Last updated: 2026-04-20
2022 Mazda 3 Reliability Report
The 2022 Mazda 3 scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 26 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
26
Complaint Rate
9.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$433
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,300
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- STEERING (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (BP).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation 3 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: Fourth generation (BP) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (BP).
Should You Buy the 2022 Mazda 3?
At 78/100, the 2022 Mazda 3 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (BP).
Owners log 26 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 Mazda 3, which scored the same. See also the 2021 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
- −ENGINE: Owners of the 2022 Mazda 3 frequently report issues with excessive engine oil... (6 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (4 complaints)
Compare 2022 Mazda 3 With
2022 Subaru Impreza
Reliability: 76/100
2022 KIA Forte
Reliability: 75/100
2022 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 58/100
2022 BMW 2-Series
Reliability: 74/100
2022 Subaru WRX
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (6)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2022 Mazda 3 carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
9.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.9
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Mazda 3 Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Mazda 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
Consequence
Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
Buying a used 2022 Mazda 3? Check its history first
Every 2022 Mazda 3 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Mazda 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
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 2022 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
26–31 MPG
Running cost: $2,400–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
23–28 city / 31–36 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 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4-Door 2WD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 28 | 36 | 31 | $1,950 |
| 3 4-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 | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,050 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,150 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,200 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,200 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Mazda 3.
Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels between changes
Test forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control for unexpected braking
Inspect the windshield for distortion or waviness affecting visibility
Verify sunroof integrity to prevent unexpected breakage
Test navigation and backup camera functionality for glitches
Inspect steering for premature wear or unexpected shifts
2022 Mazda 3 Common Problems by Component
26 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Mazda 3 frequently report issues with excessive engine oil consumption. Complaints consistently mention the "low oil" warning light activating between 3,000 to 5,000 miles after an oil change, despite the absence of visible leaks. Many owners indicate the need to add approximately one quart of oil to maintain proper levels. These reports typically occur within the first 6,000 to 7,000 miles of vehicle use. No safety incidents such as crashes or fires are noted in the complaints, but the need for frequent oil top-offs may be a consideration for potential buyers regarding maintenance expectations.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Mazda 3 report several issues, with a focus on temperature sensor malfunctions, low oil level warnings, sunroof glass breakage, and visibility problems with the windshield. The temperature sensor issue is noted to affect engine performance, while low oil warnings occur unexpectedly, approximately 1,000 miles before scheduled oil changes. A notable safety concern is the sudden explosion of the sunroof glass, described as occurring without external impact, which could pose a risk if it happens in traffic. Additionally, owners describe the windshield as wavy, leading to visibility issues and headaches, particularly on longer drives. These complaints do not specify a consistent mileage range for occurrence, but they highlight potential safety and usability challenges for prospective buyers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Mazda 3 report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, including navigation and backup camera malfunctions, described as common across Mazda models. A notable complaint involves a crash where the automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems failed to activate, with diagnostic scans revealing fault codes related to the ABS control module. This incident is linked to a recent recall, although the affected vehicle's VIN was not included. Another owner describes intermittent transmission issues during mountain driving, where the car fails to shift above third gear, accompanied by a "safety system deactivated" message on flat roads. These issues appear at varying mileages, with one owner experiencing problems as early as 4,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involves a collision due to system failure.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2022 Mazda 3's steering, with two complaints involving crashes and one injury. The primary concern involves sudden and uncontrollable steering shifts, particularly to the right, which occur without warning and can result in loss of vehicle control. One incident describes this happening at approximately 3,000 miles, leading to a crash with airbag deployment. Another complaint mentions system failures, including false lane assist warnings and reverse gear issues, contributing to a collision. Additionally, there are reports of premature wear on the steering wheel, although this is not linked to safety incidents. These issues suggest potential safety risks, particularly with low-mileage vehicles, and prospective buyers should consider these patterns when evaluating used models.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Mazda 3 report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system, particularly concerning the adaptive cruise control and smart braking features. Complaints frequently mention the adaptive cruise control's tendency to brake unnecessarily, especially on city streets where lane markings are unclear, causing potential for rear-end collisions. Another issue described is the smart braking system activating without any apparent obstruction, bringing the vehicle to an abrupt stop, which poses a significant safety risk. These issues are reported at various mileages, with no specific mileage range consistently identified. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported behaviors, especially if planning to use these features regularly in urban environments.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintOn June 07, 2023, I was driving on the highway when I noticed a rumbling noise from the front driver-side tire (215/65R18). I got out and inspected the tires and observed nothing wrong with the tires. The next day (06/08) my wife was driving the vehicle on the highway (60 mph) and the vehicle started to shake. She pull the vehicle over and got out to check the vehicle. She observed the front driver-side tire sidewall was completely torn open. My wife never hit anything or ran over anything. The tire shop (Kost) could explain what happened to the tire. The shop person stated that it looked like a complete failure of the sidewall. The tire had approx. 9000 miles on it. In all my years of driving I never had a tire fail this bad.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintPassenger seat belt was stuck retracted and had to be replaced. Coolant temperature control valve failed and car ran cold. They have many cars with this issue but no recall was issued
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintOn December 26, 2022, after running errands for an hour or so and parking outside in parking lots, I restarted the car and pulled out of a parking lot. 3 dashboard warning lights flashed, one after the other: Engine malfunction, have vehicle inspected; Dynamic stability control malfunction, have the vehicle inspected; Safety and driver support systems partially disabled, drive safely. Vehicle was stuck in high gear and would not shift to lower gear as I pulled into the driveway (fortunately I was close to home), forcing me to have to floor the gas pedal to go up the very slight driveway incline. Dealership thought they fixed the problem, exact same thing happened on 12/28/22 (same dashboard warnings, stuck in high gear) when we were on the highway. Car was barely able to make it up the exit ramp in heavy traffic, could easily have been rear-ended. We were able to get the vehicle home by driving in Manual. It would still not downshift, even in manual, but we managed to get home (about 20 miles) in high gear with slow acceleration. Once again dealership thought they fixed the problem. Exact same thing happened (same dashboard warnings, stuck in high gear) for the third time on 1/31/23. Fortunately I was close to home and was able to pull up the driveway by flooring the gas pedal once again. Car is currently at the dealership service center again. Vehicle has 8,156 miles.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSuddenly, for no known reason, the dash displayed a warning that the seat belts and air bags are not properly operational and to get the vehicle inspected. Note there is less than 3000 miles on the vehicle. The vehicle has not been involved in any collisions and has not been damaged. I have scheduled an inspection with the dealer, and an internet search revealed this is a problem with new CX-30s.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintRear wheel bearings failed at approximately 30,000 miles and were replaced by Mazda under warrantee. The same rear wheel bearings failed at approximately 72,000 miles and are available for inspection. Dealer has confirmed bad wheel bearings on both occasions. The potential for wheel bearing failure incudes loss of control of the vehicle while in motion. Dealer has bearing available for inspection. The only warning is increasing noise as the bearing wear.
When Do 2022 Mazda 3 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mazda 3 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mazda 3 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Mazda 3 year is 2026 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (79/100) and 2018 (79/100).
Mazda 3 Years to Avoid
The worst Mazda 3 year is 2021 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to engine (36) issues.
Mazda 3 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda 3 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
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 2022 Mazda 3 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Mazda 3?
How many recalls does the 2022 Mazda 3 have?
Is the 2022 Mazda 3 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Mazda 3 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Mazda 3.
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Score: 72/100
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