What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2018 Mazda MAZDA3

Typical pattern

7.9% of complaints about the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2018 vehicle — around the middle of the 182 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 6.0 yr in service. The most-reported system is electrical system (30 complaints), typically at 6.3 yr or about 29,850 miles.

Complaints
140
Median age at failure
6.0 yr
Median mileage
25,000 n=48
Crash / fire / tow
8.6% of reports
Safety recalls
4

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Electrical system
30 reports · 29,850 mi
6.3 yr
3.3%
Other
26 reports · 8,200 mi
6.8 yr
3.8%
Visibility / wipers
16 reports · 19,185 mi
4.4 yr
6.2%
Back over prevention
15 reports · 40,000 mi
6.3 yr
6.7%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

23V487000 2023-07-14
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.

A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

21V875000 2021-11-12
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.

Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

19V272000 2019-04-04
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.

Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

17V745000 2017-11-21
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

In owners’ own words

Other mileage not reported 5.3 yr in service
About a year ago, I noticed multiple warning lights on my car on, including the traction control, ABS, emergency brake, tire pressure indicator, etc. I took my car to the dealership where they diagnosed the problem as related to a faulty speed sensor. I have been reading consumer info on Mazda forums and it appears numerous people are impacted by this, which leads me to wonder if it may warrant assessment for a potential recall. My vehicle had under 35k miles on it when the issue first presented.
Other mileage not reported 5.9 yr in service
Rear view camera started having distorted image causing issues reversing the car, there is an open recall for which Mazda has not been able to identify a fix
Other mileage not reported 6.5 yr in service
I’m getting water in my trunk. Dealership replaced left tail light and both lights on the right. The left is dry and the right is soaked again. At least a gallon of water sitting where spare tire is. I’m seeing many other Mazda owners are having the same issue online. This should be a recall. If the water issue doesn’t get fixed it will lead to rusting and mold. My spare tire already is showing rusting.
Visibility / wipers 2,000 mi 1.6 yr in service
THE WINDOW WIPERS STOP WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN ON THE INTERVAL SETTING. I HAVE TO TURN THEM OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN FOR THEM TO BEGIN WORKING ONCE MORE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, USUALLY AFTER THE WIPERS HAVE SWIPED ONCE OR TWICE ON THAT SETTING WHILE DRIVING.

Other MAZDA3 model years

202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004

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