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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This car has more standard features than its competitors in its class, such as Toyota, Honda, and Kia. One of my favorite features is the extra horsepower, even with a naturally aspirated engine.
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I'm so glad you're enjoying the new interior design changes from the 2017 model. It's great to hear that you find it a bit more spacious than the previous version too!
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You're getting luxury trim features at budget car pricing! The value is truly unbelievable and you won't be disappointed. Take a look at one today, and if it's not for you, you can always walk away!
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Hey there! I just had to share this amazing feeling with you. I'm being noticed by so many people while driving my Mazda and it's making me feel like a million bucks! It's crazy how this car can make me feel so special. And you know what's even better? It's a rare car, unlike the common Corolla, Forte, or Civic. Don't you just love standing out from the crowd?
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I test drove and bought the turbo model with 4 doors without any hesitation. The driving experience is fantastic, not just good. The interior is also top-notch. Some journalists are wondering who will pay $31000/$34000 for this car, but I would tell people not to even compare this car to Honda Civic, VW Jetta, or Subaru. Mazda built this thing to compete with Audi and BMW, and it shows. If you think from that perspective, it is an absolute steal. I drive to work on a mix of highway and curvy roads that cut through several lakes, and I cannot imagine there is a car that can outperform Mazda. This car is that good. The 6-speed transmission shifts and works better than any other car I've had before. You can read articles that explain why it is so, or just drive it and you will know in 5 minutes. It has AWD for safety and better handling. Mazda says that premium gas makes a difference at above 4000 rpm, but since I am not racing in real life, I am happy to use regular gas. This car is not just for car enthusiasts or those who want a BMW. It is for anyone who appreciates thoughtful engineering, innovation, and design at a reasonable price. Thank you, Mazda, for building incredible cars like this. It is just what we need in a world that has turned to CVT transmission and Tesla nonsense.
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?
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.
Jeffery Heaney 2024-10-23
This car has several areas that require improvement, such as the distracting features, inadequate air conditioning and heater, poor visibility, poor defroster function, and unintuitive electronics. However, with some adjustments, this car has the potential to be a success. It is important to note that these issues do not define the car as a whole, and I would not rate it as a failure.
Jacey Hermann 2024-10-23
Performance, interior quality, handling, fuel consumption, and power accessories are all great! However, I noticed that the car has less than 3500kms on it and the oil light is on. Sure enough, the oil level is down by that much. This is not what I would expect for a car that costs 48000 taxes in. Can you please explain this issue?