2020 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 ranks best of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 0, 32 complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, or injuries. Its two recalls cover brake caliper bolts and false automatic braking from the Smart Brake System.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #21 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras15 (47%)
- Other4 (13%)
- Brakes3 (9%)
- Electrical System3 (9%)
- Steering3 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
- Fuel System2 (6%)
- Lane Departure2 (6%)
- Engine1 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Smart Brake System falsely detects an obstacle and triggers sudden automatic emergency braking at low-to-moderate speeds.
- Front radar sensor fails, disabling forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, sometimes linked to water intrusion.
- ABS warning light comes on and brakes lock up abruptly, occasionally causing the car to stall.
- Steering briefly takes over control at highway speed, pulling the car toward lane markers or a center divider.
- Water leaks into the cabin through the driver door window during rain.
- Fuel pump issues cause the engine to die while driving, with shaking during acceleration.
2020 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V346000Jun 12, 2020Brakes24,037 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
- 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.
2020 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 0, the lowest of any Mazda3 year, and carries a Best verdict relative to other Mazda3 model years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up 47% of complaints, mostly involving the Smart Brake System falsely detecting obstacles and applying sudden automatic braking.
- Does the 2020 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for front brake caliper mounting bolts that may not have been properly tightened, and one for Smart Brake System software that could trigger false emergency braking.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Mazda3?
- NHTSA lists 32 complaints for the 2020 Mazda3, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
- How does the 2020 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- The 2020 Mazda3 ranks 21st out of 21 model years by complaint volume relative to its index, meaning it has the fewest reported problems among all Mazda3 years.