Mazda Mazda3 years to avoid and best years
Newer Mazda Mazda3 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 23 (226 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 3 (from 12 complaints), 2024 at 4 (from 12 complaints), and 2020 at 6 (from 32 complaints). The Mazda Mazda3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, 19 of 226 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2023
2024
2020
2025–26
Mazda Mazda3 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 Mazda3. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — |
| 2024 → Fewest | 4 | 12 | 3 | Electrical system, Unknown or other | — |
| 2023 → Fewest | 3 | 12 | 0 | Powertrain | — |
| 2022 → | 6 | 24 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2021 → | 10 | 49 | 1 | Engine | — |
| 2020 → Fewest | 6 | 32 | 2 | Forward collision avoidance | — |
| 2019 → | 16 | 74 | 6 | Air bags | — |
| 2018 → | 6 | 108 | 4 | Electrical system | — |
| 2017 → | 6 | 83 | 2 | Electrical system | — |
| 2016 → | 9 | 103 | 6 | Electrical system | — |
| 2015 → | 15 | 129 | 4 | Service brakes | — |
| 2014 → | 10 | 138 | 4 | Fuel and propulsion system | — |
| 2013 → | 8 | 117 | 1 | Exterior lighting | — |
| 2012 → Most | 23 | 226 | 1 | Powertrain | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (gasoline SKYACTIV-G 2.5; 5W-30 where manual specifies) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/55R16, 205/50R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 16V644000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly. If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury. Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (gasoline SKYACTIV-G 2.5; 5W-30 where manual specifies) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/45R18, 205/60R16 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 19V272000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility. Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash. Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (gasoline SKYACTIV-G 2.5; 5W-30 where manual specifies) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/45R18, 205/60R16 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 23V718000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.". A camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Remedy: Dealers will update the view monitor control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6223J.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda3 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 3 (from 12 complaints), 2024 at 4 (from 12 complaints), and 2020 at 6 (from 32 complaints).
Which Mazda Mazda3 year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 23 (226 complaints). On the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, 19 of 226 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Mazda Mazda3 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mazda Mazda3 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mazda Mazda3 years are too early to compare?
The Mazda Mazda3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Mazda Mazda3 use?
US Mazda3 manuals specify SAE 0W-20 for SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines unless the manual lists another grade for your engine.
What generation is the 2020 Mazda3?
5th generation / BP (2019-on).
What body styles does the Mazda3 offer?
US Mazda3 generations on this site include sedan and hatchback body styles.