Last updated: 2026-10-10
2025 Mazda 3 Reliability Report
The 2025 Mazda 3 has good reliability and one air bag recall. Owners' most common complaint is doors that fail to autolock.
Recalls
1
Complaints
20
Complaint Rate
6.8per 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
Good reliability with one air bag recall and mostly electrical complaints, while the 2026 rates better but has no complaints on file yet.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- WHEELS (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
Should You Buy the 2025 Mazda 3?
Good reliability puts this year among the stronger of the eight Mazda 3 model years scored, and it lands close to average against other 2025 sedans. It earns 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $433, under the $526 for its class. The 2024 rates about the same. The 2026 rates better, but it has no complaints on file yet, so it has had less time to collect them.
Electrical problems lead the 20 owner complaints. Doors that fail to autolock, again and again, are the most common report. Others describe settings that keep resetting, i-Activsense warnings that can't be dismissed, and a wireless charger that makes phones too hot to hold. Tire pressure readings that swing and don't match from tire to tire also appear. Several filings describe a CX-30, not a Mazda 3. There is one recall, for air bags.
Ask the seller for proof that the air bag recall was completed.
Compared to the 2026 Mazda 3, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2024 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
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Doors fail to autolock, again and again, and this is the most common report (8 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: One filing reports sudden full-throttle acceleration while braking into a... (3 complaints)
Compare 2025 Mazda 3 With
2025 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 81/100
2025 Subaru Impreza
Reliability: 77/100
2025 Nissan Versa
Reliability: 81/100
2025 Subaru WRX
Reliability: 77/100
2025 Acura Integra
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2025 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
6.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 2
Safety Incidents
2
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.
2025 Mazda 3 Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2025 Mazda 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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 2025 Mazda 3? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 Mazda 3, and 1 recall was 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
2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Mazda 3.
Lock the car with the fob, walk away, and confirm the doors autolock. Repeat several times.
Press the dash liftgate button several times and confirm the liftgate opens every time.
Start the car several times and watch for i-Activsense, In Vehicle Network, or ABS malfunction messages.
Change the audio settings, turn the car off and back on, and confirm the settings stayed saved.
Leave a phone on the wireless charger for 10 minutes, then check whether it is uncomfortably hot.
Check all four tire pressures cold, drive 10 miles, and check them again for big or uneven changes.
Inspect both key fobs for cracks or dents and confirm each one locks and unlocks the doors.
Wear your usual shoes in the driver's seat and check that your foot can't slip between the pedals.
Going to see one? Take the printable 2025 Mazda 3 inspection checklist with you.
2025 Mazda 3 Common Problems by Component
20 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsDoors fail to autolock, again and again, and this is the most common report. Some owners also say the dash liftgate button stops working, the rear seat sensor misbehaves, and audio and other settings keep resetting. i-Activsense warnings sometimes flash and can't be dismissed, which pulls the driver's eyes off the road in bad weather. Other reports describe a wireless charger that makes phones too hot to hold after 10 minutes, and key fobs that break into pieces. Several of these filings describe a CX-30, not a Mazda 3.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOne filing reports sudden full-throttle acceleration while braking into a driveway. The engine revved to its limit and the car kept going whatever pedal was pressed, until it crashed. That report involves a rented CX-30. Another owner says the car shows only about 290 miles of range on a full tank even with all-highway driving, and that the figure has dropped since delivery. The third filing is about identity theft, not a vehicle fault.
WHEELS
2 complaintsTire pressure swings more than owners expect, and the readings don't match from tire to tire. One report describes pressure climbing 3 psi after only 10 miles of mild city driving at 40 mph on a 70-degree day. Another says the uneven readings have continued for 3 months since purchase. Neither filing mentions a loss of control, a flat tire, or a repair.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedSeveral warnings appear together at startup: i-Activsense Malfunction, In Vehicle Network malfunction, ABS Malfunction, plus other warning lights. In the reported case, the dealer traced the problem to a wiring harness at 71 miles. The replacement part was not available, so the car went unrepaired and the owner drove a rental. A separate crash report involves a driver whose foot got stuck between the brake and accelerator at low speed. The manufacturer said the pedal spacing cannot be adjusted. Both filings describe a CX-30.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintAt an unspecified service visit I Was told tires were at manufacturers recommended psi YESTERDAY - left the lot at 1530. The next morning - warning system indicated low psi- even as low as 30psi and front passenger so low it did not give a reading??? I have no idea why a service visit was even recommended at 1000 miles. Intake rep said for manufacturer oil change and maintenance?! 1000 miles? Bought 11-8-25?! So, if service visits are directly tied to software communication of the vehicle then, thats being reported too.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintI wondered if, after my first service visit on 11-12-25, the dealership put regular leaded gas instead of premium in it, because there was a noticeable difference in gas mileage and the engine started revving pretty high, in my opinion. It also seemed to have less power (which was my main reason foe thinking the wrong gas had been out in). And since then, it hasn't been the same.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintWarning sensors activate randomly- of oncoming vehicles- in my opinion for no reason. Enough space between cars. Normal speeds, etc. Warning sensor to engage Brakes activate without sufficient reason. More than enough space between cars, normal speeds. Occasionally, it feels as if cruise control has taken over and slows the car down (not braking exactly, but controlling the speed by decreasing it). Acceleration also seems to randomly be controlled in the same manner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintAlthough im confident in my own driving skills, it concerns me that the blind spots are so bad that it is NECESSARY to use the blind spot warning system and reverse/back up camera.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintI have noticed over 30 things wrong with this car. Including but not limited to- the FIRST THINGS I mentioned to the dealership there seems to be apull to the right (suspension/alignment). The car randomly starts driving or feeling 'jerky" as if cruise control has taken over - 'phantom braking' is a term I came across that sounds accurate to me. And now, after having the vehicle for almost 30 days- there is significantly less mpg.received. 300 first tank vs about 250 this current tank.
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 2025 Mazda 3 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Mazda 3?
Is the 2025 Mazda 3 expensive to repair?
Does the 2025 Mazda 3 have any recalls?
Is the 2025 Mazda 3 better than the 2024?
Don’t buy a 2025 Mazda 3 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2025 Mazda 3
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 Mazda 3 does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on complaint severity (71/100). 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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