2018 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 55, ranks 10th worst of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict with 108 complaints and 4 recalls, mostly tied to the Electrical System.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 108
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 27 city / 36.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 1
Top 2018 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report a sudden loss of steering control, with the wheel not responding normally and the car veering sharply across lanes.
- Sunroofs have reportedly cracked or exploded without warning, sometimes accompanied by loud noises while parked or driving.
- Owners describe the car maintaining speed even after releasing the accelerator, unrelated to cruise control.
- Windshield wipers on the interval setting reportedly stop mid-cycle and require the wiper switch to be turned off and back on to resume.
- Electrical failures reported include false seat belt chime warnings and power windows that fail to roll back up.
- Headrests are described as tilting too far forward, causing neck, shoulder, and back discomfort.
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 give the 2018 Mazda3 a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst among 21 model years of the Mazda3. Electrical System complaints are the largest share at 28%.
- What problems does the 2018 Mazda3 have?
- Owners most often reported Electrical System issues (30 complaints, 28% share), followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras (20 complaints) and Visibility & Wipers (16 complaints). NHTSA lists 108 total complaints for this year.
- Does the 2018 Mazda3 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Mazda3, covering the rearview camera, fuel pump, windshield wiper relay, and an incorrect exhaust valve spring in the engine. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 55 is worse than 2017 (25) and 2019 (30), but better than years like 2010 (100) and 2008 (95). The 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years all earn Best verdicts.
- What is the median mileage for 2018 Mazda3 complaints?
- NHTSA data show a median mileage at failure of 27,425 miles across all complaint types for the 2018 Mazda3.