Mazda MAZDA3 years to avoid
More than twice the MAZDA3's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Mazda MAZDA3 years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Mazda MAZDA3 complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Mazda MAZDA3 problems
All model years combined.
- Steering393
- Electrical366
- Engine301
- Body282
- Brakes277
- Airbags259
- Transmission250
- Visibility206
- Driver assistance179
- Seats175
- Tires167
- Lights163
Most reported problems on the Mazda MAZDA3
Mazda MAZDA3 problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | - | 1 | Steering | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2025 | - | 8 | Driver assistance | 1 | 2 | ||
| 2024 | - | 12 | Electrical | 3 | 2 | ||
| 2023 | - | 12 | Electrical | 0 | 3 | ||
| 2022 | 92 | 24 | Airbags | 0 | 1 | ||
| 2021 | 87 | 55 | Engine | 1 | 2 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2020 | 91 | 32 | Driver assistance | 2,000 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 79 | 74 | Brakes | 5,000 | 6 | 3 | Fewest complaints |
| 2018 | 74 | 110 | Electrical | 29,850 | 4 | 6 | |
| 2017 | 81 | 84 | Electrical | 28,692 | 2 | 6 | Fewest complaints |
| 2016 | 73 | 104 | Electrical | 37,500 | 6 | 7 | |
| 2015 | 69 | 130 | Brakes | 33,500 | 4 | 8 | |
| 2014 | 67 | 138 | Electrical | 35,000 | 4 | 10 | |
| 2013 | 75 | 117 | Lights | 41,000 | 1 | 7 | |
| 2012 | 51 | 226 | Transmission | 40,000 | 1 | 9 | |
| 2011 | 68 | 132 | Airbags | 45,100 | 2 | 12 | |
| 2010 | 10 | 686 | Body | 59,537 | 3 | 18 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 74 | 115 | Steering | 33,681 | 3 | 11 | |
| 2008 | 40 | 303 | Steering | 40,092 | 2 | 29 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 47 | 222 | Steering | 73,000 | 2 | 28 | |
| 2006 | 59 | 166 | Engine | 71,000 | 1 | 21 | |
| 2005 | 72 | 97 | Airbags | 65,915 | 2 | 16 | |
| 2004 | 64 | 145 | Brakes | 59,151 | 2 | 18 |
Recalls 29
Mazda MAZDA3 warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
- Valve Stem Seals Class Action Settlement Program for Excessive Oil Consumption and Oil Consumption...
- Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program
- SSPD8
- Special service program - SSPD5 - warranty extension - multi-model - valve stem seals class action
- CSP13 - customer service program - mazda connect infotainment system limited warranty extension
- CSP13 - customer service program - mazda connect infotainment system limited warranty extension.
- SSPD8
- Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty...
- Customer service program CSP12 - denso low-pressure fuel pump customer service program warranty extension
- On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC)...
- Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty...
Compare the MAZDA3
MAZDA3 vs Ford FocusMAZDA3 vs Honda CivicMAZDA3 vs Toyota CorollaMAZDA3 vs Volkswagen JettaMAZDA3 vs Hyundai ElantraMAZDA3 vs Nissan SentraMAZDA3 vs Chevrolet CruzeMAZDA3 vs Subaru ImprezaMAZDA3 vs Kia Forte
Questions about the Mazda MAZDA3
What years of the Mazda MAZDA3 should you avoid?
2008 and 2010. Each has more than twice the Mazda MAZDA3's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2010 alone has 686, mostly about body and visibility.
What is the best year for a used Mazda MAZDA3?
2021, 2019 and 2017 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (55, 74 and 84).
What is the most common problem with the Mazda MAZDA3?
Steering, with 393 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (366) and engine (301).
How many recalls does the Mazda MAZDA3 have?
29 recalls between 2004 and 2026. The 2019 model year has the most, with 6.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used Mazda MAZDA3?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history