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Mazda CX-3
SUV · Gas · 9 versions · owner report
Ranked #3 of 15 used subcompact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (195 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2021
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
5 problems reported (2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentCostly and recurrent mechanical failures
Including timing belt replacement, complete air conditioning system repair/replacement (evaporator, compressor), front shock and mount replacement, and bearing failures.
- RecurrentInfotainment (CMU) failure
Complete black screen and non-operation, with one specific case involving a DTC U3000:42 (Control Module General Memory Failure) following a battery replacement, suggesting potential vulnerability to voltage spikes.
- IsolatedIntermittent stalling and no-start condition
Engine starts but loses power and cuts out when pulling away after a short stop, accompanied by a strong fuel smell and a sporadic low fuel pressure code; unresolved despite replacing high-pressure fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, and battery.
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedTransmission behavior complaints
Described as sluggish, hesitant to downshift, and prone to staying in high gears at low RPM, making the vehicle feel slow.
- IsolatedTransmission programming dissatisfaction
In a 2025 model, the transmission is reported to be reluctant to downshift when slowing, holds excessively high gears (e.g., 4th gear at 100 km/h / 62 mph) in sport mode leading to high RPMs, and results in a vehicle perceived as very slow and noisy.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year within the current generation is recommended or criticized based on the provided data.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda HR-V, Honda WR-V, Toyota Yaris Cross, Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation model (2016-2021) is associated with recurrent and costly mechanical and electrical failures, including transmission behavior complaints, infotainment unit failures, and fuel system issues, leading to significant owner frustration and repair expenses. In contrast, discussions of the current-generation model (2022-2026) are sparse, with only isolated mentions. One owner of a 2025 model reports severe dissatisfaction with transmission programming, describing the vehicle as slow, noisy, and unpleasant to drive. Another owner, driving a 2026 model as a loaner, noted it was not a "crap car" and praised the infotainment but found its drive significantly less smooth than a modern EV. The consensus indicates the earlier models may suffer from above-average reliability concerns, while feedback on the newest generation is insufficient to form a trend.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a small, subcompact crossover. In owner discussions, it is frequently compared directly with the Honda HR-V, which is noted for better comfort and larger interior space. The Mazda CX-30 is mentioned as a more modern and refined alternative from within Mazda's own lineup. The vehicle is generally seen as an entry-point option, with some feedback suggesting competitors may offer more value, practicality, or reliability for similar money.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific drivetrain, trim, or option recommendations are present in the community feedback.
General recommendations
For the first-generation model (2016-2021), owners should be prepared for potential significant repair costs outside of warranty, particularly related to the air conditioning system, suspension components, and infotainment unit. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised. For the current-generation model (2022-2026), prospective buyers should conduct an extensive test drive, focusing on transmission behavior in both normal and sport modes at various speeds, to assess personal tolerance for its programming. Due to the lack of substantive long-term owner reports, caution is recommended.
Remarks
The provided community feedback heavily skews toward problem reports for the first-generation CX-3, creating a negative bias. The single detailed report on a 2025 model's transmission behavior is concerning but represents an isolated data point. The model appears to have been superseded in discussions by the CX-30, which is mentioned more frequently as a contemporary alternative. There is no data on fuel economy, interior quality, driving dynamics, or ownership costs for the current generation. Analysis based on approximately 6 substantive owner discussions specifically about the CX-3.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2016. Years to avoid: 2016Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Mazda CX-3 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 1 | steering |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | air bags |
| 2019 | 27 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 10 | 1 | engine |
| 2017 | 21 | 1 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2016 | 48 | 3 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices9 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V487000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V487000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V875000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V487000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V487000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
2017 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V487000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
2016 · structure:body:hatchback/liftgatecampaign 16V644000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
2016 · steeringcampaign 16V203000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
2016 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V487000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Specifications
2.0 SKYACTIV-G SKYACTIV-Drive
2.0L 4-cylinder · 150 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2018–2026