Is the 2020 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

The 2020 CX-3 has a complaint index of 50, putting it in the middle of the pack, ranked 4th worst among 7 model years of NHTSA data. It has fewer reported problems than the 2016 and 2019 CX-3, which rank as Avoid years.

What problems does the 2020 Mazda CX-3 have?

NHTSA lists only 1 complaint for the 2020 CX-3, involving the airbag system and linked to a crash with an injury. This is the only reported problem area for this model year.

Does the 2020 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?

Yes, one recall (campaign 23V487000) covers the rearview camera, which may show a flickering or distorted image. Dealers will inspect and replace the camera and install a wiring harness as needed. This is not a do-not-drive recall.

What year Mazda CX-3 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 and 2019 CX-3 carry Avoid verdicts, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83. The 2020 model year ranks better than those but worse than the 2018 CX-3, which is rated Good.

How is fuel economy on the 2020 Mazda CX-3?

EPA rates the 2020 CX-3 at 30 mpg combined, 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $2,175.

2020 Mazda CX-3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2020 Mazda CX-3 has a complaint index of 50, ranking 4th worst out of 7 model years for this model. NHTSA lists 1 complaint, 1 recall, and no do-not-drive recalls, with airbags as the top problem area.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 50/100; #4 of 7 CX-3 years
Verdict: No verdict; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 1; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 1; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 1; reported in complaints
Fires: 0
Injuries: 1
Top issue: Airbags
Best nearby year: 2018; rated Good

NHTSA overall rating: 5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG: 30; 28 city / 33 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 1 / 0

2020 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.

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

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2018	Good	33	10	1	30
2019	Avoid	83	27	2	30
2020	No verdict	50	1	1	30
2021	No verdict	17	4	1	30

All Mazda CX-3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-3 reliable?: The 2020 CX-3 has a complaint index of 50, putting it in the middle of the pack, ranked 4th worst among 7 model years of NHTSA data. It has fewer reported problems than the 2016 and 2019 CX-3, which rank as Avoid years.
What problems does the 2020 Mazda CX-3 have?: NHTSA lists only 1 complaint for the 2020 CX-3, involving the airbag system and linked to a crash with an injury. This is the only reported problem area for this model year.
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?: Yes, one recall (campaign 23V487000) covers the rearview camera, which may show a flickering or distorted image. Dealers will inspect and replace the camera and install a wiring harness as needed. This is not a do-not-drive recall.
What year Mazda CX-3 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 and 2019 CX-3 carry Avoid verdicts, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83. The 2020 model year ranks better than those but worse than the 2018 CX-3, which is rated Good.
How is fuel economy on the 2020 Mazda CX-3?: EPA rates the 2020 CX-3 at 30 mpg combined, 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $2,175.