Mazda MAZDA3 problems by year
2,947 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 22 Mazda MAZDA3 model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| 2024 | 11 | 3 | — | |
| 2023 Fewer complaints | 12 | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Fewer complaints | 23 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 2021 | 49 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2020 Fewer complaints | 32 | 2 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2019 | 73 | 6 | Service Brakes | |
| 2018 | 107 | 4 | Electrical System | |
| 2017 | 83 | 2 | Unknown OR Other | |
| 2016 | 103 | 6 | Electrical System | |
| 2015 | 130 | 4 | Service Brakes | |
| 2014 | 138 | 4 | Electrical System | |
| 2013 | 117 | 1 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2012 | 226 | 1 | Power Train | |
| 2011 | 132 | 2 | Air Bags | |
| 2010 Most complained | 686 | 3 | Structure | |
| 2009 | 115 | 3 | Steering | |
| 2008 Most complained | 303 | 2 | Steering | |
| 2007 | 222 | 2 | Steering | |
| 2006 | 166 | 1 | Steering | |
| 2005 | 97 | 2 | Air Bags | |
| 2004 | 145 | 2 | Air Bags |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Mazda.