Last updated: 2026-03-04
Mazda 3 Reliability by Year
The Mazda 3 averages 77/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
Mazda 3 Reliability Overview
The Mazda 3, covering model years 2018 through 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78/100, indicating a generally good reliability performance. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and excessive engine oil consumption, particularly in the 2019 and 2021 models, while the 2026 model shows improved reliability with no recalls or complaints. With an estimated annual repair cost of $433, below the compact car average, the Mazda 3 presents a moderate maintenance expense for potential buyers.
Current generation: 4th gen (2019–2023).
Best & Worst Mazda 3 Years
Best Mazda 3 Years to Buy
The best Mazda 3 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2018 (79/100) and 2024 (78/100).
Mazda 3 Years to Avoid
The worst Mazda 3 year is 2021 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to engine (36) issues.
See full Mazda 3 years-to-avoid analysis →Mazda 3 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda 3 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 77/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 79/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Mazda 3
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Mazda 3 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Mazda 3.
2025 Mazda 3
1 recalls · 20 complaints
The 2025 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 20 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (8), Unknown Or Other (3), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2).
2024 Mazda 3
2 recalls · 22 complaints
The 2024 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 22 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (6), Lane Departure (3), Unknown Or Other (3).
2023 Mazda 3
1 recalls · 19 complaints
The 2023 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (3), Unknown Or Other (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2).
2022 Mazda 3
1 recalls · 26 complaints
The 2022 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 26 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (6), Unknown Or Other (4), Electrical System (3).
2021 Mazda 3
3 recalls · 95 complaints
The 2021 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 95 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (36), Electrical System (9), Visibility Wiper (8).
2019 Mazda 3
2 recalls · 26 complaints
The 2019 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (8), Steering (5), Unknown Or Other (3).
2018 Mazda 3
1 recalls · 9 complaints
The 2018 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Back Over Prevention (2), Electrical System (2), Exterior Lighting (1).
Mazda 3 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$433
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
10%
$93 below the compact cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #9 of 36 among compact cars.
Mazda 3 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Mazda Models
Compare all Mazda models by reliability
Compare Mazda 3 With Similar Sedans
The Mazda 3 competes with other compact sedans such as Subaru Impreza, BMW 2-Series, and Volkswagen Beetle.
Subaru Impreza reliability
9 years tracked · 470 complaints
BMW 2-Series reliability
9 years tracked · 560 complaints
Volkswagen Beetle reliability
2 years tracked · 41 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Mazda 3 reliable?
- The Mazda 3 has good reliability with an average score of 77/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Mazda 3?
- The best year for the Mazda 3 is 2025 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. It has 1 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Mazda 3 analysis →
- What are the Mazda 3 years to avoid?
- The Mazda 3 years to avoid include 2021 (70/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda 3?
- The Mazda 3 has an estimated annual repair cost of $433, which is $93 below the compact cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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