Mazda Cx-3 Reliability
147 NHTSA complaints (2014–2021). Complaint rate: 22.9 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2016 Mazda Cx-3. The 2021 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Mazda Cx-3 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24 | 0.0% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16 | 6.2% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 15 | 0.0% |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 9 | 0.0% |
| ENGINE | 9 | 11.1% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 9 | 0.0% |
| STEERING | 9 | 11.1% |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7 | 0.0% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6 | 16.7% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 | 50.0% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014GOOD | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2016AVOID | — | 62 | 4 | — | View 2016View→ |
| 2017 | — | 27 | 5 | — | View 2017View→ |
| 2018GOOD | — | 13 | 1 | — | View 2018View→ |
| 2019 | — | 37 | 3 | — | View 2019View→ |
| 2021GOOD | — | 3 | 0 | — | View 2021View→ |
See also: Mazda Cx-3accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Mazda Cx-3?
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