2018 Mazda CX-3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2018 Mazda CX-3 has a complaint index of 33, the second-lowest among the model's 7 model years, and carries a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 10 complaints and 1 recall for the rearview camera display, with no fires and one crash reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #5 of 7 CX-3 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 10
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 28 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Mazda CX-3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (30%)
- Engine3 (30%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (30%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (20%)
- Brakes1 (10%)
- Fuel System1 (10%)
- Lane Departure1 (10%)
- Other1 (10%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration or throttle issues while parking, including one case where brake and gas pedal appeared active at the same time.
- Electronic throttle problems have been linked to a crash after the throttle reportedly opened wide during a parking maneuver at low mileage.
- Owners describe the rearview camera flickering or showing a distorted image, tied to recall 23V487000, with some reporting long waits for repair parts.
- Blind spot detection and forward collision warning systems have reportedly failed or triggered false alarms, including one case where the brakes activated with no obstacle present.
- A few owners report engine-related issues, including abnormal scraping sounds and one report of a fuel injector failing and damaging the catalytic converter.
- One owner reported condensation buildup inside a headlamp that affected a state inspection.
2018 Mazda CX-3 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V487000Jul 14, 2023Collision Avoidance & Cameras236,100 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
2018 Mazda CX-3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other CX-3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
- Compared with other CX-3 model years, the 2018 rates Good, with a complaint index of 33 and 10 total complaints logged with NHTSA — among the lowest complaint counts in the lineup.
- What problems does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have?
- NHTSA complaints point to electrical system issues, engine concerns, and collision avoidance/camera problems as the top three areas, each accounting for 30% of complaints.
- Does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (23V487000) covers a rearview camera that may show a flickering or distorted image; dealers inspect and replace the camera and related wiring harness as needed.
- How does the 2018 CX-3 compare to other years?
- The 2018 ranks 5th worst out of 7 model years by complaint index, well below the 2016 (index 100, Avoid) and 2019 (index 83, Avoid) model years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mazda CX-3?
- EPA rates the 2018 CX-3 at 30 mpg combined (28 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,175.