Honda Civic vs Mazda MAZDA3: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 504 complaints per model year about the Honda Civic and 131 about the Mazda MAZDA3.
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Mazda MAZDA3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 10,592 | 2,752 |
| Complaints per model year | 504 | 131 |
| Recalls | 41 | 27 |
| Years to avoid | 2006200720082016 | 20082010 |
| Best years | 201120202021 | 201720192021 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Steering |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 24-49 mpg combined (2026) | No data |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Civic | MAZDA3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,457 | 359 |
| Engine | 1,336 | 257 |
| Airbags | 1,285 | 210 |
| Electrical | 914 | 341 |
| Visibility | 895 | 201 |
| Transmission | 776 | 222 |
| Body | 563 | 272 |
| Brakes | 718 | 243 |
Questions about the Honda Civic vs Mazda MAZDA3
Which is more reliable, the Honda Civic or the Mazda MAZDA3?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Honda Civic has 4 years to avoid and the Mazda MAZDA3 2. The Mazda MAZDA3 has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Mazda MAZDA3 drew fewer complaints per model year (131 vs 504), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Honda Civic or the Mazda MAZDA3?
From 2006 to 2026, the Honda Civic was covered by 41 recalls and the Mazda MAZDA3 by 27.
What years of the Honda Civic and Mazda MAZDA3 should you avoid?
Honda Civic: 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2016. Mazda MAZDA3: 2008 and 2010.
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