Compact cars · BP generation
Smart buy Well above average
It scores 91 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,958 to own, including $1,337 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Mazda Mazda3.
Reliability
91/100
Well above average
Repairs, 5 years
$1,337
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,800
30 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$12,534
$11,030 – $14,038, estimate
Recalls
2
on record
Owner complaints
32
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 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
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.
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 91 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact cars of 2015–2024.
It scores 91 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,337 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $10,958 over 5 years: $2,821 in lost value, $1,337 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $12,534 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (91/100) and the 2021 worst (47/100).
2 recalls on record with NHTSA.