What year Mazda CX-3 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 and 2019 Mazda CX-3 are the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the two highest among the 7 years covered.

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

The 2016 CX-3 has the highest number of reported problems in the model's history, with 48 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 reported crashes, mostly linked to the Electrical System.

Does the Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns across the 2014-2021 CX-3, covering the rearview camera, a lift gate support, front strut mounting hardware, and a fuel pump impeller that may crack.

Is there a best year for the Mazda CX-3?

No year in the 2014-2021 range carries a Best verdict; 2017 and 2018 are rated Caution, with Complaint Index scores of 67 and 50, lower than the 2016 and 2019 avoid years.

What is the most common problem on the Mazda CX-3?

Across all years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 34 of 114 total complaints, or 30 percent.

Mazda CX-3 Best and Worst Years (2014–2021)

Avoid the 2016 and 2019 Mazda CX-3, which carry the highest Complaint Index scores (100 and 83) among the 7 model years with data. 2016 leads with 48 complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 crashes, mostly tied to the Electrical System. No year in this range earned a Best verdict.

Avoid 2016 Avoid 2019

Model years: 7; 2014–2021
NHTSA complaints: 114
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Electrical System

CX-3 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mazda CX-3 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2014	No verdict	0	3	0	0	Brakes	—	—
2016	Avoid	100	48	4	3	Electrical System	30	5★
2017	Caution	67	21	2	1	Fuel System	30	5★
2018	Caution	50	10	1	1	Electrical System	30	5★
2019	Avoid	83	27	1	2	Electrical System	30	5★
2020	No verdict	33	1	1	1	Airbags	30	5★
2021	No verdict	17	4	0	1	Steering	30	5★

CX-3 years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Mazda CX-3 Index 100 · 48 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2016 CX-3 has the most reported problems in the lineup, with 48 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of any year covered. Electrical System issues dominate, making up 35 percent of complaints for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 52,500. Owners also reported Engine and Collision Avoidance & Camera problems. NHTSA recorded 4 crashes and 2 injuries for this year, along with 3 recalls covering the rearview camera, a lift gate support, and front strut mounting hardware.

2016 electrical system problems →

2019 Mazda CX-3 Index 83 · 27 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2019 CX-3 shows a Complaint Index of 83, the second-highest in the model lineup, with 27 total complaints. Electrical System problems account for 33 percent of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of just 12,500, the earliest failure pattern among avoid years. Steering issues followed, at 19 percent of complaints with median mileage of 29,056. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this year, including one for a fuel pump impeller that may crack, and one crash was reported.

Most common Mazda CX-3 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System34 (30%)
Fuel System20 (18%)
Other17 (15%)
Engine16 (14%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (11%)
Brakes9 (8%)
Steering9 (8%)
Structure & Body9 (8%)
Visibility & Wipers7 (6%)
Airbags5 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mazda CX-3 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 and 2019 Mazda CX-3 are the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the two highest among the 7 years covered.
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 reliable?: The 2016 CX-3 has the highest number of reported problems in the model's history, with 48 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 reported crashes, mostly linked to the Electrical System.
Does the Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns across the 2014-2021 CX-3, covering the rearview camera, a lift gate support, front strut mounting hardware, and a fuel pump impeller that may crack.
Is there a best year for the Mazda CX-3?: No year in the 2014-2021 range carries a Best verdict; 2017 and 2018 are rated Caution, with Complaint Index scores of 67 and 50, lower than the 2016 and 2019 avoid years.
What is the most common problem on the Mazda CX-3?: Across all years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 34 of 114 total complaints, or 30 percent.