2024 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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Common 2024 Mazda Mazda3 problems
The 2024 Mazda3 has several common problems based on complaints from owners, which can be categorized into design, safety, and engine issues.
Design Issues:
- C-Pillars Visibility: Some owners have reported problems with visibility due to the thick C-pillars, which can make changing lanes and backing up challenging . This issue is particularly noticeable in the hatchback version of the 2024 Mazda3.
- Infotainment System: Although the 2024 Mazda3 has a new touchscreen and updated infotainment system, some owners have reported issues with the clunky outgoing tech and quirks in the system .
Safety Issues:
- Rearward Visibility: The 2024 Mazda3 has poor rearward visibility, making changing lanes and backing up a challenge. This issue is due to the ultra-wide C-pillar, which puts a big hunk of metal behind the rear seats.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: While the 2024 Mazda3 comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, some owners have reported issues with visibility, making these features feel like a requirement.
Engine Issues:
- SkyActiv-X Engine: The SkyActiv-X engine, which promises petrol-like refinement with diesel-like economy, has been reported to be complex and quirky by some owners. While the tech is interesting, many owners have found that the standard 122hp engine is a better choice for day-to-day driving.
- Cylinder Deactivation: All Mazda3 models now come with cylinder deactivation, which can cause issues for some owners. This feature, along with engine idle stop-start, can affect the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
In summary, the 2024 Mazda3 has several common problems, including limited rear seat space and cargo area, C-pillars visibility, infotainment system quirks, poor rearward visibility, and engine issues. While the car has received positive reviews for its design and driving experience, these issues are worth considering for potential buyers.
How reliable is Mazda 3 2024?
We expect the 2024 3 will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, plus the Mazda brand scores.
What is the most common problem with Mazda 3?
Mazda 3 Reliability and Common Problems
- The Mazda 3 is one of the most reliable compact sedans, with a high reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
- Common problems with the Mazda 3 include lightning issues, infotainment problems, faulty brakes, and sway bar links that need to be replaced.
What is the Mazda 3 update for 2024?
2024 Mazda 3 Sedan: What's New
Changes are minor for the new model year, but the improvements are notable. Base models now receive blind-spot monitoring, rear cros-straffic alert, and rear door alert. On higher trims, there's now a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What is the difference between 2024 and 2023 Mazda 3?
Apart from the price, cutting back a trim, and rearranging the standard body types, there isn't much difference between the 2024 and 2023 model year Mazda 3.
2024 Mazda Mazda3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mazda3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Lane departure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2024 Mazda Mazda3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2024 Mazda Mazda3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2024 Mazda Mazda3.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- 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??
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- VIN: JM1BPAMM4R1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Moon roof exploded when not struck with anything
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-16
- VIN: JM1BPBLM6R1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Interior Rattles from passenger side and also infotainment screen is rattling. Should not be happening on a 2024 with only a couple thousand miles on it. Scratches on the interior from basically nothing, everything on this car is very easy to scratch. There was no accident just wanted to file a complaint.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BPBLM8R1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: The contact leased a 2024 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at 55–60 mph, the windshield wipers continued to stay in the on position and failed to turn off. The parking brake engaged without application and turned on and off. All the electrical systems malfunctioned and failed to turn off. The lane assist engaged and forced the vehicle to crash into the side wall. All the instrument cluster warning lights were illuminated. There were no reported injuries. There was no police report filed. There was no air bag deployment or fire. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the mechanic reset the codes. The mechanic informed the contact that the malfunction may continue while traveling over a bump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 1,900.
2024 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2024 Mazda Mazda3.
- 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.
- 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.
Negative 2024 Mazda Mazda3 car reviews
Positive 2024 Mazda Mazda3 car reviews
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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.
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I really like this car, but there are a couple of things that I don't love. Firstly, the infotainment system requires the use of a toggle wheel instead of touch, which can be distracting while driving. Secondly, the gas mileage isn't the best for a small car, but it's a trade-off for having turbo and AWD. If the infotainment center was more intuitive, I would have rated it much higher.
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I have the Mazda3 2.5S hatchback Select trim in platinum quartz metallic. It's a really beautiful car that looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is. It's fun to drive, has lots of power for a car of its size, and makes my daily commute pleasurable. Although the backseat is pretty cramped, it's not such an issue for me since I don't have kids and I rarely have passengers back there. The fuel economy is a little below average, which is rather unfortunate, but it's still a great car. Lots of people complain about poor visibility due to the wide C pillars and small rear window, which I get, but it doesn't feel like a huge issue with the blind spot monitoring and backup camera. Overall, I have no regrets and I'm very happy with my purchase. Civics and Corollas are good cars, but the Mazda3 is more refined and enjoyable. It's a very sophisticated and classy vehicle.
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I've only had my car for a week, but I'm already in love with it! As an auto enthusiast, I spent hours watching videos and reading reviews of cars from all makes. After doing my research, Mazda kept coming up as a top contender. Although I was also considering Honda and Toyota, I ultimately fell in love with Mazda after taking a test drive. The exterior is stylish and the interior is even better than its rivals. It's absolutely beautiful! The car provides a connected driving experience with the road, yet is always smooth, composed and refined. Plus, Mazda uses a tested and true 6-speed automatic transmission that finds the gears quickly and exactly when needed. Unlike the Honda Civic, which has known oil dilution problems and a CVT, and the Corolla, which lacks the athleticism of the 3, as well as the upscale leather and soft touch materials. The infotainment system works remarkably well using the rotary dial system employed by Mazda. It's so intuitive that I was using it by the time I pulled out of the dealership! Also, the AWD system is great and not available in either the Corolla or Civic. Mazda simply punches above its class in every way! So, if you want to look forward to driving again, please do yourself a favor and test drive the Mazda!
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I absolutely love this car! It has so much style and class, and it's definitely not a common sight on the road. My black-on-black hatch looks especially exotic and definitely stands out from other comparable brands. It's perfect for meeting clients, as it exudes a sense of professionalism that a Civic or Corolla just can't match. Although it's my second vehicle and we have a CX-5 for family duties, I've taken this car on many 200+ mile road trips and it's been an absolute dream to drive. It's much quieter than the Civic and the seats are more comfortable for me than Honda's. I also prefer Mazda's NA 2.5 engine to Honda's turbo, as it delivers power in a more linear and predictable way. The manual transmission is also great, with a predictable clutch and plenty of power to chirp the tires on the 1-2 upshift. I'm also really glad that this manual comes with Mazda's full safety suite, which is a huge plus. Although the dial controller may take some getting used to, it's much easier to use while driving than a touch-screen. The only thing I would change is the lane-centering system, which could be a bit more advanced for long road trips. Overall, this is an amazing car and probably the last manual I'll own unless I get a
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2024 Mazda Mazda3 problems:
2023-2024 Mazda 3 What They Are Not Telling You - YouTube
Aug 10, 2023 ... 18:50. Go to channel · 2019-2023 Mazda3 80k Mile Owner Review & Common Problems (Feat. Shooting Cars). Realistick•309K views · 29:00. Go to ...
2018 Mazda3 common issues to look out for? : r/mazda3
Feb 17, 2022 ... Rust is a common issue with all Mazdas. General consensus is that Mazda has ironed this issue out as they've moved to Skyactiv architecture, but ...
2019-2023 Mazda3 80k Mile Owner Review & Common Problems ...
May 4, 2023 ... 2019 Mazda 6 2.5 turbo owner here. Just about to hit 60k miles. No engine issues, no issues at all actually! Very reliable car.
How is the current Mazda 3's reliability? : r/mazda3
Oct 5, 2023 ... I've had a number of issues with the 10th gen Civic, had a 2018 and 2019 hatch EX. No longer part of the Honda faithful. Just picked up a 2024 ...
2024 Mazda 3 Hatchback Review | One MAJOR Change! - YouTube
Dec 27, 2023 ... In this video I'll go for a test drive & completely review the NEW 2024 Mazda 3 Hatchback! I'll test out acceleration, braking, ...
Other years of Mazda Mazda3
Are you having problems with your 2024 Mazda Mazda3?
Osvaldo Gusikowski 2025-08-06
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.
Coy Fritsch 2025-06-11
The car experienced an issue with the airbag system shortly after purchase, which was initially thought to be a faulty sensor. However, upon bringing it to the dealer, it was determined that a new driver side airbag was needed. Despite the inconvenience, I chose to wait for the repair rather than accept a loaner car. Unfortunately, the repair took longer than expected, but the issue was eventually resolved after 5 weeks. Although there was a subsequent issue with the airbag sensor, it was addressed in a timely manner. Overall, I remain confident in the quality of my new car.
Barry Kessler 2025-04-10
After owning the car for a year and driving about 3500 miles, the rear edges of my hood started to experience paint peeling, despite the car being parked in a heated garage year-round. Despite Mazda denying our warranty claims, I did some research and found that Mazda uses a thin layer of water-based paint to cut costs and reduce emissions. While this is disappointing, I still believe the car is a good choice overall. However, it is important to note that without proper care, the bare metal may begin to rust in the winter.
Luigi Gerhold 2025-02-13
I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you test drove a Mazda 3 hatchback turbo recently. I'm glad to hear that you found the interior to be wonderful and that the AWD is a great addition. I understand that you didn't find anything outstanding about its drivability, but it's still a competent car. It's possible that your current car, a Subaru WRX, has set a high standard for you with its impressive acceleration and turning capabilities. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!
Mathew Wyman 2024-11-29
The car's suspension was disappointing and not independent, which made me feel far too many bumps. Additionally, the front seat was tight with no elbow room. However, I was fortunate enough to sell it and get my money back as they hold their value.