Avoid: 2010, 2008, 2007 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
20 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 21 model years, the Mazda 3 has 3,011 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 57 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and steering. 2010 drew the most complaints (686), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (12).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mazda 3 vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2015 | 129 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2011 | 132 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2009 | 119 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2004 | 170 |
Highest: 2010 (686 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (12).
Mixed sentiment, heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
The Skyactiv-G engine platform, while reliable, is viewed as lagging behind newer hybrid competitors in both performance and fuel efficiency, contributing to poor sales.
Vehicle failed to start 46 times, requiring multiple battery replacements and dealer visits; suspected faulty hood switch.
Vehicle began refusing to shift, losing electrical power while driving, and eventually failing to start entirely.
Isolated report of a seller disconnecting the battery to hide a check engine light, which appeared weeks after purchase.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 3. Individual model years are broken down above.
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