2020 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other MAZDA3 years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 18th of 23 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 out of 5 stars
Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3. That ranks 18th out of 23 MAZDA3 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (15 complaints, 47%), typically at around 5,653 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 32owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 15 | 47% | 5,653 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 3 | 9% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 3 | 9% | 1,177 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | 9% | 9,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 6% | 9,706 | — | — |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 3% | 2,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 3% | 2,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2020 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Problem: Mazda 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.
Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Low pressure fuel pump failure with 75,575 miles on odometer. Fuel pump completely seized. Car was parked at a retail location and would not start. Upon troubleshooting, mechanic was able to determine the low pressure pump was not delivering fuel. Pump was replaced. Faulty fuel pumps could lead to…
size 21545ZR18 93Y. replaced these oem tires with these from costco on feb 27 2025. in dec 5 2025 the tire developed a large bubble. miles bought was 27790. current miles 31212. per tire center steal belting was broken no signs of road hazard or other damage. the belt broke and rubber was stressed…
My Mazda3 began producing a chirp when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear (automatic transmission). The dealer stated that the car needed a new torque converter. At the time the car only 37,000 miles on it, quite low mileage for a torque converter to fail. Mazda has previously admitted to producing cars…
I pulled into the driveway (at about 5 mph) of my passenger's home, when a very loud, metallic pop occurred somewhere inside my vehicle. I could not discern the problem by visually inspecting the car. Upon returning to my home, I arranged for the dealership to inspect the car's suspension. They…
TSB 02-003/24 Car front suspension bolts corroded and making metal on metal sounds during turning and braking
Other Mazda MAZDA3 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 MAZDA3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 MAZDA3 | 8 | 1 |
| 2024 MAZDA3 | 12 | 3 |
| 2023 MAZDA3 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 MAZDA3 | 24 | 0 |
| 2021 MAZDA3 | 54 | 1 |
| 2020 | 32 | 2 |
| 2019 MAZDA3 | 74 | 6 |
| 2018 MAZDA3 | 108 | 4 |
| 2017 MAZDA3 | 83 | 2 |
| 2016 MAZDA3 | 104 | 6 |
| 2015 MAZDA3 | 130 | 4 |
| 2014 MAZDA3 | 138 | 4 |
| 2013 MAZDA3 | 117 | 1 |
| 2012 MAZDA3 | 226 | 1 |
| 2011 MAZDA3 | 132 | 2 |
| 2010 MAZDA3 | 686 | 3 |
| 2009 MAZDA3 | 115 | 3 |
| 2008 MAZDA3 | 303 | 2 |
| 2007 MAZDA3 | 222 | 2 |
| 2006 MAZDA3 | 166 | 1 |
| 2005 MAZDA3 | 97 | 2 |
| 2004 MAZDA3 | 145 | 2 |
See all Mazda MAZDA3 problems by year, every Mazda model, or the Mazda VIN decoder.
Similar Mazda models
Embed this 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 badge on your site
Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners most often report forward collision avoidance, electrical system, steering problems. The top one, forward collision avoidance, accounts for 15 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MAZDA3 model years, the 2020 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.