YearToAvoid

2023 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Best The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 has a complaint index of 20, ranking 17th of 21 model years, with a Best verdict. It has 12 complaints and zero recalls, with Electrical System issues the top problem area at 33% share.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
20/100
#17 of 21 Mazda3 years
Verdict
Best
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
12
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
0
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
3
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
2024
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
—
Injuries / deaths
1 / 1

Top 2023 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System4 (33%)
  2. Other3 (25%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain3 (25%)
  4. Brakes2 (17%)
  5. Engine2 (17%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (17%)
  7. Airbags1 (8%)
  8. Steering1 (8%)
  9. Structure & Body1 (8%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Automatic emergency braking suddenly engaged on the highway with no obstacles present, causing a rear-end collision.
  • An electrical and engine malfunction preceded smoke and a small fire under the hood after a loud bang while accelerating.
  • The vehicle shook violently at highway speed while the speedometer rose even as the driver applied the brakes.
  • Transmission slipped badly after starting the car, with racing RPMs and the vehicle barely able to move.
  • The car lurched or jerked at low speeds during 1-2 gear shifts, with RPM bouncing during downshifts.
  • The active braking support system falsely warned of a collision and applied the brakes without cause in traffic.
2023 Mazda Mazda3 complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2023Jun 2023Sep 2023Jul 2024Jan 2025Mar 2026
12 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2023 to Mar 2026; peak Mar 2023 (2).

2023 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2023 compared with other Mazda3 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2021Good35491—
2022Best10240—
2023Best20120—
2024Best5123—
2025Best1571—

All Mazda Mazda3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 20 and carries a Best verdict, ranking 17th out of 21 model years, with lower reported problems than most other years.
Does the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2023 Mazda3.
What is the top problem area for the 2023 Mazda3?
Electrical System complaints make up 33% of reports, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 25% and Brakes at 17%.
What issues do owners report with the 2023 Mazda3?
Owners report electrical malfunctions, transmission slipping or lurching, brake system automatic emergency braking triggering unexpectedly, and camera-based collision avoidance false alarms.
How does the 2023 Mazda3 compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 20, the 2023 Mazda3 ranks better than years like 2010 (complaint index 100, Avoid) but slightly higher than 2022 and 2024, which score 10 and 5 respectively.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.