Compact cars · BP generation
Good choice About average
It scores 52 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $11,254 to own, including $1,851 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Mazda Mazda3.
Reliability
52/100
About average
Repairs, 5 years
$1,851
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,800
30 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$11,565
$10,177 – $12,952, estimate
Recalls
6
on record
Owner complaints
74
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 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear
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 |
Not especially. It scores 52 out of 100, about average for compact cars; the 2015, 2017 and 2020 scored better.
It scores 52 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is about average. Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,851 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $11,254 over 5 years: $2,603 in lost value, $1,851 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $11,565 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (91/100) and the 2021 worst (47/100).
6 recalls on record with NHTSA.