2018 Mazda 3: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationOne of the weaker 3 years.
108 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 3?The 2018 Mazda 3 has 108 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag rear brake pads wearing faster than front pads.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Mazda 3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 3 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the 3?
Across the 21 3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2023) to 686 (2010). With 108 complaints, the 2018 3 sits about the same as the model's median of 117.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 3
visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Campaign 19V272000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system
Campaign 17V745000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V875000Mazda 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.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 23V487000Mazda 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.
What owners report on the 3rd generation 3
Owners overwhelmingly describe the 3rd generation Mazda 3 as highly reliable, with the Skyactiv-G engines frequently called "bulletproof" and capable of 200,000+ miles with routine maintenance.
- RecurrentRear brake pads wearing faster than front pads
- RecurrentHard-to-read dipstick due to light-colored full synthetic oil
- IsolatedLeather interior not holding up well
- IsolatedBelt tensioner failure near 100,000 miles
- IsolatedCarbon build-up on direct injection engines if oil change intervals are extended
Owner insights for the 3rd generation 3. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Other 3 model years
Compare every 3 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 3 against its rivals
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