Last updated: 2026-03-04

Mazda 3

1 Mazda 3 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Mazda 3 average of 77/100

The Mazda 3 years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 70/100. The best Mazda 3 year to buy is 2025 79/100.

Verdict

The 2021 Mazda 3 scores significantly below the model average of 77/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 70/100 due to engine (36) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 79/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mazda 3 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mazda 3 average of 77/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202170/100Good395Engine (36)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Mazda 3

The 2021 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 95 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (36), Electrical System (9), Visibility Wiper (8).

3 recalls95 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (36), Electrical System (9), Visibility Wiper (8), Power Train (7), Unknown Or Other (6), Vehicle Speed Control (5)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Mazda 3 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Mazda 3 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

42 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

32 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES

12 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023, 2025

VISIBILITY/WIPER

12 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2023

STEERING

12 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2022

Best Mazda 3 Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Mazda 3

The 2018 Mazda 3 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mazda 3. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Back Over Prevention (2), Electrical System (2), Exterior Lighting (1).

Score: 79/100 (Good)1 recalls9 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Mazda 3 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Mazda 3 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mazda 3 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Mazda 3 years: 2021 (score: 70/100). These model years score significantly below the Mazda 3 average of 77/100.
What is the best year for the Mazda 3?
The best year for the Mazda 3 is 2025, with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 20 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Mazda 3 have?
Across all years in our database, the Mazda 3 has a total of 11 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Mazda 3 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 79/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 77/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Mazda 3 problems?
The most common Mazda 3 problems are engine (42 complaints), electrical system (32 complaints), unknown or other (21 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Mazda 3 reliable long-term?
The Mazda 3 has an average reliability score of 77/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Mazda 3 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Mazda 3 generation is the Third generation (BM/BN/BY) with an average score of 79/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda 3?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Mazda 3 is $433 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Mazda 3 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Mazda 3 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 20 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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