2019 Mazda 3: common problems and reliability
An average 3 year.
74 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 3?The 2019 Mazda 3 has 74 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and engine.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Mazda 3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 3 years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the 3?
Across the 21 3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2023) to 686 (2010). With 74 complaints, the 2019 3 sits below 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 2019 3
forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Campaign 19V907000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
engine
Campaign 19V497000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
seats:front assembly:head restraint
Campaign 19V514000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
visibility:glass, side/rear
Campaign 19V558000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.
Show 2 more recalls
electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Campaign 19V363000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.
wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Campaign 19V425000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment, heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 3. See the full 3 owner picture and every model year.
Other 3 model years
Compare every 3 year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 3 against its rivals
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