2019 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2019 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 30, ranking 15th out of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other Mazda3 years. NHTSA lists 74 complaints, 6 recalls, 3 crashes, 1 injury and 0 fires, with brakes the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 74
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2019 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes16 (22%)
- Other15 (20%)
- Electrical System12 (16%)
- Engine12 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (12%)
- Fuel System8 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers8 (11%)
- Airbags6 (8%)
- Structure & Body6 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe the automatic emergency braking system slamming on the brakes unexpectedly at highway speeds, sometimes right after a camera malfunction warning.
- Some report the vehicle failing to accelerate promptly when brake assist engaged, leading to being rear-ended.
- Drivers mention the interior rearview mirror detaching from its mount while driving on the freeway.
- Several owners report the dashboard showing warnings that driver-assist and safety systems are disabled even though those features were never turned on.
- Airbag warning lights have appeared repeatedly and unpredictably during short trips with multiple stops.
- Owners describe a sudden clunk noise paired with a power steering malfunction alert and a dimming digital speedometer.
2019 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V907000Dec 19, 2019Collision Avoidance & Cameras35,390 vehicles
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
- NHTSA 19V558000Jul 29, 2019Visibility & Wipers22,571 vehicles
Visibility:glass, side/rear
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.
Risk: Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3919G.
- NHTSA 19V514000Jul 5, 2019Structure & Body9,430 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:head restraint
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
Risk: Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3819F.
2019 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Mazda3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Mazda3 carries a Good verdict compared with other Mazda3 years, with a complaint index of 30 and 74 total complaints.
- What problems does the 2019 Mazda3 have?
- The top problem area is brakes, making up 22% of complaints, followed by electrical system and engine issues, each at 16%.
- Does the 2019 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2019 Mazda3, covering the Smart Brake System, a loose rearview mirror adhesive, seat head restraint locks, a PCM software stall issue, lug nut torque, and an airbag indicator light error. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2019 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- The 2019 model ranks 15th worst out of 21 model years tracked, with a lower complaint index than years like 2010 (100) and 2008 (95), but higher than 2020 (0) and 2022 (10).
- What is the median mileage for brake complaints in the 2019 Mazda3?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 5,200 miles at failure for brake-related complaints in the 2019 Mazda3.