Most common 2018 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of the 109 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda3 complaints by model year
Best Mazda3 years: 2023, 2020, 2024. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2008. Compare all years →
2018 Mazda Mazda3 recalls (4)
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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018.
What 2018 Mazda Mazda3 owners say
Electrical system all 30 →
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the parking brake light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and was losing motive power. The contact pressed the parking brake button off and on and the warning light stopped, and the contact was able to drive normally. Additionally, the contact stated that in other instances the forward sensing camera and the lane departure systems were also independently engaging. The contact stated that it was difficult to maintain the lane she was driving in. …
To Whom It May Concern: On Sunday October 2, 2022, while driving in very rainy conditions caused by Hurricane Ian, my windshield wipers failed. On Monday, October 3, 2022, I took the car to an independent mechanic at Chesapeake Import Services in Annapolis, MD. The auto mechanic ran a diagnostic test on my vehicle to discover an electric malfunction caused by a defective relay. This is the same issue that is noted as part of the recall that has already been identified here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V272-0572.pdf. Unfortunately, my VIN does not fall into the recalled VINs. I am requested that you review and expand the recall to include additionally impacted vehicles, and this issue seems to be significantly more widespread that originally noted. …
Driver assistance all 20 →
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the parking brake light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and was losing motive power. The contact pressed the parking brake button off and on and the warning light stopped, and the contact was able to drive normally. Additionally, the contact stated that in other instances the forward sensing camera and the lane departure systems were also independently engaging. The contact stated that it was difficult to maintain the lane she was driving in. …
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light illuminated. The contact then slammed on the brakes and pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, she would shift into reverse(R) and shift back into drive(D) and wait for the AEB system to disengage. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring several times within a 10-minute drive. The contact stated that the vehicle had become undrivable. The contact's father, an independent mechanic, diagnosed that the AEB system software and wiring were faulty. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the year of the vehicle was not included in an unknown recall. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the windshield wipers had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the contact's auto repair shop, Tire-Rama, where the windshield wiper switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V272000 (VISIBILITY); and referred the customer to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the owner that the vehicle was not covered under the recall because the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
My car has a faulty Front Body Power Module, a known issue with these cars, but Mazda keeps saying my model is not in the bracket for recalls, they say it's manufactured a day after the cutoff for the recall, so they won't give me recall repair. My windshield wipers aren't working and it's pouring rain, so this is a HUGE danger. I can't afford the $1500+ repair and don't think it's right this is a known issue for this car model and because mine is supposedly 1 day late I don't qualify for the recall care. They expect me to go to a dealership and pay more money for a diagnostic for something that is an issue, and then I have to call corporate again and they'll "Decide" if they'll cover my car or not.
2018 Mazda Mazda3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 28 / 37 / 32 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 28 / 38 / 31 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 36 / 30 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 34 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 a good car?
Based on 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Mazda3 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Mazda3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?
The electrical system — 30 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the driver assistance (20) and windows, wipers & sunroof (16).
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3, the most recent from July 14, 2023 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2020 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2012 and 2008. See the full Mazda Mazda3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Mazda Mazda3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 30,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.