Reliable Auto DB

2018 Mazda CX-3 reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2018 Mazda CX-3 holds 10 complaints after 9 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is more complaints per year than most CX-3 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 1. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Camera.

2016 Mazda CX-3
Photo by Vauxford, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

10

Per year

1

Recalls

1

Years on the road

9

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Back-over prevention (2 of 10), then Electrical system (2) and Engine (2). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash.

Next to 2017 and 2019

The 2017 CX-3 has 21 complaints, 1 per year, and the 2019 has 27 complaints, 2 per year. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2018 Mazda CX-3. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (1)

Recall back-over prevention, sensing system, camera 2023-07-14 · NHTSA campaign 23V487000
Summary 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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

Complaints by component (10 total)

Back-over prevention
2
Electrical system
2
Engine
2
Exterior lighting
1
Forward collision avoidance
1
Fuel and propulsion system
1
Lane departure
1
Service brakes
1
Speed control
1
Suspension
1
Wheels
1
Show 3 more Show less
Crash-flagged

1

Fire-flagged

0

Injury reports

0

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

220181201922021220232202412026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "Fuel injector failed without warning. A lot of fuel leaked into the engine destroying a spark plug in one cylinder and ultimately ruining the catalytic converter when fuel got into it. Independent mechanic and Mazda…"
    Engine, Fuel and propulsion system · filed 2026-05-08
  • "The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-3. 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 local dealer was…"
    Back-over prevention · filed 2024-12-10
  • "Heavy condensation is occurring inside the driver side headlamp. A quick google search shows this is a common problem among Mazda owners and Mazda will not cover the repair. I am unable to get a Massachusetts state…"
    Exterior lighting · filed 2024-03-16
  • "The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the…"
    Back-over prevention · filed 2023-07-26
  • "The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was moving from left to right. The contact stated that the brakes were making an abnormal scraping sound. There was an abnormal…"
    Suspension, Engine, Service brakes · filed 2023-01-31

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2018 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 4 stars
2018 Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
CX-3 two-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Automatic (6-speed) Front-wheel drive 29 34 31 MPG $2100
CX-3 four-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Automatic (6-speed) Four-wheel drive 27 32 29 MPG $2250

Specs and fitment

1st generation (DK), 2016–2021
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.

Compare

Previous year 2017 Mazda CX-3 Next year 2019 Mazda CX-3 See every Mazda CX-3 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2018 Mazda CX-3 holds 10 complaints after 9 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is more complaints per year than most CX-3 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 1. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Camera.

What are common problems with a 2018 Mazda CX-3?

The complaints owners file most often name Back-over prevention (2 of 10), then Electrical system (2) and Engine (2). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2017 CX-3 has 21 complaints, 1 per year, and the 2019 has 27 complaints, 2 per year. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.

Has the 2018 Mazda CX-3 been recalled?

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 has 1 recall on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2018 Mazda CX-3?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2018 Mazda CX-3 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2018 Mazda CX-3 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2018 Mazda CX-3 is 30 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

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.