Mazda CX-3 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 114 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file for the Mazda CX-3, across 7 model years (2014–2021). The 2016 model year has the most complaints (48). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Mazda CX-3 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CX-3 year: 2016, 2017, 2019. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2016 CX-3: 48 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2019 CX-3: 27 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2017 CX-3: 21 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mazda CX-3 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 26 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 16 | 4 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 4 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 3 | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Air Bags | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Structure | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mazda CX-3 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 CX-3 | 4 | 1 | 5★ | Steering | |
| 2020 CX-3 | 1 | 1 | 5★ | Air Bags | |
| 2019 CX-3 | 27 | 2 | 5★ | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2018 CX-3 | 10 | 1 | 5★ | Back Over Prevention | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2017 CX-3 | 21 | 1 | 5★ | Fuel/propulsion System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2016 CX-3 | 48 | 3 | 5★ | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2014 CX-3 | 3 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Mazda: all Mazda models · Mazda VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-3 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2016 (48), 2017 (21), 2019 (27) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CX-3 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mazda CX-3?
Electrical System, with 26 complaints across 6 model years.
How many recalls does the Mazda CX-3 have?
4 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.