Compact cars · BM generation
Good choice Above average
It scores 65 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,519 to own, including $1,742 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Mazda Mazda3.
Reliability
65/100
Above average
Repairs, 5 years
$1,742
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,375
32 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$10,670
$9,389 – $11,950, estimate
Recalls
4
on record
Owner complaints
110
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 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing 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 65 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact cars of 2015–2024.
It scores 65 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,742 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $10,519 over 5 years: $2,402 in lost value, $1,742 in repairs and $6,375 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $10,670 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (91/100) and the 2021 worst (47/100).
4 recalls on record with NHTSA.