121,038 vehicles

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.

All 29 Mazda Mazda3 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mazda Mazda3 should you avoid?

2010, 2012 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Mazda3 years at the same age, led by body & structure problems in the 2010.

What is the best year for the Mazda Mazda3?

2023 has the fewest complaints compared with other Mazda3 years at the same age, followed by 2020 and 2024. 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 Mazda3 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (392), electrical system (366) and engine & cooling (301). Steering complaints peak in the 2008 model year.

How many recalls has the Mazda Mazda3 had?

29 recalls across 2004–2025. The model year with the most is 2016. See all Mazda Mazda3 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.