Compact cars · BM generation
Smart buy Well above average
It scores 88 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,001 to own, including $1,410 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Mazda Mazda3.
Reliability
88/100
Well above average
Repairs, 5 years
$1,410
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,375
32 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$9,844
$8,663 – $11,026, estimate
Recalls
2
on record
Owner complaints
84
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 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
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 88 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact cars of 2015–2024.
It scores 88 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,410 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $10,001 over 5 years: $2,216 in lost value, $1,410 in repairs and $6,375 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $9,844 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (91/100) and the 2021 worst (47/100).
2 recalls on record with NHTSA.