Mazda Mazda3 Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
The 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015 Mazda3 model years rank worst, led by 2010 with a complaint index of 100, 683 complaints, and 2 recalls. The 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025 model years score best, with 2022 at a complaint index of just 7.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2015Best 2020Best 2022Best 2024Best 2025
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,931
- Recall campaigns
- 22
- Crashes reported
- 96
- Fires reported
- 18
- Top problem area
- Structure & Body
Mazda3 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mazda Mazda3 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 683 | 18 | 5 | 2 | Structure & Body | 26 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 87 | 132 | 12 | 2 | 2 | Structure & Body | 26 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 93 | 226 | 9 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System | 26 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 60 | 117 | 7 | 2 | 1 | Electrical System | 26 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 73 | 138 | 10 | 1 | 4 | Brakes | 32 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 80 | 130 | 8 | 2 | 4 ! | Brakes | 32 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 53 | 104 | 7 | 1 | 6 ! | Electrical System | 32 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 33 | 83 | 6 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 30.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 67 | 108 | 6 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 30.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 40 | 74 | 3 | 0 | 6 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2020 | Best | 0 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | — | 5★ |
| 2021 | Good | 47 | 49 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Engine | — | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 7 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 27 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Electrical System | — | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 13 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | — | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 20 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | — | — |
Mazda3 years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Mazda Mazda3 Index 100 · 683 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2010 Mazda3 has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints of any year (683). Structure & Body issues make up 40% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 55,790 miles, including seat lifter links and liftgate support problems covered by two recalls. Visibility & Wipers complaints follow at 16% share with a median mileage of 60,000. Owners also reported electrical failures involving stalling, sudden acceleration, and airbags not deploying in crashes. Suspension and tire complaints appear at a median of 49,000 miles.
2010 structure & body problems →2010 visibility & wipers problems →2010 suspension, wheels & tires problems →
2012 Mazda Mazda3 Index 93 · 226 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2012 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 93, the second-worst year, with 226 complaints and 1 recall for liftgate supports. Electrical System and Engine problems each account for 19% of complaints, with Engine issues occurring at a median mileage of just 17,124. Transmission & Powertrain complaints follow at 18% share and a median 20,000 miles. Owners reported sudden unintended acceleration incidents while parking, airbags not deploying after rear-end collisions, and headlight blind spots.
2012 electrical system problems →2012 engine problems →2012 transmission & powertrain problems →
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Index 87 · 132 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2011 Mazda3 carries a complaint index of 87, the third-worst year, with 132 total complaints and 2 recalls tied to seat lifter links and liftgate supports. Structure & Body problems account for 25% of complaints at a median 70,000 miles, and Airbags follow at 22% share with a median 70,210 miles, including reports of airbags failing to deploy in crashes. Electrical System issues make up 17% at a median 36,100 miles. Owners also reported unintended acceleration and fire-related damage near the shifting mechanism.
2011 structure & body problems →2011 airbags problems →2011 electrical system problems →
2015 Mazda Mazda3 Index 80 · 130 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2015 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 80, with 130 complaints and 4 recalls, one of which is a do-not-drive recall. Brakes lead the complaints at 22% share with a median 52,000 miles, tied to a recall for corroded parking brake actuator shafts. Electrical System issues follow at 21% share and a median 24,000 miles. Owners also reported fuel tank welding defects linked to a recall, airbags failing to deploy in rear-end crashes, and a rearview camera flickering issue addressed by a later recall.
Most common Mazda Mazda3 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Structure & Body404 (21%)
- Electrical System352 (18%)
- Other352 (18%)
- Brakes214 (11%)
- Engine203 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers175 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain160 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires145 (8%)
- Airbags120 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras110 (6%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Mazda3 should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015 as the years to avoid, with 2010 having the highest complaint index (100) and 683 total complaints.
- What is the best Mazda3 year to buy?
- The 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025 Mazda3 model years rank best, with 2022 posting the lowest complaint index at 7 and only 24 complaints.
- What are the most common Mazda3 problems overall?
- Across all years, Structure & Body issues account for 21% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 18%, Brakes at 11%, and Engine at 11%.
- Does the 2015 Mazda3 have a brake recall?
- Yes, the 2015 Mazda3 is covered by a recall for parking brake actuator shafts that could corrode from water intrusion, and this recall is flagged as do-not-drive.
- How many total complaints does the Mazda3 have?
- Across 16 model years from 2010 to 2025, NHTSA lists 1,931 total complaints and 22 recall campaigns for the Mazda3.