Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Mazda 3 Reliability Report
The 2019 Mazda 3 has good reliability and low repair costs, but dead batteries, key fob faults, and stiff steering are the problems to check.
Recalls
2
Complaints
26
Complaint Rate
5.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$433
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,000–$2,200
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
First year of the Fourth generation, with good reliability and low repair costs, but owners report stiff steering and repeat electrical faults.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- STEERING (5)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (BP).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- 4th generation 3 (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.
2019: Fourth generation (BP) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
Should You Buy the 2019 Mazda 3?
Good reliability puts this Mazda well above the average 2019 sedan, though it sits in the middle of the eight scored Mazda 3 model years. Independent repair-cost data shows about $433 a year in repairs against $526 for the class, and federal crash tests gave it 5 of 5 stars. This is the first year of the Fourth generation (BP). The 2018 model rates about the same.
Electrical trouble leads the owner complaints. Batteries go dead again and again, sometimes within a few thousand miles. Key fobs lose their connection and push-button start can fail with the fob inside the car, sometimes even after new fobs and software reflashes. Steering is more serious. The wheel turns stiffly, then breaks free and jerks the car, with reports starting between 14,000 and 29,056 miles. Federal recall records list two recalls, for the fuel system and back over prevention.
Ask for repair records covering battery, key fob, and steering work. Confirm both recalls were completed, and test the wheel at highway speed. The 2018 is worth a look too.
Compared to the 2021 Mazda 3, which scored 8 points lower. See also the 2018 Mazda 3 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$93 cheaper to maintain than avg compact cars
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Batteries go dead again and again, sometimes within the first few thousand... (8 complaints)
- −STEERING: Stiff wheel resists turning in both directions, gets worse over time, and is... (5 complaints)
Compare 2019 Mazda 3 With
2019 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 65/100
2019 Kia Forte
Reliability: 67/100
2019 Subaru Impreza
Reliability: 66/100
2019 Subaru WRX
Reliability: 72/100
2019 Buick Regal
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- STEERING (5)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Mazda 3 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 19.1
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Mazda 3 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Mazda 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Buying a used 2019 Mazda 3? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Mazda 3, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Mazda 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 13.8%
Safety Technologies
Mazda 3Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$433
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Mazda 3 Resale Value
The Mazda 3 is estimated to retain about 64.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Mazda 3 model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- Value Retained
- 64.8%
- Depreciation
- 35.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 141
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Mazda 3 depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,450–$2,650/yr
Fuel + repair
24–27 city / 32–36 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| 3 4-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,000 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,050 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,150 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Mazda 3.
Drive at highway speed and feel for steering that sticks, then jerks when it breaks free.
Change lanes with lane departure assist on and watch for unwanted steering corrections.
Inspect the windshield edges near the pillars and roofline for stress cracks.
Check the sunroof glass for chips or cracks before buying.
Lock, unlock, and push-button start the car several times with each key fob.
Ask for service records showing repeated battery replacements or key fob repairs.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm all recall repairs are completed.
Run the A/C on max and confirm it blows cold.
2019 Mazda 3 Common Problems by Component
26 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsBatteries go dead again and again, sometimes within the first few thousand miles, even on cars driven daily. Keyless entry is a second weak spot. Key fobs drop their connection, the locks stop responding, and push-button start fails with the fob inside the car. New fobs, fresh fob batteries, and software reflashes don't always fix it. Other reports describe the whole dash going dark while driving and a sport mode switch that falls out of its socket. At 132,000 miles, a worn wiring harness caused a power loss that kept the car under 20 mph.
STEERING
5 complaintsSafety-relatedA stiff wheel resists turning in both directions, gets worse over time, and is most noticeable at highway speeds. When the wheel sticks and then breaks free, drivers oversteer and the car jerks left or right, which creates a loss-of-control risk. Dealers have diagnosed a bad steering column or steering shaft, and parts can be backordered. The lane departure system is also reported to overcorrect during lane changes. The one crash report describes being hit by another driver, not a steering failure.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsThe sunroof glass shatters while driving even though nothing hit it and there were no earlier cracks. Glass can fall into the cabin if the shade is open. The dealer called it rare and declined to replace it. One air conditioning failure involves a leaking condenser on a low-mileage car with 17000 miles and no accidents. These reports are scattered, and there aren't enough of them to show a clear pattern.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe car runs out of fuel while the gauge still shows about 40 miles of range left, which can strand a driver in traffic. The dealer could not explain it or reproduce it. The front crash warning light also comes on randomly, even with no other cars nearby. The other report deals with fuel pump repair work that owners can't get done because no fix is available yet, which leaves them worried about breaking down on longer trips.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsThe front windshield develops long stress cracks that start at the pillar or the top edge, with no impact from a rock or other object. A crack about 20 inches long can block the driver's view. Dealers confirm these are stress cracks but refuse free replacement, and the manufacturer refers owners to their insurance. Replacement windshields are also backordered, so drivers wait weeks with cracked glass.
FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
2 complaintsBoth complaints are about a part shortage, not a breakdown. Owners got notice of fuel system recall work, but dealers say the repair parts are not available. Owners feel the wait has gone on too long. Neither owner describes an actual fuel system failure. The only issue is that the open repair can't be done until parts arrive.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the air bag warning light flashed off and on. Additionally, the rear hatch door failed to open as needed. The cause of the failures has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 21,000.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact with a case number. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintRough starting, stalling while going to switch gears, hesitating when pressing gas.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 MAZDA CX-3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND BRAKES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SMITH CAIRNS FORD LINCOLN (900 CENTRAL PARK AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, (914) 377-8100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT PEBBLES WERE CAUSING THE ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-2295928510. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
When Do 2019 Mazda 3 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mazda 3 Years
Best Mazda 3 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreMazda 3 Years to Avoid
Mazda 3 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 84/100 | Excellent |
Mazda 3 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Mazda 3 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mazda 3?
Does the 2019 Mazda 3 have steering problems?
Has the 2019 Mazda 3 been recalled?
Is the 2019 Mazda 3 cheaper to repair than other compact cars?
Don’t buy a 2019 Mazda 3 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Mazda 3
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Mazda 3 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on complaint severity (73/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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