Mazda Mazda3 problems
The Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan (first three generations), a combination of "accelerate" and "excellent") is a compact car manufactured by Mazda. It was first introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, replacing the Familia/323/Protegé in the C-segment.
The second-generation Mazda3 for the 2009 model year was unveiled in late 2008, with the sedan premiering at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show. For the 2012 model year, Mazda began offering the Mazda3 with their newly developed Skyactiv technology, including a more rigid body, a new direct-injection engine, and a new 6-speed transmission.
The third generation was introduced in mid-2013 as a 2014 model year. The third-generation model is the first Mazda3 to adopt the "Kodo" design language and a more complete Skyactiv range of technologies.
The fourth-generation Mazda3 for the 2019 model year was unveiled in November 2018 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For the 2019 model, the all-new Mazda3 is equipped with the updated Skyactiv technologies, including a spark-controlled compression ignition engine marketed as the Skyactiv-X.
A performance-oriented version of the Mazda3 was marketed until 2013 as the Mazdaspeed3 in North America, Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, and the Mazda3 MPS in Europe and Australia.
The Mazda3 became one of Mazda's fastest-selling vehicles, with cumulative sales in January 2019 of over 6 million units.
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Mazda Mazda3 model years
Common Mazda Mazda3 problems
The Mazda 3, a popular compact car, has had its fair share of issues across various model years. Here are some of the most common problems reported by real owners:
- Constant airbag warning light illumination: This issue is prevalent in 2004-2009, 2011, and 2013 models with at least 40,000 miles. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) first issued a recall on the 2004 model year Mazda3 due to a crack in the "airbag crash zone sensor housing" that may allow water inside, short-circuiting the system. The repair is free for consumers due to the recall.
- Prematurely worn motor mounts: Mazda3 owners report vibrations and excessive noise from the front of their cars, particularly in 2005-2011, 2013, and 2015 models with more than 50,000 miles. The problem lies in the car's motor mounts, which wear prematurely. The NHTSA did not issue a recall for this issue, and owners had to pay for the repairs.
- Loose stabilizer bar linkages: This issue causes a loud rattling noise from the car's rear, affecting every model year Mazda3 from 2004 to 2015, except for the 2013 model year. The rear stabilizer control link nut torque must be below the 31.8-44.8 pounds-feet threshold to ensure driver safety. The repair is low-cost, around $100.
Other common problems include headlight issues, acceleration problems, starter costs, and cold start problems. For instance, headlight failure can be caused by a bad fuse, a failed relay, or a compromised module. Acceleration problems, such as hesitation when going up a hill, can be due to a clogged fuel pump or a lean engine running due to insufficient fuel. Starter issues can be caused by a faulty switch, bad connection, a faulty starter, or a problem with the safety switch. Cold start problems, particularly in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010 models, can be due to a faulty thermostat or extremely cold conditions.
The 2016 Mazda 3 has also had issues with brake problems, such as losing pressure on the brake pedal when applying the brakes and water entering the brake caliper, causing the parking brake to malfunction. Additionally, there were concerns about 2016 rear brake excessive wear issues.
In summary, the Mazda 3 has had various issues across different model years, affecting the airbag system, motor mounts, stabilizer bar linkages, headlights, acceleration, starter, and brakes. Proper handling, regular maintenance, and staying informed about these common problems can help Mazda 3 owners keep their cars in top condition and make the most of their service life.
What years of Mazda 3 are best?
The best bang-for-buck Mazda 3 you can buy is the facelifted third-generation model (2017–2018) in any trim level above the Neo. The 2017–2018 models hover around the $15,000–$25,000 mark depending on the trim level you choose.
Is Mazda 3 a high maintenance car?
Mazda 3 Cost of Ownership and Reliability
The average cost of annual ownership comes out to $433. Much cheaper than the $652 average for all other vehicles. The Mazda3 visits the repair shop at an average of 0.3 times a year for unscheduled repairs. Less than the 0.4 average for all other vehicles.
How many miles will a Mazda Mazda 3 last?
between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
A Mazda vehicle can last a long time. Mazda vehicles are known for lasting over a decade and between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with some going even longer than that. The key to a long-lasting Mazda vehicle is to keep it running with proper maintenance and regular service.
What is the common problem of Mazda?
1) Defective Mazda Clutch Systems
Numerous Mazda drivers have reported these problems, which can cause significant safety concerns. The most common symptoms of a defective Mazda clutch system include slipping or sticking gears, difficulty shifting gears, and grinding noise when shifting.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Mazda3 years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Mazda3 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda Mazda3 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Mazda3 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Mazda3 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda Mazda3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Mazda3 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Mazda3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Mazda3 model years
A total of 217 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Mazda3 model years
There were a total of 31 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Mazda3 model years
There were a total of 159 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Mazda3 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 2845 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Mazda3 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Mazda3 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mazda Mazda3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: JM1BM1N31G1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NHTSA Recall # 23V-487 Manufacturer Recall # 6023G issued July 14, 2023 After repeated phone calls to the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, the recall has not been fixed. I have been told that the parts are not available. As of this date, 16 months after the recall, Mazda has not fixed the problem. I have been told by the Manufacturer and the Mazda Dealership, that parts are not available. The manufacturer told me that they have no date when parts will be available. I have asked to speak with a Manager at the Manufacturer and was told that there is no one else to talk to except Customer Service. I asked for a contact at the Corporate level that I could send an email to, and was told that there was no email address available. They have suggested that I get it fixed at my own cost and submit a claim that may or may not be reimbursed. I consider the distorted rear view camera picture to be a safety hazard when backing up. I believe that 16 months should be plenty of time to fix this problem and that Mazda just does not want to fix a manufacturing problem on a 8 year old car.
Mazda Mazda3 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
- VIN: JM1BL1UF2C1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The Mazda dealership reported to me the push rod was broken, that it ‘just snapped’. The car was towed by Zaben towing company courtesy of the auto insurance company associated with the vehicle to the Mazda dealership, however the towing company was on its way to another Mazda dealership per their app despite a clear address location given by the purchaser of the auto insurance. I found one of the hubcaps missing and placed in back seat of the Mazda after delivery and the Mazda not parked properly at Mazda dealership. The hubcap was not in back seat prior to the drop off. The clutch snap, as described by Mazda, did not happen while I was driving the vehicle. It was working perfectly fine two days prior to the discovery of collapsed clutch when I was driving around town. The clutch was found not working, collapsed after the car was parked for two days. Also, Texas Mazda dealership recommended another eight hundred dollar worth of work totaling near two thousand dollars yet I have between ninety and ninety six thousand miles on a twenty twelve Mazda three sport sedan. I mainly drive it in the city. The Mazda dealership recommended the valve cover and slave cylinder be replaced as well. They need to clean out air system, ‘bleed system’ too.
Mazda Mazda3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: 3MZBM1N7XGM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: It’s been over a year since recall number 23v-487 was issued Need to get it taken care of
Mazda Mazda3 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 3MZBN1L32HM
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted or showed a black screen occasionally and failed to engage on other occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the rearview camera was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,098. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mazda Mazda3 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-05
- VIN: 3MZBN1K70HM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I am experiencing an issue with the infotainment system in my vehicle where it behaves erratically and intermittently without any input from me. Radio Stations Change Automatically: The system switches between radio stations on its own, even when I haven’t touched the controls. Unwanted Phone Calls: The system will sometimes dial random contacts from my phone without any command or input from me. This has led to accidental calls. Dropped Calls: When I’m on a phone call via the car's Bluetooth connection, the system frequently drops the call or switches to a different function, like the radio or media player, cutting off the conversation. Erratic Behavior During Media Playback: Occasionally, the system will change media sources (e.g., switching from Bluetooth audio to the radio) or pause/unpause media randomly. These issues are not tied to any specific driving conditions or user actions. It seems like the infotainment system has "a mind of its own" and is functioning independently, which creates safety concerns, especially when I'm driving.
Mazda Mazda3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 3MZBM1K73GM
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the digital display screen flickered before going black and failed to display a proper rearview image. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that when the A/C was activated, the rearview image was flickering quickly. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mazda Mazda3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: JM1BM1K71G1
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse, the digital display screen flickered before going black. The display screen failed to produce a proper image after powering on independently. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mazda Mazda3 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 3MZBN1M35JM
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Recall 23V-487 has been un-remedied for over a year. And it sounds like a zip tie would fix it. That's too long.
Mazda Mazda3 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 3MZBN1L33JM
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I was parked in a downtown garage, and the vehicle would not start after many attempts, after about 45 minutes of trying (waiting 5 minutes between tries). The engine would turn normally and sounded like it was trying to start, but didn't fully engage. It finally did after 45 mins, and I drove it to the local Mazda dealer in Honolulu. I noticed the check-engine light was on at that time (but not before the incident). They ran a diagnosis, and couldn't replicate the issue, and said it may be a battery problem with low voltage, due to the engine's error codes. But I questioned that since the engine was able to turn normally and adequately at all starting attempts. And the battery was only 2 years old. So I replaced the battery at their recommendation. About 2 hours after picking up the car from the dealer, the same issue happened again. I recorded the issue on my phone this time, and gave it to the dealer. And this time I didn't want to chance it, so had the car towed back to the same dealer. They couldn't replicate the issue immediately, but after several attempts (over a day), they finally experienced it. They said the issue is the fuel pump. I am the original owner, and had purchased the car new from a Mazda dealership, and it has less than 26K miles on it. I researched previous recalls with this same issue on Mazdas, even the same year and model, and it appears to related: [XXX] [XXX] No one was physically harmed due to this issue, but it was certainly a safety risk. If the fuel pump fails while driving, the driver could lose control of the vehicle while in motion. I have attached the invoices for the repairs. I have contacted Mazda Customer Experience and they assigned a case number # [XXX]. However, I was informed that the repairs are unlikely to be covered as there is no open recall on the VIN regarding this issue. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mazda Mazda3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: JM1BM1M78G1
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the digital screen went blank and was repaired previously under an extended warranty. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse, the digital screen displayed a distorted image. In addition, the failure was occasionally self-corrected after opening and closing the trunk of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mazda Mazda3 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 3MZBM1L74FM
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the back-up camera screen image was flickering and became distorted while reversing. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mazda Mazda3 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-22
- VIN: 3MZBM1L79FM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I am filing this complaint regarding existing Manufacturer Recall Number 6023G (NHTSA Recall Number 23V-487). This recall has been posted since Jul 14, 2023 and the manufacturer has failed to remedy the recall in a timely manner. The remedy is noted on the recall page: "If inspections verify there is image distortion or flickering, the rearview camera will be replaced with a new part and a wiring harness fastening seal will be added." However, the manufacturer continues to state that the remedy is not yet available.
Mazda Mazda3 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
- VIN: JM1BPBJY6M1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Low oil light - car is burning oil and only has 11,400 miles. Approx 3/4 to 1 quart missing...
Mazda Mazda3 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 3MZBPBCM4RM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My Mazda3, odometer reading about 3000 miles, would not start. I have been driving normally daily, do not leave lights on or any other equipment connected when the car is off. I have not had any warning lights displayed other than startup. Monday I drove to my local CT. golf course, 20 miles from home, arrived at 9am. 5 hours later I after golf, I can’t open trunk. Fortunately I left the car unlocked. The car would not start. Road Service tried to jump battery unsuccessfully. Dragged the car onto truck-bed and transports to dealer. Service tech contacts me next day … charged battery, checked electric system and found no malfunctions. This is a scary situation when one never knows when this will happen again. Is there a solution??
Mazda Mazda3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: JM1BM1W77G1
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel Tank has corrosion that allows vapors to enter the passenger compartment.
Latest 5 recalls Mazda Mazda3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 56 recalls for different components of the Mazda Mazda3.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda Mazda3 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-03
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Mazda Mazda3 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-10-26
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the view monitor control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6223J.
- Model: Mazda Mazda3 2016
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-14
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
- Model: Mazda Mazda3 2014
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-14
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
- Model: Mazda Mazda3 2017
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-14
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Latest negative Mazda Mazda3 car reviews
Latest positive Mazda Mazda3 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2012
I bought my Mazda about 4 weeks ago and have driven just under 2k miles. The car has been amazing! As a car enthusiast, I couldn't be happier with my choice. While I can't currently afford a BMW, the Mazda is a driver's car with all the features you could want. The sound system is great (even without the Bose upgrade), and the Bluetooth works seamlessly with my phone and music. The interior layout of the dash and controls is clean, sensible, and easy to use. I never thought I would get an automatic car, but commuting with a manual is just brutal. However, the dual-clutch on the Mazda is the most responsive I've seen in a car under 21k. If you turn off the traction control, the car just begs you to drive it!
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Vehicle year: 2010
I really love this car! It accelerates quickly, gets great gas mileage at 31 mpg, and handles corners like a dream. Plus, it handles accidents really well! My car even has push button start, which is awesome. When I go to the gym, I just throw my keys in my gym bag and leave them there. Then I can just push the button to start the car while the bag is sitting on the front passenger seat! I've also driven the Dodge Challenger for a day trip and there are three big differences in performance. The Mazda gets better gas mileage and corners better, while the Challenger travels better at 95 mph. (At 65/70 MPH, they're about the same.) Oh, and I accidentally backed into another car and got a 3 inch dent in my bumper. But since it's made of plastic, I was able to push/pull it out. Now it looks like a light scratch on my bumper instead of a huge dent!
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Vehicle year: 2015
I drive quite a bit and have put 41K miles on my car in just over a year. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase despite a few quirks. I've owned over 20 cars and this one pleasantly surprised me. I opted for the smaller motor due to my driving tendencies and annual mileage, and after a year and 40K miles, I consistently average around 35-36MPG. While I could get more or less depending on my driving, I consider myself a spirited driver. I also upgraded to the Mazda 18 wheels as I personally thought the 16
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Vehicle year: 2017
I have owned two Mazda Proteges in the past, a 1994 1.8-liter and a 1998 1.5-liter. However, this 2017 model is a significant improvement. It has better gas mileage, more power, and is quieter. Although I have only had the car for seven weeks, I have noticed a few minor issues. Firstly, some buttons seem backward to me, like the key fob where you press the top button to lock the door and vice versa to unlock the door. Secondly, I have found it difficult to get the seat high enough to see over the sloping hood without having the top of the steering wheel partially block the speedometer. Thirdly, the stubs that keep the floor mats in place can be annoying to foot placement. Lastly, large posts somewhat restrict outward visibility, perhaps due to the extra reinforcement needed for a hatchback. However, I am still very happy with my purchase. I waited until the 2018 models were out before buying this car (2017 Mazda3 Hatchback) and with a lot of research and patience felt I made a great deal getting the base model (Sport) for $17,600 which included tax, title and license (out-the-door price). The only add-ons were tinted windows (put on by the local dealer in the Phoenix, AZ area) and door bumper guards. I considered and test drove several other hatchbacks in the same class (Honda Civic, Chevy Cruze, Kia Forte) but as prices dropped and models disappeared the Mazda rose to the top as the best-for-the-buck I could get, and so far I'm as happy as could be.
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Vehicle year: 2024
First of all, I want to say that this car is amazing, which is why I'm giving it 5 stars. While there are some negative aspects that I will outline, it's important to note that they weigh much less heavily on the total experience of the car than the positive aspects. In fact, if I outlined all the minor positives like I will the minor negatives, there would be way too many. I just want everyone to know the parts of this car that I wish were better. Let's start with the good: The interior is amazing, and if you've been looking at this car, you already know that. While there are some complaints about the new infotainment center, I like it and agree with Mazda that a touchscreen is definitely not what you want to be messing with (or what you want the other people on the road messing with) while driving. The acceleration and AWD are great, and I really don't have more to say about it. My commute to work is mostly highway/interstate, and on the highway, I average around 35 MPG, surprisingly. Now, to average that, I do use the radar cruise control basically the whole way. You would be surprised to see the difference between gas mileage while using radar cruise vs your foot. Radar cruise is smooth and doesn't repeatedly accelerate too quickly to speed that is too fast and then have to slow down like when you drive with your foot (this cycle can be subtle depending on how you drive but, trust me, everyone does it). The comfort of the car is really great. The seats are very comfortable and have much more adjustability than my previous vehicles. They have 2 memory seating positions, which is nice, especially for people like me that can never get the seat back to that same spot after someone moves it. The ride is smooth, and cabin noise is okay. My Audi A4 I had before was definitely quieter, but it was also more of a cruising car than this car, which is a little more sport-oriented. Don't get in the turbo and expect the luxuries of a vehicle meant for a quiet, smooth (boring) ride. That's not the point of this vehicle.I absolutely love the exterior design of this car! In my opinion, it's amazing, and it's no surprise that it won the 2020 World Car Design of the Year at the WCAs. I have the Soul Red sedan with black wheels and a black lip on the spoiler, and it looks great. The red is probably the best red on the market today and really highlights the curves on the car. The Bose sound system is awesome, and the tech is great too. There are so many driver support and safety features that make you feel comfortable driving, and I especially love the heads-up display. However, there are a few minor issues that I've noticed. For example, the rear torsion beam instead of independent suspension can sometimes cause the car to take a slightly funny bounce when you hit a bump just the right way. Additionally, the parking sensors can be a bit sensitive and beep at you a lot, even when you're in park. Finally, the navigation system doesn't have any real-time data, so it's not very useful if you live somewhere with constant traffic jams and road work. Despite these minor issues, I still think this car is fantastic, and I love that it has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which makes it easy to use with Google Maps.It's a bit frustrating when a feature doesn't work as well as expected, and you end up using data on Google Maps. While this isn't necessarily a Mazda or Mazda3 issue, it's important to keep in mind that you may still need to use data with the car's maps. The rear seats are a little tight on legroom, but they are still very nice and comfortable seats - more so than other small cars I've been in. Overall, this is a fantastic vehicle. I've always wanted a WRX/STI, Civic Type R, or Focus RS, but I have a lot of driving to do every day, and my taste has changed as I've gotten older. I appreciate not having an extremely stiff ride, sub-par interiors/tech, and I like the more sedate styling because I'm not 18 years old anymore. That being said, this is a great middle ground between still wanting a sports car and wanting a comfortable driver.
Are you having problems with your Mazda Mazda3?
Andy Schaden 2025-08-22
Vehicle year: 2010
We were pretty satisfied overall with our 2010 Mazda 3, 2.5L automatic Sport Sedan, considering its price and class. It's a zippy car, zoom zoom! Although it was always on the noisy side, it wasn't a big deal. Unfortunately, after only 5-6 years and 95,000 miles, the transmission failed, which was a huge disappointment. Most cars last well past 140,000 miles before having any serious problems. We followed Mazda's advised servicing/maintenance, but it still failed. As a comparison, I had a 1997 Honda Accord with 165,000 miles that never had a transmission problem or any other significant issue, which we replaced in 2010 for the Mazda 3. We enjoyed the 5-6 years with the Mazda, but paying $3000 - $4000 to replace a transmission after such a short time is completely unacceptable. We don't consider this reliable. Now, we are faced with either buying a new car or paying for the repair, either way, we are out a lot of money. I called Mazda Customer Service, and they were polite about letting me know that I would receive no support from them. We won't be buying a Mazda for a very long time.
Dock Hyatt 2025-08-17
Vehicle year: 2014
The Mazda3 is a sharp looking car that appears more expensive than it actually is. The seats are incredibly comfortable, so much so that I wish I could install them in my office. However, if you live in an area that experiences winter weather, you may want to consider budgeting for a set of snow tires as the car can slide around quite a bit due to its light back end. Additionally, the navigation system looks like a cheap aftermarket add-on and doesn't appear to be integrated into the car. While I have experienced some electrical problems with my car, such as the infotainment system crashing multiple times and the push button start failing, the key fobs work well. Overall, I have been disappointed with the number of issues I've had, especially since two of them have been major safety concerns. However, after 5.5 years and 61K miles, the car has been solid with the exception of having to replace the brakes at 39K miles, which seemed premature. It's worth noting that the keyfob batteries need to be replaced every 9-12 months.
Jamir Hettinger 2025-08-06
Vehicle year: 2010
I really enjoyed driving this car. I've driven two manual Hondas, one Subaru, and an old Datsun, and never had any clutch problems. However, my 2010 Mazda 3 had a tight clutch one day, and then in the course of a day and a half, the clutch engaged the gear only partially, losing power, and finally, with a snapping sound, no power at all. When I contacted Miriam Stevens at Mazda North America Customer Care, she gave me the impression that Mazda does not care about premature clutch failures on this car. I mentioned the many web postings about customers with similar clutch failures that appear out of nowhere, ending in sudden failure. This issue is not the result of wear and tear. I am considering seeking legal advice.
Osvaldo Gusikowski 2025-08-06
Vehicle year: 2024
I bought the 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch in November and unfortunately, I've had a few issues with it. The airbag light came on during the first week, and despite visiting three different dealerships, the problem wasn't resolved until almost four months later when they found out that the airbag sensor in the driver's seat was backordered until the summer. The diagnosis process caused some additional problems, and now the car vibrates randomly, which is not related to safety or the road. There are also some loud rattles coming from the back of the car, the seatbelt adjuster, and even the HUD being loose. However, I must say that the car drives well and is very comfortable, except for the strange noises that can be annoying. The Bose sound system is the best feature in my opinion, and the updated infotainment system is great. Despite these issues, I still believe that Mazda is a great brand, and I hope that these problems will be resolved soon.
Mekhi Satterfield 2025-07-28
Vehicle year: 2010
I became the second owner of this vehicle after my Explorer needed to be replaced at 210,000 miles. Initially, I really enjoyed driving the car as it was zippy and handled really well for an economy car. However, I started experiencing some issues such as strange flickers in the lights and BT connectivity problems. At first, I thought it was because I was the second owner, but after some research, I found out that these were common issues. The new tires that came with the car needed to be replaced after just 20,000 miles due to the camber of the wheels causing intense inside wear. I fixed this issue with an adjustable camber kit that brought the wheels to Zero Degree. Unfortunately, I faced more problems down the line such as motor mount failure, wiring issues with the headlights, and even the dashboard melting. Although the dashboard issue was supposed to be covered under a recall, Mazda kept saying that there were no parts available yet. Eventually, the transmission started slipping gears, and I decided to trade the car in at 95,000 miles. Despite these issues, I was a little disappointed in the fuel economy as my V6 Explorer averaged 21 MPG mixed, whereas this little car only got 24 MPG mixed. Additionally, the insurance was more expensive.