2022 Mazda Mazda3 Problems & Complaints

Better than average56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mazda3 at the same age

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 56% fewer than a typical Mazda3 model year at the same age, making the 2022 one of the better Mazda3 years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (12 complaints).

24complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2022 Mazda Mazda3 problems

  • Air bags
    1250%
  • Electrical system
    521%
  • Seat belts
    28%
  • Engine & cooling
    28%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    28%
  • Body & structure
    28%
  • Driver assistance~27,000 miles
    28%
  • Seats
    14%
  • Other / not specified
    14%
  • Locks & latches
    14%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    14%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    14%

Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mazda Mazda3 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).

Best Mazda3 years: 2023, 2020, 2024. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2008. Compare all years →

What 2022 Mazda Mazda3 owners say

Air bags

I was rear ended while at complete stop by someone going over 40mph on 12/19/22. My airbags did not deploy and my seat belts did not lock out. Directly after being hit my phone flashed a safety fracture malfunction on the dash board and then sent the notification to the mazda app on my phone.

Dec 2022 · crash · 2 injuries

When adjusting the driver seat, the vehicle began to display "Air Bag System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." This was with roughly 20 total miles on the odometer. It is a new car - Mazda3 Turbo Sedan 2022. After researching online, this is a very common problem with new Mazda3s and there are many customers with the exact same issue. The customers have also made complaints to the NHTSA. Mazda has a technical service bulletin for this problem (Bulletin no:08-001/22) and states the issue is due to "Driver-side air bag module circuit: open circuit or resistance high". This issue also occurs on the passenger-side air bag. It is a possibility that I could have been in an accident and the side airbag would not function. Or even perhaps the air bag may have had an electrical error and engaged itself while I could have been driving. …

Apr 2022

Electrical system

The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) / infotainment system has experienced a complete, permanent internal electronic failure, logged by Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC U3000:49 (Control Module Internal Electronic Failure). The main display screen is completely dark at all times and never powers on or responds. The unit is available for inspection upon request. This total hardware failure creates critical safety hazards: 1. Non-Compliance with FMVSS No. 111 (Rear Visibility): Because the rearview camera relies entirely on the main display screen, the backup camera is 100% inoperative. When shifting into Reverse, the screen remains black, offering zero rearward visibility and creating an immediate backover risk to pedestrians, children, and property. 2. …

Apr 2026

"My 2022 Mazda 3 is experiencing an 'in-network malfunction' related to the vehicle's internal communication system. Multiple technicians have told me this is an internal vehicle network/communication fault, not caused by wear or damage. The dealer refuses to repair it unless I pay out-of-pocket, even though this appears to be a manufacturer defect in the electrical network system, (TCU)This malfunction affects the reliability of the vehicle's electronics and could impact safety systems while driving. Mazda has not taken responsibility for diagnosing or repairing the issue, and I believe this defect needs to be investigated, as other owners may be affected as well."

Dec 2025

2022 Mazda Mazda3 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automaticFWD28 / 36 / 31
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automaticFWD26 / 35 / 30
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automatic4WD25 / 33 / 28
2.5L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automatic4WD23 / 32 / 27
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed manualFWD24 / 33 / 27

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 a good car?

Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2022 Mazda3 rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than 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 2022 Mazda Mazda3?

The air bags — 12 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about srs malfunction warning lamp/light. Next are the electrical system (5) and seat belts (2).

How many recalls does the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2022 Mazda Mazda3. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2022 Mazda Mazda3 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 27,000 miles; 100% 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.