2018 Mazda CX-3: common problems and reliability

An average CX-3 year.

10 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2018 CX-3?

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.

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).

The Year Score compares this year with other CX-3 years only. How we score it

Is 2018 a good year for the CX-3?

Across the 6 CX-3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2020) to 48 (2016). With 10 complaints, the 2018 CX-3 sits below the model's median of 21.

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

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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-3. See the full CX-3 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used CX-3 listings typically run $13,774–$17,099 across 2016 to 2021 model years.

Other CX-3 model years

Compare every CX-3 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

Compare the CX-3 against its rivals

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