Mazda Mazda3 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,940 complaints about the Mazda Mazda3 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about other or unspecified and electrical system. Mazda has filed 13 warranty extensions and 12 service campaigns for it, and there are 22 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Mazda Mazda3? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Mazda3 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,940
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 13
- Filed by Mazda
- Service campaigns
- 12
- Filed by Mazda
- Safety recalls
- 22
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Mazda3 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | Steering (100%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | 8 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (25%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 | Electrical system (42%) | 3 | 4 |
| 2023 | 12 | Transmission and drivetrain (25%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 24 | Airbags (50%) | 0 | 3 |
| 2021 | 53 | Engine (36%) | 1 | 5 |
| 2020 | 32 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (47%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2019 | 74 | Brakes (20%) | 6 | 6 |
| 2018 | 108 | Electrical system (28%) | 4 | 7 |
| 2017 | 83 | Other or unspecified (33%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2016 | 104 | Electrical system (21%) | 6 | 11 |
| 2015 | 130 | Other or unspecified (20%) | 4 | 6 |
| 2014 | 138 | Electrical system (20%) | 4 | 6 |
| 2013 | 117 | Exterior lights (31%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2012 | 226 | Transmission and drivetrain (18%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2011 | 132 | Airbags (22%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2010 | 686 | Body and structure (25%) | 2 | 4 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Mazda3 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Mazda
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Mazda filed with NHTSA for the Mazda3, in its own words. A warranty extension means Mazda pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionDec 2025· Engine· model years 2019–2025
SSPD8 - Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00 - WARRANTY EXTENSION For certain 2018-2025MY CX-5, 2019-2023MY Mazda3, 2019-2022MY CX-3, 2018-2021MY Mazda6, 2020-2023MY CX-30 that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve, the warranty coverage for specific repair of…
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2014–2022
CSP13 - CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM - MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION As a result of a Mazda Connect Infotainment Class Action settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to implement a Customer Service Program (CSP13).
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2017–2021
CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM CSP12 - DENSO LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM WARRANTY EXTENSION: Attention ALL Mazda Dealers: This is a Warranty Extension and not a recall campaign.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Engine· model years 2021–2022
SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - SSPD5 - WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - VALVE STEM SEALS CLASS ACTION In conjunction with a Class Action Settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an extension of the Engine powertrain warranty related to excessive oil consumption.
- Warranty extensionMay 2021· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
Subject: ** UPDATE** - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced.
- Warranty extensionOct 2020· Electrical system· model years 2010–2013
SSP99 - 2010 MAZDA3 - DASHBOARD UPPER PANEL STICKY SURFACE: For certain 2010 Mazda3 vehicles, the warranty coverage for dashboard replacement for sticky surface condition only is extended to 10 years (120 months) from the original Warranty Start Date, with no mileage…
- Warranty extensionOct 2020· Mobility equipment· model years 2014–2016
MAZDA CONNECT TOUCH SCREEN CONCERN WARRANTY EXTENSION SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM: Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for a specific concern regarding the Mazda Connect Center Display on certain 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles produced from June 11, 2013 through…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Electrical system· model years 2014–2016
2014-2016 Mazda3 - Mazda Connect Touch Screen Concern Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) B6
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Electrical system· model years 2014–2016
2014-2016 Mazda3 - Mazda Connect Touch Screen Concern Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) B6
- Warranty extensionJun 2019· Electrical system· model years 2014–2016, 2019
Regarding the recently announced 2014-2016 Mazda3 - Mazda Connect Touch Screen Concern Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) B6, Mazda is facing supply delays due to supplier production limitations.
- Warranty extensionJun 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2016
This TSB has been superceded by SSPB6 - MAZDA CONNECT TOUCH SCREEN CONCERN WARRANTY EXTENSION SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM.
- Warranty extensionJul 2017· Electrical system· model years 2010–2013
Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for specific repair of instrument panel on certain 2010-2013 Mazda3 vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through July 19, 2013.
- Warranty extensionDec 2015· Body and structure· model years 2010–2013
Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for dashboard crash pads on certain 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles produced from February 4, 2008 through August 24, 2012.
- Service campaignMar 2026· Engine· model years 2026
Subject: Notification of Dealer Re-Work (DRW59) – 2026MY CX-30 and 2026MY Mazda3 - Check Engine Light On With DTC P0126:00 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Dealer Re-Work on certain 2026MY CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles.
- Service campaignAug 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Subject: Puerto Rico specification vehicles do not have Connected Vehicle Services (CV) Owner Notification Program ONP10 – 2025MY Mazda CX-5, Mazda3, CX-70, CX-90 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an Owner Notification Program (ONP) on…
- Service campaignJul 2024· Electrical system· model years 2024
Mazda Service Program (MSP61) - 2024 CX-30 and 2024 Mazda3, equipped with 6 speakers Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) software concern When using a Bluetooth® connected smartphone and talking with handsfree function on a vehicle with 6 speakers, the person on the other end of the…
- Service campaignJul 2024· Electrical system· model years 2024
Launch of Mazda Service Program MSP61 & Special Service Program SSPD7 Affecting 2024MY CX-30 and Mazda3 Vehicles Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct one Mazda Service Program (MSP61) and one Special Service Program (SSPD7) affecting vehicles in the U.S.
- Service campaignJul 2024· Electrical system· model years 2024
Special Service Program (SSPD7) - 2024 CX-30 and 2024 Mazda3 - Body Control Module (BCM) and Vehicle Control Module (VCM) software concern Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program on certain 2024MY CX-30 vehicles produced from August 22, 2023…
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2021
SSPC5 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - 2019-2021 MAZDA3 AND 2020-2021 CX-30 - CONTROL UNITS REPROGRAMMING Concern 1: Mazda3 and CX-30 – Battery concern On the subject vehicles, the CCU (climate control unit) and BCM (body control module) may not go into sleep mode even after the…
- Service campaignFeb 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2018
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CSP05).
- Service campaignFeb 2021· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2018
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CSP05).
Manufacturer reference CSP05d: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignJan 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2018
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM.
- Service campaignNov 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2018
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM.
- Service campaignNov 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2018
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM.
- Service campaignNov 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2019
CSP07 - NON-FUNCTIONING CV AFTER CSP06: ALL DEALERS: If you have a vehicle that came back after CSP06 was repaired, and it does not show CSP07 open in eMDCS, then just please repair the vehicle as needed under warranty for the appropriate repair.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Mazda3 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Other or unspecified341 (18%)
- Electrical system278 (14%)
- Body and structure208 (11%)
- Transmission and drivetrain144 (7%)
- Seats142 (7%)
- Visibility and wipers137 (7%)
- Engine120 (6%)
- Brakes114 (6%)
Safety recalls
22 recalls cover at least one Mazda3 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning.
Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display.
The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing.
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.
A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated.
A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
And 7 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,940 owner complaints, 13 warranty extensions and 12 service campaigns Mazda filed, and 22 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2010 (686), 2012 (226), 2014 (138). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Mazda Mazda3?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name other or unspecified (18%), electrical system (14%), body and structure (11%). Mazda has filed 13 warranty extensions covering the Mazda3, listed on this page.
Which Mazda3 model years have the most complaints?
2010 (686), 2012 (226), 2014 (138). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Mazda3 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Mazda extended the warranty on the Mazda3?
Yes: engine (model years 2019–2025); other or unspecified (model years 2014–2022); fuel and propulsion (model years 2017–2021), and 10 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Mazda3?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 22 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.