Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mazda 3 vs Nissan Versa: Reliability Compared
Mazda 3
Nissan Versa
Choosing between the Mazda 3 and the Nissan Versa? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda 3 currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Mazda 3 and Nissan Versa Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Mazda 3 is more reliable than the Nissan Versa, scoring 77/100 vs 76/100.
The Mazda 3 slightly edges out the Nissan Versa in terms of reliability with an average score of 77 compared to the Versa's 76. Both vehicles have identical recall numbers at 11, but the Mazda 3 has a lower owner complaint rate of 1.3 per 10,000 sold versus the Versa's 1.5. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates favor the Mazda 3 with an annual cost of $433, compared to $456 for the Versa. While both models show common issues in the electrical and engine systems, the Mazda 3's lower complaint rate and repair costs make it the more reliable choice.
Key Differences
- 1Mazda 3 costs $23 less per year to repair
- 2Mazda 3 scores 1 points higher in reliability
- 3Mazda 3 has 0.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Mazda 3 vs Nissan Versa: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mazda 3 | Nissan Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 77/100 | 76/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 5 |
| Total Recalls | 11 | 11 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 1.3 | 1.5 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $433/yr | $456/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.3/yr | 0.4/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 10% | 10% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2025 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 2 | 2 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda 3 and Nissan Versa?
The Mazda 3 and Nissan Versa exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Mazda 3 showing a notable concentration of issues in the engine category, accounting for 42 complaints. In contrast, the Nissan Versa experiences a higher frequency of power train complaints, totaling 63, which is a significant area of concern. Both vehicles have electrical system issues, but the Mazda 3 has a higher incidence of crash-linked complaints in service brakes and steering, totaling nine combined, compared to the Versa's five in these categories. However, the Versa's air bag complaints are more severe, with 12 crash-linked incidents out of 19 total, indicating a critical safety concern not as prevalent in the Mazda 3.
| Component | Mazda 3 | Nissan Versa |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda 3 or Nissan Versa?
How Does Mazda 3 vs Nissan Versa Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mazda 3 | Nissan Versa | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/1001R / 20C | 81/1000R / 9C | Nissan Versa |
| 2024 | 78/1002R / 22C | 73/1001R / 91C | Mazda 3 |
| 2021 | 70/1003R / 95C | 77/1003R / 29C | Nissan Versa |
| 2018 | 79/1001R / 9C | 76/1005R / 55C | Mazda 3 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Mazda 3 scored 79/100 and the 2025 Nissan Versa scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Mazda 3 vs the Nissan Versa?
Mazda 3 vs Nissan Versa: Common Questions
- Is the Mazda 3 more reliable than the Nissan Versa?
- Based on our data, the Mazda 3 is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mazda 3 or the Nissan Versa?
- Both have 11 recalls across their tracked years. Review individual year pages for details on what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda 3 or the Nissan Versa?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda 3 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 1.5 for the Nissan Versa. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda 3 or the Nissan Versa?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda 3 is cheaper to maintain at $433/year versus $456/year for the Nissan Versa.
- Is the Mazda 3 or Nissan Versa safer?
- Both the Mazda 3 and Nissan Versa received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Mazda 3 comparisons
Decided between Mazda 3 and Nissan Versa? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue