YearToAvoid

2018 Mazda CX-3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#4 most-complained of 7 CX-3 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 4th worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has 10 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and its top problem area is the Electrical System.

Complaints
10
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
30
28 city / 33 hwy

Top 2018 Mazda CX-3 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System3 (30%)
  2. Engine3 (30%)
  3. Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (30%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (20%)
  5. Brakes1 (10%)
  6. Fuel System1 (10%)
  7. Lane Departure1 (10%)
  8. Other1 (10%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the throttle opening wide unexpectedly while parking or braking, in one case at 3,500 miles, causing the vehicle to jump a curb or lurch into a wall.
  • Some owners describe the brake and gas pedal appearing to register as active at the same time, with the dealer finding nothing wrong at 12,600 miles.
  • Blind spot detection warnings stopped working for some owners, in one case at 22,440 miles, requiring a repair under the dealer's diagnosis.
  • Several owners report the automatic braking system triggering a false alarm and bringing the car to a full stop with no obstacle present.
  • Owners waiting on the rearview camera recall (23V487000) report the replacement part was unavailable for longer than expected.
  • One owner reported a fuel injector failure that leaked fuel into the engine, damaging a spark plug and the catalytic converter.
2018 Mazda CX-3 complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2018Dec 2019Dec 2021Jul 2023Dec 2024
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2018 to May 2026; peak Jan 2023 (3).

2018 Mazda CX-3 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002014201620172018201920202021
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Avoid10048330
2017Caution6721130
2018Caution5010130
2019Avoid8327230
2020No verdict331130

All Mazda CX-3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 CX-3 has a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among 7 model years covered. It has fewer complaints (10) and recalls (1) than the worse-ranked 2016 and 2019 models.
What problems does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have?
NHTSA complaints point to the Electrical System, Engine, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras as the top problem areas, each accounting for 30% of complaints. Owners also reported suspension/tire, brake, fuel system, and lane departure issues.
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have a recall?
Yes, one recall (campaign 23V487000) covers a rearview camera that may flicker or show a distorted image; dealers inspect and replace the camera and wiring harness as needed.
What year Mazda CX-3 should I avoid?
Among the years with data, 2016 and 2019 carry an Avoid verdict with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, both worse than the 2018's Caution rating of 50.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mazda CX-3?
The EPA rates the 2018 CX-3 at 30 mpg combined (28 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,175.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.