Mazda CX-3 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 85 owner complaints and 4 recalls on file for the Mazda CX-3 (2016–2021). The 2016 CX-3 has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
85
Recalls
4
Model years
6
Worst year
2016

Complaints by model year

302016192017720182420191202042021
NHTSA complaints per Mazda CX-3 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Mazda CX-3 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2016 Mazda CX-3 — 30 complaints; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2021 (4 complaints).

Every Mazda CX-3 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2021 CX-340001Steering
2020 CX-311011Airbags
2019 CX-3241002Electrical System
2018 CX-370001Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2017 CX-3192001Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2016 CX-3300003Electrical System

Most common Mazda CX-3 problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    20 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    18 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    17 complaints
  • Steering
    9 complaints
  • Lighting
    8 complaints
  • Engine
    8 complaints
  • Airbags
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    4 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    3 complaints

Complaint trend

20202022202320242025
Complaints about the Mazda CX-3 received by NHTSA each month.

Mazda CX-3 recalls

  • Recall 23V487000Jul 14, 2023236,100 vehiclesModel years 2016–2021

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 21V875000Nov 12, 2021121,038 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V644000Sep 6, 2016580,455 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V203000Apr 11, 2016578 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Mazda models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology