YearToAvoid

2020 Mazda CX-3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

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 2020 Mazda CX-3 has 1 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 50 out of 100 — #4 highest of 7 CX-3 model years. The most reported problem area is airbags (1 complaints, 100% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash and 1 injury.

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

Top 2020 Mazda CX-3 problems

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

  1. Airbags1 (100%)

2020 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.

2020 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.

2020 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
2018Good3310130
2019Avoid8327230
2020No verdict501130
2021No verdict174130

All Mazda CX-3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-3 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 ranks #4 of 7 among CX-3 model years (Complaint Index 50/100). It has 1 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
The most reported problem areas are airbags (1 complaints).
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2020 Mazda CX-3, most recently reported 2023, covering collision avoidance & cameras.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
EPA rates the 2020 Mazda CX-3 at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,175. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

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.