Mazda CX-3 years to avoid and best years
Newer Mazda CX-3 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2016 has the most complaints per year, at 3 (48 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 4 complaints), 2020 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2017 at 1 (from 21 complaints). On the 2016 Mazda CX-3, 6 of 48 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
Mazda CX-3 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mazda CX-3. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 → Fewest | 0 | 4 | 1 | Steering | 30 |
| 2020 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | Air bags | 30 |
| 2019 → | 2 | 27 | 2 | Electrical system | 30 |
| 2018 → | 1 | 10 | 1 | Back-over prevention | 30 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 1 | 21 | 1 | Fuel and propulsion system | 30 |
| 2016 → Most | 3 | 48 | 3 | Electrical system | 30 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 4.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/60R16, 215/50R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 23V-487 covers certain 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 vehicles, and also certain Mazda3 models: the rearview camera image may flicker or distort and not display properly. Dealers inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary and install a wiring-harness fastening seal. The campaign's published unit count is shared with the listed Mazda3 years. Recall 16V-203 covers certain 2016 CX-3 vehicles: lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may need inspection and correction so the strut remains secured.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-3 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 4 complaints), 2020 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2017 at 1 (from 21 complaints).
Which Mazda CX-3 year has the most owner complaints?
2016 has the most complaints per year, at 3 (48 complaints). On the 2016 Mazda CX-3, 6 of 48 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Mazda CX-3 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mazda CX-3 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What oil does a Mazda CX-3 use?
U.S. specs commonly list 0W-20 with about 4.4 qt including filter on the SKYACTIV-G engine.
What tire sizes fit the Mazda CX-3?
OE fitment is 215/60R16 or 215/50R18 depending on trim; confirm on the placard.
What NHTSA recalls mention the Mazda CX-3?
Recall 23V-487 covers certain 2016-2021 CX-3 models for rearview camera image issues (shared with Mazda3), and 16V-203 covers certain 2016 CX-3 front strut mounting hardware.