2015–2026 · 12 model years · 29 recalls
No Mazda Mazda3 year we rate stands out as one to avoid: every one scores at least 25 out of 100. The best years to buy are 2015, 2017 and 2020; the weakest is the 2021 (47/100).
None of the years we rate score below 25 out of 100, so there's no clear year to avoid. The lowest-scoring is the 2021 (47/100).
Well above average for its class. Expected repairs: $1,337 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $496 over 5 years. 2 recalls, 32 owner complaints.
Well above average for its class. Expected repairs: $1,410 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $533 over 5 years. 2 recalls, 84 owner complaints.
Well above average for its class. Expected repairs: $1,467 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $539 over 5 years. 4 recalls, 130 owner complaints.
| Generation | Years | Average score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| BM | 2015–2018 | 79/100 | Above average |
| BP | 2019–2024 | 70/100 | Above average |
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda3 | Not rated yet | 1 | 0 | 30 |
| 2025 Mazda3 | Not rated yet | 9 | 1 | 31 |
| 2024 Mazda3 | 77/100 · Above average | 12 | 3 | 31 |
| 2023 Mazda3 | 73/100 · Above average | 12 | 0 | 31 |
| 2022 Mazda3 | 83/100 · Well above average | 24 | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Mazda3 | 47/100 · About average | 54 | 1 | 31 |
| 2020 Mazda3 | 91/100 · Well above average | 32 | 2 | 30 |
| 2019 Mazda3 | 52/100 · About average | 74 | 6 | 30 |
| 2018 Mazda3 | 65/100 · Above average | 110 | 4 | 32 |
| 2017 Mazda3 | 88/100 · Well above average | 84 | 2 | 32 |
| 2016 Mazda3 | 78/100 · Above average | 104 | 6 | 33 |
| 2015 Mazda3 | 86/100 · Well above average | 130 | 4 | 33 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
No Mazda Mazda3 year we rate stands out as one to avoid: every one scores at least 25 out of 100. The best years to buy are 2015, 2017 and 2020; the weakest is the 2021 (47/100).
The 2020 scores best for reliability (91/100) of the years we rate.
The 2019, with 6 recalls on record with NHTSA.