Last updated: 2026-03-04

Good

2023 Mazda 3 Reliability Score & Common Problems

Name: 2023 Mazda 3
Brand: Mazda

The 2023 Mazda 3 scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 19 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (BP).

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

6.2

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$433

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

10%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%

71/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%

80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%

88/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%

79/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

SERVICE BRAKES (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)

1 recall on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (BP).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
4th generation 3 (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

Fourth generation (BP)

2019redesign

2020

2021

2022

2023selected

Should You Buy the 2023 Mazda 3?

The 2023 Mazda 3 scores 78/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (BP).

With 19 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to service brakes (3). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2024 Mazda 3, which scored the same. See also the 2022 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

SERVICE BRAKES: Owners of the 2023 Mazda 3 report issues with the braking system, with two... (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2023 Mazda 3 report issues related to the HVAC system and fuel... (2 complaints)

Compare 2023 Mazda 3 With

Good

2023 Subaru Impreza

Score: 74/100

Good

2023 BMW 2-Series

Score: 73/100

Common Problem Categories

Safety

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

SERVICE BRAKES (3)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
AIR BAGS (2)
SUSPENSION (2)
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
STEERING (1)
ENGINE (1)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
STRUCTURE (1)
LANE DEPARTURE (1)
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2023 Mazda 3 has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.2

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 9.2

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Mazda 3 Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2023 Mazda 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V2750002023-04-18

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.

2023 Mazda 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 14.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (TBD)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mazda 3 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based 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

$433

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2023 Mazda 3

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

Inspect for front-end noise and test for smooth shifting
Test brakes for proper engagement and check for any recalls
Check for unexpected airbag deployment history
Test windshield wipers and inspect for windshield distortion
Verify fuel gauge accuracy and ensure no unexpected fuel depletion
Test vehicle speed control, especially during low-speed maneuvers

Check Any 2023 Mazda 3's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 3 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Mazda 3 with a free VIN lookup.

Run a Free VIN Check

2023 Mazda 3 Common Problems by Component

19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

SERVICE BRAKES (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)AIR BAGS (2)SUSPENSION (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)STEERING (1)ENGINE (1)Other (4)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Mazda 3 report issues with the braking system, with two complaints involving crashes. One pattern involves brake failure when the vehicle is stopped, with one owner describing their car rolling forward despite the brake pedal being fully pressed. Another owner links their crash to a recall concerning brake pedal travel, noting the brakes did not engage properly and the brake assist system failed to activate. A separate issue involves the vehicle's emergency braking system activating without cause, described as "phantom braking," which results in the car coming to an unexpected stop on the highway. These complaints typically arise within the first year of ownership and highlight potential safety implications, including crashes and unintended stops.

3 complaints total2 crashes

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Mazda 3 report issues related to the HVAC system and fuel gauge. One complaint describes white chemical particulates entering the cabin through the HVAC vents due to a failure of the "evaporative coating," leading to a prolonged repair period and concerns over the use of damaged parts in the repair process. Another complaint highlights a non-linear and erroneous fuel gauge, causing unpredictable fuel levels and instances of running out of gas. These issues are reported to occur while the vehicles are still under warranty, with one vehicle being out of service for over three months. Safety implications include potential exposure to chemical particulates and the risk of running out of fuel unexpectedly.

2 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners report issues with unintended acceleration in the 2023 Mazda 3, particularly when engaging the brake pedal. Complaints frequently mention the car accelerating unexpectedly when the brake is tapped, with drivers having to apply significant brake pressure to regain control. These incidents occur at low speeds, such as in parking lots or when maneuvering in tight spaces, and also when shifting out of park. No specific mileage range is consistently mentioned, but the pattern suggests that the issue can lead to potential safety risks, such as near-collisions with objects like gates. This information may be relevant for used car buyers considering this model.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

Multiple owners of the 2023 Mazda 3 report unexpected deployment of side curtain airbags while driving at low speeds in slushy conditions, without any collision or rollover occurring. Complaints frequently mention that no warning lights or error messages were present prior to the deployment, and both incidents occurred around 20 mph. The deployment itself causes significant vehicle damage and poses a potential safety risk by startling the driver, which could lead to loss of control. Owners also note a lack of transparency from the manufacturer regarding the cause of the airbag deployment, as they are unable to access Event Data Recorder information or receive a technical explanation. This pattern may be relevant for potential buyers concerned about unexpected airbag activation and associated repair costs.

2 complaints total

SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 report issues related to the suspension, with specific concerns about front-end noise and shifting problems. One owner describes a persistent front-end noise and a shifting issue, initially suspected to be related to the suspension's weight, with further diagnostics revealing a faulty front wheel bearing and a rear differential replacement, yet the noise and shifting issues persist at mileages ranging from 4,014 to 6,219 miles. Another owner reports a crash incident involving sudden unintended acceleration while maneuvering into a parking spot, despite having the foot on the brake, leading to a collision with a concrete post. This incident also involved dashboard warnings about the ActiveSense system malfunctioning, although no conclusive evidence was found by the service department. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly with sudden acceleration and persistent mechanical noises, relevant to potential buyers considering this model.

2 complaints total1 crash

VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 report issues with the vehicle's visibility and wipers, particularly involving the driver's side windshield wiper failing to clear rain effectively, even after replacement of wiper blades and arms. Additionally, some owners experience significant windshield distortion, described as a wavy or orange peel effect, which impacts visibility and causes dizziness during extended driving. This distortion has been noted immediately after purchase and persists despite windshield replacement under warranty. Mileage at which these issues occur varies, with one report noting problems around 30,000 miles. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are mentioned, but the visibility issues could potentially affect driving comfort and safety.

2 complaints total

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaintSafety-related

2026-02-01Crash reported

While attempting a left-hand turn, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and unresponsive, as if the mechanical gear had bound. This sudden resistance made it impossible to complete the turn, causing the vehicle to strike a curb at low speed. A post-accident inspection at Lee Johnson Mazda (RO# 649854) confirmed extensive damage, including a bent inner tie rod, a damaged front wheel bearing/hub assembly, and wheel/tire damage totaling over $6,500. The dealership stated no electronic fault codes were present in the computer, but the physical behavior matches the 'sticky steering' symptoms currently under federal investigation for other Mazda models (Recall 24V022 / RQ26002). I believe a mechanical failure in the steering gear caused the collision.

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2025-12-18

One day after oil and filter change, engine LOW OIL LEVEL light illuminated on dash. Engine oil dipstick displays full oil level; no signs on oil leaks under the vehicle. Appears to be failed oil level sensor. Upon restarting the vehicle, LOW OIL LEVEL light is turned off. Intermittently returns after some time of driving. Have not observed light turning itself off without shutting down the vehicle.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

2025-02-281 injury

Others are at risk and below details how my safety was compromised. Powerlift gate/ trunk closed on my head and did not stop. It knocked me onto the ground and opened up a bloody gash on my head. Went to emergency room in the hospital to have them treat me with my head injury as I was bleeding with a head wound laceration. They sealed the wound with glue as it was in my hairline and gave aspirin for the head pain. There should be a safety feature on the power liftgate that alerts it if person or object is in the way. Other brands of vehicles have this safety feature. It is liability and there is concern for others of this happening that could potentially result in death. My injury has not fully healed as I know have recurring headaches and there will be a large scar left on my head. The vehicle is available for inspection.

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2025-01-01

Thin paint peeling off plastic surfaces

When Do 2023 Mazda 3 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

4,000–6,000 milesSuspension and shifting issues

30,000 milesVisibility and wiper issues

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).

Good

2025

1 recall · 20 complaints

Good

2018

1 recall · 9 complaints

Good

2024

2 recalls · 22 complaints

Mazda 3 Years to Avoid

The worst Mazda 3 year is 2021 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to engine (36) issues.

Good

2021

3 recalls · 95 complaints

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.

avg 77

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Mazda 3 reliability scores by year
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

Mazda 3 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	78/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	0
2025	79/100	+1	Good	1	20
2024	78/100	0	Good	2	22
2023(selected)	78/100	0	Good	1	19
2022	78/100	+8	Good	1	26
2021	70/100	-8	Good	3	95
2019	78/100	-1	Good	2	26
2018	79/100	—	Good	1	9

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Mazda 3 reliable?

The 2023 Mazda 3 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 78/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 19 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Mazda 3?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Mazda 3 include: SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints), SUSPENSION (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda 3 have?

The 2023 Mazda 3 has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2023 Mazda 3 expensive to maintain?

The 2023 Mazda 3 has estimated annual repair costs of $433/year, which is $93 less than the compact cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 78/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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.