Compact cars · BM generation
Smart buy Well above average
It scores 86 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $9,535 to own, including $1,467 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Mazda Mazda3.
Reliability
86/100
Well above average
Repairs, 5 years
$1,467
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,182
33 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$8,379
$7,373 – $9,384, estimate
Recalls
4
on record
Owner complaints
130
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions systems. If enough fuel enters the emission system it may leak out onto the ground or result in an engine stall.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (91/100) and the 2021 worst (47/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | 77/100 |
| 2023 | 73/100 |
| 2022 | 83/100 |
| 2021 | 47/100 |
| 2020 | 91/100 |
| 2019 | 52/100 |
| 2018 | 65/100 |
| 2017 | 88/100 |
| 2016 | 78/100 |
| 2015 | 86/100 |
No. It scores 86 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact cars of 2015–2024.
It scores 86 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,467 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $9,535 over 5 years: $1,886 in lost value, $1,467 in repairs and $6,182 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $8,379 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (91/100) and the 2021 worst (47/100).
4 recalls on record with NHTSA.