Last updated: 2026-10-10
2024 Mazda 3 Reliability Report
The 2024 Mazda 3 rates good for reliability, but owners report airbag faults and phantom emergency braking from its driver-assist systems.
Recalls
2
Complaints
22
Complaint Rate
5.7per 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
Rates good and above average among 2024 sedans, but ranks among the weaker Mazda 3 years, with airbag and phantom-braking complaints and two recalls.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (6)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
Should You Buy the 2024 Mazda 3?
This model year rates good for reliability, though it is not the strongest Mazda 3 year. It sits above average among 2024 sedans but among the weaker of the eight scored model years. Independent repair-cost data estimates $433 a year against $526 for the class. The 2023 and 2025 models also rate good and look about the same.
Driver-assist and airbag faults lead the complaints. Owners report adaptive cruise control braking hard in highway curves with no traffic, and emergency braking with nothing ahead that nearly got them rear-ended. One owner had an airbag deploy while driving with no warning light. Another crash with 2 injuries describes forceful deployment after the brakes failed to slow the car. Dealers often could not reproduce the braking faults, so cars stayed unrepaired. Federal records list 2 recalls across lane departure, exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance and air bags.
Ask for proof that every recall was completed, and test the cruise control on a curved highway. A 2023 or 2025 car has fewer complaints and one recall each.
Compared to the 2025 Mazda 3, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2023 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
- −AIR BAGS: Airbags misbehave in several ways (6 complaints)
- −FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: With adaptive cruise control on, the car brakes or speeds up when it shouldn't (3 complaints)
Compare 2024 Mazda 3 With
2024 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 73/100
2024 Subaru Impreza
Reliability: 74/100
2024 Kia Forte
Reliability: 78/100
2024 BMW 2 Series
Reliability: 72/100
2024 Subaru WRX
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (6)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2024 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
5.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 5.4
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Mazda 3 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Mazda 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
LANE DEPARTURE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended.
Consequence
Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6824H.
AIR BAGS
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
Consequence
Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.
Buying a used 2024 Mazda 3? Check its history first
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2024 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
2024 Mazda 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
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 2024 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
23–27 city / 31–37 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 2024 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) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 26 | 36 | 30 | $2,000 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,050 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 32 | 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 2024 Mazda 3.
Start the car and confirm no airbag or passenger airbag warning stays lit on the dash.
Inspect the headliner, roof edges, and inside windows for water, condensation, or a musty mold smell.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and have a Mazda dealer confirm every recall repair is complete.
Drive highway curves with adaptive cruise on and watch for sudden braking or throttle surges.
Pull away from a stop and into a parking space, watching for false automatic braking.
On a clear day, test automatic high beams, lane keeping, and blind spot alerts for correct behavior.
Listen for transmission whining or grinding during hard acceleration and highway merging.
Lock the doors, drive a few miles to confirm they stay locked, and test keyless start with both fobs.
2024 Mazda 3 Common Problems by Component
22 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
6 complaintsSafety-relatedAirbags misbehave in several ways. Symptoms include an airbag deploying while driving with no warning light beforehand, and a passenger airbag warning that stays on even after dealer recalibration. Some owners say water leaks corroded airbag parts and let mold grow inside the car. One crash with 2 injuries describes the airbags deploying very forcefully in a minor impact after the brakes failed to slow the car. Other owners report dealers who could not finish a recall repair because no fix was available yet.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsWith adaptive cruise control on, the car brakes or speeds up when it shouldn't. Owners describe hard braking of 5 to 12 mph in highway curves with no traffic around. Others say the car switches back and forth between braking and accelerating near walls or nearby cars on curves. Some report the brakes engaging when pulling away from a stop or into a parking space, and full throttle when cruise re-engages after slowing. Dealers say they cannot reproduce the problem, so cars stay unrepaired. Sudden hard braking at speed raises the risk of a rear-end collision.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsThese reports cover unrelated failures. In one, the automatic transmission makes loud whining and grinding noises. The dealer confirmed the problem and says the transmission needs full replacement, and the owner worries about losing power on the highway. In another, a keyless entry malfunction message and a flashing start light left a nearly new car unable to start, and it had to be towed. Apple CarPlay also drops out mid-drive, which pulls the driver's attention to the phone.
LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaintsThe car brakes hard for obstacles that aren't there. The main pattern is emergency braking with nothing ahead, on clear days or when the car in front turns off, and owners say this has nearly gotten them rear-ended. Some also report blind-spot alerts when no car is there, and automatic high beams, lane assistance, and pedestrian-detection braking that never worked. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. When owners ask for a forward camera replacement, dealers refuse because the VIN is not covered by a recall campaign.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsSeveral warning lights come on at once on the instrument panel, and the rearview camera and cruise control stop working. In one report this happened at 900 miles. Door locks unlock by themselves while driving or overnight, and lane departure and blind spot monitoring work only some of the time. In these reports, dealers have not diagnosed or fixed the problems, so the faults remain.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintI had both the left front and right front CV axles fail. My car only has 11.5k miles on. I first heard the clunking noise at 11k miles, went right to the dealer and had them watch me recreate the noise and they determined the axles needed to be replaced. This is incredible dangerous as the CV axle could have been completely disconnected from the wheel assembly leaving my car useless and uncontrollable.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact rented a 2024 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, an "i-ACTIVSENSE Partially Disabled Front Radar Malfunction" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to exit the highway; however, the vehicle failed to stop upon depression of the brake pedal. The contact continued to pump the brakes and even engaged the emergency brakes, but the vehicle failed to stop. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into the vehicle in front of her as the "Vehicle System Malfunction, Have the Vehicle Inspected" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact later sought medical attention for pain in her back; the other driver sustained injuries; however, the injuries are unknown as she did not seek medical attention from the paramedics that arrived at the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic, where it remained in their possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had yet been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38.377.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintHeadlight module, ballast, bad noises from passenger side, under hood right next to passenger headlight.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintThe sunroof exploded. Was no external debris or damage. Glass pushed outwards. 47 degrees outside. Very sudden and scary.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintSafety-relatedI have a brand new Mazda CX-30 with less than 10k miles. I was not made aware of the seat material being highly flamible. Luckily I nor my kids were in the car when the seat caught fire due to a magnifying effect. Magnifying Effect (Sunlight): If a clear glass or plastic object (like a water bottle, eyeglasses, or even a certain type of air freshener) was left on the seat in direct sunlight, it could have acted as a lens, focusing the sun's rays onto a small area of the seat material. Over time, this concentrated heat could become intense enough to ignite the fabric, especially if it's dry and flammable. This is more likely to happen on a hot, sunny day. I brought this up with the dealership and their reply was to contact Mazda! YOU are Mazda!
Best & Worst Mazda 3 Years
Best Mazda 3 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2018
2024
(Current Model)
2023
Mazda 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 2024 Mazda 3 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Mazda 3?
Does the 2024 Mazda 3 have braking problems?
Has the 2024 Mazda 3 been recalled?
Is the 2024 Mazda 3 cheaper to repair than other compact cars?
Don’t buy a 2024 Mazda 3 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2024 Mazda 3
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2024 Mazda 3 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on complaint severity (74/100). 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Mazda 3.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More Mazda Models
Mazda 5
Score: 88/100
Mazda CX-30
Score: 72/100
Mazda CX-5
Score: 94/100
Mazda CX-50
Score: 76/100
Mazda CX-9
Score: 81/100
Mazda CX-90
Score: 72/100
Browse More 2024 Vehicles
2024 Nissan Ariya
Score: 88/100
2024 Kia Soul
Score: 86/100
2024 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 85/100
2024 Lexus RX
Score: 85/100
2024 Honda Ridgeline
Score: 85/100
2024 Toyota Crown
Score: 84/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue