MAZICBAYDiagnostics

MULTI-YEAR DEFECT AUDIT (2014–2025)12 Model Years Audited

Mazda Mazda3 Common Problems & Year-by-Year Reliability Guide

Comprehensive historical defect intelligence across 762 total NHTSA owner complaints and 33 federal recall campaigns for the Mazda Mazda3.

View Model Specifications Scoring Methodology

Mazda Mazda3

2020–2026

2.0L Skyactiv-G (155HP) / 2.5L Turbo (250HP AWD)

Best Mazda3 Years to Buy (Highest Reliability)

2025 Mazda30 complaints • 1 recalls

2022 Mazda324 complaints • 0 recalls

2020 Mazda332 complaints • 2 recalls

Years with Highest Defect Reports (Inspect Closely)

2014 Mazda3138 complaints • 4 recalls

2016 Mazda3102 complaints • 6 recalls

2015 Mazda3129 complaints • 4 recalls

Year-over-Year Matrix

All Mazda3 Model Years (2014–2025)

Official NHTSA Telemetry

Model Year	Reliability Index	NHTSA Complaints	Recalls	Safety Severity	Detailed Report
2025 Mazda3	9 / 10	00	1	Low Risk	Audit 2025
2024 Mazda3	5.5 / 10	12(4/10k)	3	Elevated Risk	Audit 2024
2023 Mazda3	6.7 / 10	12(4/10k)	0	Critical Risk	Audit 2023
2022 Mazda3	7.6 / 10	24(8/10k)	0	Elevated Risk	Audit 2022
2021 Mazda3	6.3 / 10	49(16.3/10k)	1	Critical Risk	Audit 2021
2020 Mazda3	7.1 / 10	32(10.7/10k)	2	Moderate Risk	Audit 2020
2019 Mazda3	5 / 10	74(24.7/10k)	6	Critical Risk	Audit 2019
2018 Mazda3	3.8 / 10	107(35.7/10k)	4	Critical Risk	Audit 2018
2017 Mazda3	5.3 / 10	83(27.7/10k)	2	Critical Risk	Audit 2017
2016 Mazda3	3.5 / 10	102(34/10k)	6	Critical Risk	Audit 2016
2015 Mazda3	3.5 / 10	129(43/10k)	4	Critical Risk	Audit 2015
2014 Mazda3	3.1 / 10	138(46/10k)	4	Critical Risk	Audit 2014