The 2019 Mazda CX-3 has 26 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and steering. Owners most often flag first-generation (2016-2021) issues:*.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
26
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
1
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Mazda CX-3 vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
electrical system
9
steering
5
fuel/propulsion system
2
visibility/wiper
2
fuel system
2
Recalls affecting the 2019 CX-3
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V875000
Mazda 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,…
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.