Mazda3 (BM)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
PE
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
PY
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mazda Mazda3 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
PE Federal/Canada
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda Mazda3, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3
On a used 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (128), the airbags and driver-assist systems (86) and the brakes (85). 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 128 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 about the electrical 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 86 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 85 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 about the brakes.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 57 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 about the engine, all engines combined.
Recalls (9)
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 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Show 4 older recalls
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pipe welded connection.
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 complaints?
Owners have filed 560 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the safety systems and the brakes.
Is the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 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 560 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 have?
NHTSA has 560 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 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 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls covering some 2014-2018 Mazda Mazda3 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 Mazda3?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the safety systems and the brakes, 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 Mazda3?
The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 560 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.