2019 Mazda CX-3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
83/100
#2 most-complained of 7 CX-3 years
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 has a Complaint Index of 83 and ranks 2nd-worst among 7 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 27 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash, with electrical issues making up 33% of reports.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 28 city / 33 hwy
Top 2019 Mazda CX-3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System9 (33%)
- Steering5 (19%)
- Fuel System4 (15%)
- Other4 (15%)
- Structure & Body3 (11%)
- Airbags2 (7%)
- Brakes2 (7%)
- Engine2 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (7%)
What owners report
- Key fobs disconnect while driving, preventing the car from starting or locking/unlocking the doors, even after dealers replaced fobs and batteries.
- Dashboard lights and interior electronics go completely dark while driving, sometimes recurring across multiple visits to the dealer.
- 12-volt batteries fail repeatedly at low mileage, requiring replacement more than once within the first year of ownership.
- Steering becomes stiff and can feel stuck at highway speeds, requiring extra force to correct and causing the vehicle to feel like it jerks left or right.
- Grinding noises come from the brakes at various speeds without any warning lights illuminating.
- Engine exhibits rough starting, stalling during gear changes, and hesitation when accelerating.
2019 Mazda CX-3 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 21V875000Nov 12, 2021Fuel System121,038 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
2019 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.
2019 compared with other CX-3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 CX-3 ranks 2nd-worst of 7 model years with a Complaint Index of 83, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other CX-3 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mazda CX-3?
- Electrical System issues lead with 9 complaints (33% share), including key fob disconnects and battery failures, followed by Steering at 5 complaints and Fuel System at 4 complaints.
- Does the 2019 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a rearview camera image that may flicker or distort, and one for a low-pressure fuel pump impeller that may crack and deform.
- How does the 2019 CX-3 compare to other CX-3 model years?
- The 2016 CX-3 has the worst Complaint Index at 100, while 2021 has the best at 17; the 2019 model's index of 83 places it near the bottom of the range.
- What mileage do 2019 CX-3 problems typically show up at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 11,250 for the 2019 CX-3 overall, with Electrical System complaints centered around 12,500 miles and Brakes around 5,500 miles.