CX-3 (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
PE
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Mazda CX-3 Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda CX-3, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3
On a used 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (26), the fuel system (20) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (20). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 26 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 about the fuel system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 about the engine.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 about the exterior lighting.
Recalls (4)
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.
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, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 complaints?
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the fuel system and the safety systems.
Is the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 have?
NHTSA has 110 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda CX-3?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the fuel system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the CX-3?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (13.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 110 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.