Reliability & cost of ownership
Mazda CX-3 Reliability & Common Problems
How reliable is the Mazda CX-3? Compare every model year side by side — NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and crash-test stars where on file — then open the year you're shopping for its AI reliability outlook where NHTSA has enough data.
Mazda CX-3 problems by model year
9 recall entries across 6 model years and 114 owner complaints across 7 model years on file, sourced from the federal NHTSA database. We couldn't confirm the NHTSA recall list for the remaining model year — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | NCAP stars | Full report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 CX-3 | 1 | 4 | 5.0 | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2020 CX-3 | 1 | 1 | 5.0 | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2019 CX-3 | 2 | 27 | 5.0 | AI reliability outlook → |
| 2018 CX-3 | 1 | 10 | 5.0 | AI reliability outlook → |
| 2017 CX-3 | 1 | 21 | 5.0 | AI reliability outlook → |
| 2016 CX-3 | 3 | 48 | 5.0 | AI reliability outlook → |
| 2014 CX-3 | Not confirmed | 3 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
Most-complained-about components
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA against the Mazda CX-3, grouped by the component each complaint names — the fastest read on where this model gives trouble.
- electrical system26 complaints
- unknown or other17 complaints
- fuel/propulsion system16 complaints
- back over prevention10 complaints
- engine10 complaints
- exterior lighting10 complaints
- steering9 complaints
- service brakes7 complaints