Mazda MAZDA3 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 825 owner complaints and 25 recalls on file for the Mazda MAZDA3 (2005–2026). The 2010 MAZDA3 has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
825
Recalls
25
Model years
22
Worst year
2010

Complaints by model year

4200510192007149200910536201162252013615820156765201792562019325320212412202312820251
NHTSA complaints per Mazda MAZDA3 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 MAZDA3 years to buy

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

  1. 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 — 105 complaints; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 — 92 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 — 67 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  4. 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 — 62 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Seats & Seat Belts
  5. 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 — 58 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2005 (4 complaints).

Every Mazda MAZDA3 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 MAZDA310000Steering
2025 MAZDA382011Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2024 MAZDA3122013Electrical System
2023 MAZDA3123210Electrical System
2022 MAZDA3241020Airbags
2021 MAZDA3532211Engine
2020 MAZDA3320002Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2019 MAZDA3562006Engine
2018 MAZDA3922004Electrical System
2017 MAZDA3652012Electrical System
2016 MAZDA3673126Electrical System
2015 MAZDA3582124Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2014 MAZDA3611004Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2013 MAZDA3250001Transmission & Drivetrain
2012 MAZDA3623121Seats & Seat Belts
2011 MAZDA3364042Electrical System
2010 MAZDA31050002Electrical System
2009 MAZDA390002Brakes
2008 MAZDA3141022Steering
2007 MAZDA3192022Steering
2006 MAZDA3103031Airbags
2005 MAZDA340001Airbags

Most common Mazda MAZDA3 problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    160 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    123 complaints
  • Brakes
    82 complaints
  • Engine
    73 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    71 complaints
  • Airbags
    59 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    56 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    55 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    49 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    44 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Mazda MAZDA3 received by NHTSA each month.

Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

  • Recall 25V357000May 29, 2025171,412 vehiclesModel years 2024–2025

    Risk: Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 24V649000Sep 3, 2024672 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V718000Oct 26, 202311,903 vehiclesModel years 2024

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

  • Recall 23V487000Jul 14, 2023236,100 vehiclesModel years 2014–2018

    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 2018

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

  • Recall 21V494000Jul 1, 2021260,915 vehiclesModel years 2005–2007

    Risk: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V101000Feb 22, 2021599 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V346000Jun 12, 202024,037 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V907000Dec 19, 201935,390 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V558000Jul 29, 201922,571 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V514000Jul 5, 20199,430 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 19V497000Jun 27, 2019262,220 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V425000Jun 7, 201925,003 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A wheel separating from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V363000May 14, 201917,016 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 19V272000Apr 4, 2019187,880 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018

    Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

  • Recall 17V745000Nov 21, 2017144 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V393000Jun 22, 2017227,814 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V082000Feb 9, 2017173,859 vehiclesModel years 2010–2011

    Risk: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V685000Sep 23, 20163,849 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 16V684000Sep 22, 201617,484 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 16V644000Sep 6, 2016580,455 vehiclesModel years 2010–2013

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

  • Recall 15V621000Oct 2, 201514,411 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine that stalls increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V173000Apr 3, 20145,700 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 11V329000Jun 15, 2011103,300 vehiclesModel years 2008–2009

    Risk: The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V374000Aug 12, 2010215,000 vehiclesModel years 2007–2009

    Risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and 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