Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2010. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 Mazda3 | 8 | 1 |
| 2024 Mazda3 | 12 | 3 |
| 2023 Mazda3 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 Mazda3 | 24 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda3 | 54 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda3 | 32 | 2 |
| 2019 Mazda3 | 74 | 6 |
| 2018 Mazda3 | 110 | 4 |
| 2017 Mazda3 | 84 | 2 |
| 2016 Mazda3 | 104 | 6 |
| 2015 Mazda3 | 130 | 4 |
| 2014 Mazda3 | 138 | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda3 | 117 | 1 |
| 2012 Mazda3 | 226 | 1 |
| 2011 Mazda3 | 132 | 2 |
| 2010 Mazda3Most complaints | 686 | 3 |
| 2009 Mazda3 | 115 | 3 |
| 2008 Mazda3 | 303 | 2 |
| 2007 Mazda3 | 222 | 2 |
| 2006 Mazda3 | 166 | 1 |
| 2005 Mazda3 | 97 | 2 |
| 2004 Mazda3 | 145 | 2 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Steering393
- Unknown or other370
- Electrical system366
- Structure282
- Air bags259
- Power train249
- Engine211
- Service brakes197
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 764 Mazda3 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 493 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.
| Model year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 7 | 3 |
| 2021 | 16 | 8 |
| 2020 | 11 | 6 |
| 2019 | 9 | 5 |
| 2018 | 34 | 15 |
| 2017 | 33 | 15 |
| 2016 | 48 | 24 |
| 2015 | 36 | 16 |
| 2014 | 36 | 20 |
| 2013 | 45 | 26 |
| 2012 | 66 | 43 |
| 2011 | 51 | 28 |
| 2010 | 91 | 63 |
| 2009 | 27 | 21 |
| 2008 | 83 | 65 |
| 2007 | 55 | 43 |
| 2006 | 54 | 39 |
| 2005 | 34 | 29 |
| 2004 | 25 | 21 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count
Crash-test ratings by year
NHTSA 5-star results for 14 model-year variants; 10 of 13 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Year | Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.1 % |
| 2023 | 2023 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.1 % |
| 2022 | 2022 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.1 % |
| 2021 | 2021 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.1 % |
| 2020 | 2020 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.1 % |
| 2019 | 2019 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2018 | 2018 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.5 % |
| 2017 | 2017 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.5 % |
| 2016 | 2016 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.5 % |
| 2015 | 2015 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.5 % |
| 2014 | 2014 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.5 % |
| 2013 | 2013 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | 10.9 % |
| 2012 | 2012 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | 10.9 % |
| 2011 | 2011 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | 10.9 % |
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption by year
Official Canadian test results for 23 model years, best variant per year. Combined consumption ranges from 6.9–8.7 L/100 km.
| Year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.8 | 6.6 | 7.8 |
| 2025 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.3 | 7.5 |
| 2024 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.3 | 7.5 |
| 2023 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| 2022 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| 2021 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| 2020 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| 2019 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| 2018 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.4 | 7.5 |
| 2017 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.4 | 7.5 |
| 2016 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 5.7 | 6.9 |
| 2015 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 5.7 | 6.9 |
| 2014 | Mazda3 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 5.7 | 6.9 |
| 2013 | Mazda3 DI 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.3 | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| 2012 | Mazda3 DI 4-Door · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.3 | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| 2011 | Mazda3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.4 | 7.1 | 8.3 |
| 2010 | Mazda3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.4 | 7.1 | 8.3 |
| 2009 | Mazda3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.7 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
| 2008 | Mazda3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.7 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
| 2007 | Mazda3 · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 9.7 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
| 2006 | Mazda3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.7 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
| 2005 | Mazda3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.8 | 7.4 | 8.7 |
| 2004 | Mazda3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.8 | 7.4 | 8.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
In New Zealand
31,863 Mazda3 cars are on the New Zealand register; 8% arrived as used imports.
| Model year | Registered | Sold new in NZ | Used imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 171 | 170 | 1 |
| 2025 | 744 | 743 | 1 |
| 2024 | 272 | 264 | 7 |
| 2023 | 376 | 318 | 54 |
| 2022 | 482 | 447 | 33 |
| 2021 | 723 | 596 | 123 |
| 2020 | 921 | 581 | 328 |
| 2019 | 1,855 | 1,412 | 431 |
| 2018 | 2,174 | 2,037 | 123 |
| 2017 | 1,961 | 1,836 | 105 |
| 2016 | 2,498 | 2,315 | 141 |
| 2015 | 2,542 | 2,324 | 161 |
| 2014 | 2,417 | 2,219 | 163 |
| 2013 | 1,640 | 1,427 | 178 |
| 2012 | 1,757 | 1,561 | 167 |
| 2011 | 1,813 | 1,681 | 93 |
| 2010 | 1,980 | 1,858 | 72 |
| 2009 | 1,629 | 1,553 | 39 |
| 2008 | 1,539 | 1,456 | 52 |
| 2007 | 1,443 | 1,374 | 44 |
| 2006 | 1,258 | 1,194 | 40 |
| 2005 | 1,055 | 990 | 36 |
| 2004 | 612 | 571 | 23 |
| 2003 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
22,191 Mazda3 cars are on Dutch roads; 25% arrived later as imports, and 1,654 still have a recall open. Open a year for APK defects, odometer checks and colours.
| First registered | On the road | Median list price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 382 | €38,400 |
| 2025 | 630 | €37,950 |
| 2024 | 612 | €37,450 |
| 2023 | 710 | €35,400 |
| 2022 | 617 | €34,898 |
| 2021 | 896 | €33,850 |
| 2020 | 1,153 | €33,723 |
| 2019 | 1,553 | €32,511 |
| 2018 | 1,003 | €30,744 |
| 2017 | 1,132 | €29,834 |
| 2016 | 1,225 | €27,635 |
| 2015 | 1,529 | €27,768 |
| 2014 | 1,680 | €26,524 |
| 2013 | 575 | €25,434 |
| 2012 | 445 | €23,596 |
| 2011 | 930 | €23,584 |
| 2010 | 1,193 | €23,644 |
| 2009 | 1,070 | €23,589 |
| 2008 | 667 | €23,888 |
| 2007 | 1,069 | €28,293 |
| 2006 | 1,089 | €24,282 |
| 2005 | 1,018 | €22,789 |
| 2004 | 892 | — |
| 2003 | 121 | — |
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles (CC0) · list price is the manufacturer's catalogue price when new
In Finland
9,924 Mazda3 cars were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026: 97% petrol, 3% diesel; 16% of all are hybrids. Mileage is the odometer reading at the last inspection.
| First registered | In use | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 58 | — |
| 2025 | 132 | — |
| 2024 | 77 | — |
| 2023 | 122 | — |
| 2022 | 182 | 54,000 km |
| 2021 | 321 | 56,000 km |
| 2020 | 348 | 72,000 km |
| 2019 | 353 | 78,000 km |
| 2018 | 676 | 91,000 km |
| 2017 | 483 | 111,000 km |
| 2016 | 515 | 127,000 km |
| 2015 | 638 | 142,000 km |
| 2014 | 741 | 155,000 km |
| 2013 | 260 | 151,000 km |
| 2012 | 313 | 152,000 km |
| 2011 | 438 | 175,000 km |
| 2010 | 633 | 197,000 km |
| 2009 | 595 | 198,000 km |
| 2008 | 567 | 218,000 km |
| 2007 | 704 | 217,000 km |
| 2006 | 695 | 220,000 km |
| 2005 | 586 | 215,000 km |
| 2004 | 423 | 218,000 km |
| 2003 | 64 | 223,000 km |
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use, 30 Jun 2026 · CC BY 4.0
Road collisions in Great Britain
From 2021 to 2025, 1,670 Mazda3 cars were involved in road collisions in Great Britain that injured someone and were reported to the police. 29 of those collisions were fatal and 333 caused serious injuries. As with any count, models with more cars on British roads appear more often.
| Year | Cars in injury collisions | Fatal | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 329 | 6 | 73 |
| 2024 | 324 | 4 | 75 |
| 2023 | 333 | 9 | 58 |
| 2022 | 367 | 4 | 67 |
| 2021 | 317 | 6 | 60 |
Department for Transport, STATS19 road safety data 2021–2025 · Open Government Licence v3.0 · how we count
In the United Kingdom
109,397 Mazda3 cars were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, by year of manufacture.
| Built | Licensed | Off the road (SORN) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3,610 | 99 |
| 2024 | 2,531 | 15 |
| 2023 | 3,071 | 9 |
| 2022 | 2,407 | 7 |
| 2021 | 3,970 | 22 |
| 2020 | 4,194 | 22 |
| 2019 | 4,360 | 26 |
| 2018 | 6,984 | 38 |
| 2017 | 8,094 | 72 |
| 2016 | 10,301 | 111 |
| 2015 | 11,282 | 187 |
| 2014 | 8,030 | 168 |
| 2013 | 4,927 | 106 |
| 2012 | 4,594 | 161 |
| 2011 | 4,897 | 242 |
| 2010 | 7,147 | 483 |
| 2009 | 6,134 | 615 |
| 2008 | 4,701 | 607 |
| 2007 | 3,615 | 718 |
| 2006 | 2,470 | 764 |
| 2005 | 1,620 | 866 |
| 2004 | 451 | 527 |
| 2003 | 6 | 13 |
| 1992 | 1 | — |
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
110,065 Mazda3 cars took their annual MOT test in 2023; 68% passed first time, against 70% for all cars of the same ages. Older cars fail more often, so compare a year with the same year of other cars.
| First registered | Tests | Passed first time |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 110 | 92% |
| 2020 | 4,334 | 90% |
| 2019 | 4,435 | 90% |
| 2018 | 7,071 | 85% |
| 2017 | 8,227 | 77% |
| 2016 | 10,687 | 75% |
| 2015 | 11,898 | 75% |
| 2014 | 8,499 | 73% |
| 2013 | 5,255 | 73% |
| 2012 | 5,117 | 68% |
| 2011 | 5,626 | 61% |
| 2010 | 8,743 | 60% |
| 2009 | 8,223 | 57% |
| 2008 | 6,979 | 51% |
| 2007 | 5,987 | 52% |
| 2006 | 4,595 | 51% |
| 2005 | 3,292 | 49% |
| 2004 | 987 | 48% |
Why they fail
Share of all first tests that ended in a fail because of each part of the car (one test can fail on several).
| Area | Mazda3 | All cars, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.0% | 9.9% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 0.0% | 12.1% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests of cars only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
New registrations in Europe
427,669 new Mazda Mazda3 cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2010 and 2022, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2022 the largest markets were Germany (3,234), Spain (2,140), France (1,132).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12,444 | 129 (WLTP) |
| 2021 | 17,642 | 132 (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 25,409 | 138 (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 34,079 | 143 (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 38,569 | 162 (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 42,343 | 121 (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 44,232 | — |
| 2015 | 47,792 | — |
| 2014 | 45,177 | — |
| 2013 | 23,612 | — |
| 2012 | 22,991 | — |
| 2011 | 29,828 | — |
| 2010 | 43,551 | — |
Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
14,908 Mazda Mazda3 cars registered in Europe between 2021 and 2024 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol hybrid versions average 7.0 l/100 km on the road, against 5.7 l/100 km in the official WLTP test — 22% more.
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 814 | 6.9 | 5.7 | +21% |
| Petrol hybrid | 14,094 | 7.0 | 5.7 | +22% |
Litres per 100 km: total fuel used divided by total distance driven, from the car's own fuel consumption meter (OBFCM), collected in 2024 by the manufacturers, mostly remotely, and by national authorities. WLTP figures are the type-approval CO₂ values converted to litres. Hybrids, including mild hybrids, do not plug in; plug-in hybrid figures include the distance driven on electricity. European Environment Agency, Real-world CO₂ emissions from cars and vans · CC BY 4.0
What it costs in fuel
On real-world figures the petrol hybrid Mazda Mazda3 uses 7.0 litres per 100 km, so 15,000 km a year takes about 1,040 litres: €2,272 at this week's average price in Germany, its largest market in Europe.
| Country | Petrol hybrid | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | €2,272 | €2,268 |
| United Kingdom | £1,820 | £1,817 |
| Spain | €1,856 | €1,854 |
| Austria | €1,894 | €1,891 |
| France | €2,324 | €2,320 |
| United States | $1,180 | $1,178 |
Fuel for 15,000 km (9,300 miles) a year at real-world consumption. Pump prices with taxes, week of 19 October 2026: European Commission Weekly Oil Bulletin, UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, US Energy Information Administration. Non-euro EU prices are in euros as the Bulletin publishes them.
Work it out for your driving
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the Mazda3 in at least 12 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
The images of the front-, side-, and rear-view cameras may not appear on the centre display monitor due to improper processing logic in the view monitor camera control module.Loss of camera images when in reverse and/or using the 360° monitor can increase the …
Corrosion of the tailgate shock absorber may lead to its breaking. This may result in sudden opening of the tailgate and pieces of luggage falling onto the road, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approva…
A short circuit may occur in the injector control circuit that could stop the engine and the braking assistance is reduced. Those could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the …
Improperly welded non-return valve on the fuel tank may rupture when the vehicle is in use. This can result in fuel leaks, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance …
Due to possible deformation of the fuel tank, the pipes may not be properly welded onto the tank and this weld may break. A fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation on the approval an…
The impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump may become deformed causing fuel pomping failure. This may result in the engine no start and/or stall, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation …
When the button for the electric liftgate is pressed and the key is still in the vehicle, all of the side doors are locked and cannot be opened. To unlock the doors, users have to enter the vehicle through the liftgate, increasing the risk of a injury. The pro…
Certain of the vehicles concerned may unexpectedly stop during driving due to inadvertent activation of the Smart Brake Support system, thereby increasing the risk of collision with a following vehicle. The product does not comply with the requirements laid do…
The plastic logo on the steering wheel air bag module cover may become brittle over time. Due to this, the logo may shatter during a normal air bag deployment and plastic fragments may hit occupants leading to serious injuries. The product does not comply with…
Mazda 3: Due to inappropriate software of the powertrain control module (PCM), the automatic idling restart (IR) may fail to restart the engine after idle stopping (i-stop), causing it to stall and increasing the risk of an accident; Mazda 3 and CX-30: Due to …
The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system might be inappropriately programmed.Consequently, even in the absence of an obstacle it might unexpectedly activate and trigger the brakes, increasing the risk of an accident.
On certain subject vehicles, it is possible that the powertrain control module (PCM) provides an inappropriate air/fuel ratio causing a lean condition. This may cause the engine to stall in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
29 campaigns cover the Mazda3; the latest 12 are below.
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended.
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."
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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
NHTSA recalls