Mazda Cx 3 common problems
Owners of 2016–2021 Mazda Cx 3 vehicles have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (33% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 109
- Owner complaints
- 9
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- Crash-related reports
- 3
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 6 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2016 cx-3
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Recall2017 cx-3
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Recall2018 cx-3
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Recall2019 cx-3
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Recall2020 cx-3
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Recall2021 cx-3
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Mazda Cx 3 problems?
- Across 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2016–2021 Mazda Cx 3 vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (33%), steering (33%), visibility (17%).
- Which Mazda Cx 3 model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2016 Mazda Cx 3 has the most owner complaints, with 48 filed.
- Are Mazda Cx 3 problems dangerous?
- Of the 109 complaints on record, 9 mention a crash, 0 mention a fire and 3 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2016 accounts for the most complaints (48). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.