Is the Mazda 3 more reliable than the Subaru Impreza?

Based on our data, the Mazda 3 is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda 3 or the Subaru Impreza?

The Subaru Impreza has more recalls (18) compared to the Mazda 3 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda 3 or the Subaru Impreza?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda 3 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 sold versus 4.1 for the Subaru Impreza. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda 3 or the Subaru Impreza?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda 3 is cheaper to maintain at $433/year versus $653/year for the Subaru Impreza.

Last updated: 2026-03-10

Mazda 3 vs Subaru Impreza: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Mazda 3

Good

Subaru Impreza

Good

Choosing between the Mazda 3 and the Subaru Impreza? 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 73/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Subaru Impreza is in its sixth generation, which began in 2024. This makes it relatively early in its generation cycle, where new platforms can sometimes face initial reliability challenges as they undergo real-world testing. The previous fifth generation, which ran from 2017 to 2023, had a facelift in 2020, suggesting a mature and refined design by its end. The Mazda 3 is in its fourth generation, introduced in 2019 and continuing through 2023. This generation has had time to mature, typically indicating that any early production issues have been addressed, leading to improved reliability. The third generation, which ran from 2014 to 2018, received a facelift in 2016, further refining its reliability.

Verdict

The Mazda 3 is more reliable than the Subaru Impreza, scoring 77/100 vs 73/100.

The Mazda 3 edges out the Subaru Impreza in reliability with an average score of 77/100 compared to the Impreza's 73/100. It also has fewer recalls, with 11 over eight years versus the Impreza's 18 across nine years. Owner complaints per 10,000 sold are significantly lower for the Mazda 3 at 1.3, compared to 4.1 for the Impreza. Furthermore, independent repair cost estimates favor the Mazda 3 with an annual cost of $433, considerably less than the Impreza's $653, making the Mazda 3 a more reliable and cost-effective choice.

Key Differences

1Mazda 3 costs $220 less per year to repair
2Mazda 3 has 7 fewer total recalls
3Mazda 3 has 7% lower major repair risk

Category Scoreboard

5Mazda 3

—

0Subaru Impreza

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair Risk

Mazda 3 vs Subaru Impreza: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda 3 vs Subaru Impreza at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda 3	Subaru Impreza
Reliability Score	77/100	73/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	11	18
Complaints per 10k Sold	1.3	4.1
Annual Repair Cost	$433/yr	$653/yr
Repair Frequency	0.3/yr	0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk	10%	17%
Year Wins	6	1

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza?

The Subaru Impreza and Mazda 3 exhibit distinct problem profiles with differing focal points in complaint data. The Impreza has a pronounced issue with visibility-related components, leading with 136 complaints regarding visibility/wipers and 126 related to exterior lighting, including two crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Mazda 3 shows a higher concentration of engine-related complaints, totaling 42, and a notable proportion of crash-linked issues in the service brakes and air bags categories, with six and three incidents respectively. Both models share concerns in the electrical system and unknown or other categories, but the Mazda 3's higher incidence of crash-linked complaints in critical safety systems may suggest a more serious safety concern compared to the Impreza.

Mazda 3 vs Subaru Impreza common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda 3	Subaru Impreza
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.1Very Low	1.2Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	1.1Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	0.3Very Low
ENGINE	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.1Very Low	0.3Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.2Very Low
POWER TRAIN	—None	0.1Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—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 Subaru Impreza?

Industry estimates indicate that the Subaru Impreza incurs an annual repair cost of $653, whereas the Mazda 3 costs $433 yearly. Over five years, the Impreza will likely cost an additional $1,100 in repairs. Both models require about 0.3 repair visits per year, suggesting similar frequency in minor issues. However, the Subaru Impreza has a 17% risk of major repairs compared to Mazda 3’s 10% risk, making the Mazda 3 a more reliable choice for those wary of significant repair expenses. For budget-conscious buyers, the Mazda 3 offers better value due to its lower repair costs and reduced likelihood of major repairs.

How Does Mazda 3 vs Subaru Impreza Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda 3 vs Subaru Impreza year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda 3	Subaru Impreza	Edge
2025	79/1001R / 20C	77/1000R / 2C	Mazda 3
2024	78/1002R / 22C	74/1002R / 23C	Mazda 3
2023	78/1001R / 19C	74/1002R / 4C	Mazda 3
2022	78/1001R / 26C	76/1001R / 11C	Mazda 3
2021	70/1003R / 95C	71/1002R / 14C	Subaru Impreza
2019	78/1002R / 26C	66/1005R / 185C	Mazda 3
2018	79/1001R / 9C	69/1005R / 148C	Mazda 3
2026(predicted)	78/100(predicted)	75/100(predicted)	Mazda 3

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Mazda 3 scored 79/100 and the 2025 Subaru Impreza scored 77/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda 3 vs the Subaru Impreza?

If you prioritize low running costs and fewer issues, the Mazda 3 might be your best choice. With a higher reliability score of 77/100 and a lower estimated annual repair cost of $433, it offers a more economical ownership experience. The Mazda 3 also has fewer recalls (11) and a significantly lower rate of owner complaints at 1.3 per 10,000 sold, suggesting fewer headaches over time. The major repair risk is also lower at 10%, making it a safer bet for long-term reliability. On the other hand, if you value a balance between reliability and handling, and are willing to accept slightly higher running costs, the Subaru Impreza could be more suitable. While its reliability score is slightly lower at 73/100, it shares the same repair frequency as the Mazda 3. However, be mindful of its higher major repair risk of 17% and more frequent issues related to visibility and lighting, which might affect your driving experience.

Mazda 3 vs Subaru Impreza: Common Questions

Is the Mazda 3 more reliable than the Subaru Impreza?: Based on our data, the Mazda 3 is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda 3 or the Subaru Impreza?: The Subaru Impreza has more recalls (18) compared to the Mazda 3 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda 3 or the Subaru Impreza?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda 3 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 sold versus 4.1 for the Subaru Impreza. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda 3 or the Subaru Impreza?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda 3 is cheaper to maintain at $433/year versus $653/year for the Subaru Impreza.

More Mazda 3 comparisons

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More Subaru Impreza comparisons

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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.

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