Mazda Mazda3 Reliability
3,985 NHTSA complaints (2004–2026). Complaint rate: 78.7 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 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The 2020–2023 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: STEERING.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
Too New
Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.
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 Mazda3 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 378 | 10.8% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 364 | 2.5% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 347 | 3.7% |
| AIR BAGS | 229 | 31.4% |
| ENGINE | 210 | 3.8% |
| POWER TRAIN | 204 | 1.5% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 195 | 12.3% |
| SEATS | 171 | 5.3% |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 159 | 1.9% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 154 | 1.9% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | — | 185 | 25 | 4 | View 2004View→ |
| 2005 | — | 127 | 25 | 3 | View 2005View→ |
| 2006 | — | 224 | 29 | 4 | View 2006View→ |
| 2007AVOID | — | 301 | 36 | 5 | View 2007View→ |
| 2008AVOID | — | 387 | 41 | 1 | View 2008View→ |
| 2009 | — | 140 | 13 | 1 | View 2009View→ |
| 2010AVOID | — | 920 | 26 | 6 | View 2010View→ |
| 2011 | — | 179 | 18 | 2 | View 2011View→ |
| 2012AVOID | — | 328 | 12 | 1 | View 2012View→ |
| 2013 | — | 176 | 7 | 2 | View 2013View→ |
| 2014 | — | 178 | 16 | 1 | View 2014View→ |
| 2015 | — | 153 | 13 | 3 | View 2015View→ |
| 2016 | — | 136 | 12 | 2 | View 2016View→ |
| 2017 | — | 104 | 11 | — | View 2017View→ |
| 2018 | — | 138 | 9 | — | View 2018View→ |
| 2019 | — | 116 | 7 | — | View 2019View→ |
| 2020GOOD | — | 50 | 0 | — | View 2020View→ |
| 2021GOOD | — | 66 | 4 | 2 | View 2021View→ |
| 2022GOOD | — | 31 | 2 | — | View 2022View→ |
| 2023GOOD | — | 20 | 8 | 5 | View 2023View→ |
| 2024TOO NEW | — | 20 | 6 | — | View 2024View→ |
| 2025TOO NEW | — | 5 | 1 | — | View 2025View→ |
See also: Mazda Mazda3accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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