2018 Mazda Mazda3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 Mazda3 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Mazda3 has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 6th worst among 16 model years, with a 'Caution' verdict. Owners logged 108 complaints, 4 recalls, and 6 crashes, mostly tied to the Electrical System (28% of complaints).
- Complaints
- 108
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 27 city / 36.5 hwy
Top 2018 Mazda Mazda3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System30 (28%)
- Other26 (24%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras20 (19%)
- Visibility & Wipers16 (15%)
- Engine14 (13%)
- Fuel System10 (9%)
- Brakes6 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (5%)
- Lane Departure4 (4%)
- Structure & Body3 (3%)
What owners report
- Steering suddenly lost normal power-assist feel and pulled the car sharply to one side during highway or exit-ramp driving, in some cases causing a crash.
- Sunroofs have spontaneously cracked or shattered with a loud noise while the car was parked or being driven.
- Windshield wipers stop mid-cycle on the interval setting and require the driver to switch them off and on again to resume working.
- The car fails to slow down when the driver lifts off the accelerator, holding speed as if cruise control were engaged even though it isn't.
- Electrical faults cause false seat belt chime warnings and power windows that fail to roll back up.
- Headrests tilt too far forward, causing reported neck, shoulder, and back pain for occupants.
2018 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
4 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.
- NHTSA 19V272000Apr 4, 2019Visibility & Wipers187,880 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
2018 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36.5 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,125
- 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 Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mazda3 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Mazda3 a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 6th worst out of 16 model years, with a 'Caution' verdict relative to other Mazda3 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda3?
- The Electrical System accounts for 28% of complaints (30 total), followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 19% and Visibility & Wipers at 15%, per NHTSA.
- Does the 2018 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Mazda3, covering the rearview camera, fuel pump impeller, windshield wiper relay, and an incorrect exhaust valve spring. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 67 is worse than 2017 (33), 2019 (40), and 2020 (0), but better than 2010 (100) and 2012 (93), placing it 6th worst of 16 years tracked.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures in the 2018 Mazda3?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 27,425 miles across all reported issues for the 2018 Mazda3.