The 2018 Mazda CX-3 has 10 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and back over prevention. Owners most often flag first-generation (2016-2021) issues:*.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
10
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Mazda CX-3 vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
engine
2
back over prevention
2
electrical system
2
fuel/propulsion system
1
exterior lighting
1
Recalls affecting the 2018 CX-3
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 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.
What owners say across generations
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,
First-Generation (2016-2021) Issues:*
Costly and recurrent mechanical failures — including timing belt replacement, complete air conditioning system repair/replacement (evaporator, compressor), front shock and mount replacement, and bearing failures. Frequency: recurrent.
Infotainment (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. Frequency: recurrent.
Intermittent 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. Frequency: isolated.
Transmission behavior complaints — described as sluggish, hesitant to downshift, and prone to staying in high gears at low RPM, making the vehicle feel slow. Frequency: isolated.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-3.
Typical used price
Used CX-3 listings typically run $14,353–$18,214 across 2016 to 2021 model years.