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GREEN CHOICE

Mazda 3

EPA MPG: 33 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,650 - $9,450

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 3 will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2023 and 2024 models and the Mazda brand score.

The 2014 Mazda 3 has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Started running rough"

Anonymous A., (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"replaced rear shocks"

Anonymous A., CA (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The battery died and needed to be replaced, but this was owner error rather than default. I accidentally left the lights on for a few hours, and the next day it needed to get jumped. However, we don't drive the Mazda very often since we purchased our new vehicle, and given how old the battery is in the Mazda, a few months later the battery had died again and needed to get replaced."

Anonymous, MA (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Rust"

Anonymous, NH (2014 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Power window motor broke"

Anonymous, ON (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Automatic shifter button fell off so often the car is not in Overdrive. Sometimes it even downshifts on the freeway, making driving difficult"

Anonymous A., (2014 Mazda 3 Sport)
Pipes

"The flex pipe began to fail."

Anonymous A., NS (2014 Mazda 3 Touring)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"The infotainment system sometimes resets itself multiple times while driving"

Anonymous, (2014 Mazda 3 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Hardware replacement

"The Mazda Connect infotainment system would stop working after driving for 5 minutes. The display would go blank and audio would still keep playing. The problem was solved by replacing the infotainment electronic module with a new one."

Anonymous, NC (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Infotainment computer failed & was replaced by me. Also infotainment screen deteriorated and was replaced by me."

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Heads-up display

"The problem is called Ghost touch. The touch screen is activated on its own and beeps and changes display frequently. If this problem had started before 2021, mazda would have repaired it under a recall. The recall only applied to card that were 7 years old (or less). This problem costs approximately 2000 dollars to repair."

Anonymous, CO (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Other in-car electronics problem

"problem began about a year ago. I am no longer able to enter navigation options with my fingers directly onto screen displayed. I can still use the navigation, but all entries have to be made with the radio knobs."

Anonymous A., NY (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"About 6 months ago the system would sporadically change the song that was playing or jump to another part of the system. For example, yesterday it jumped to another function that I had not subscribed to. For the radio, it won't stay at my favourite station and jumps to the station selection dial. I have stopped using it and connected my smartphone to the bluetooth connection and play Spotify on my smartphone."

Anonymous, QC (2014 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Infotainment screen began making selections on it's own, known in the Mazda community as "ghost touch", about 2020-2021. There was a recall replacement issued but that information didn't reach me so I missed out on the window of opportunity to get it fixed. Used a workaround solution of disconnecting the touch screen ability ribbon cable from the back of the unit. Fixed the ghost touch issue but removed the ability to use the touch screen; system can only be utilized now with the physical knob controls at the center console. The digitizer underneath the glass display screen began delaminating at the beginning of 2024, resulting in spiderweb-like cracking spreading outward from each corner. This cracking is completely underneath the outermost display glass, so display is still smooth to the touch, but it does affect visibility of the screen, especially in direct sunlight. This will need to be replaced by purchasing a new display screen head unit soon, before the issue spreads across the whole screen and makes it unusable. For infotainment it is a huge nuisance; for back-up camera utilization, it is very dangerous."

Anonymous, CA (2014 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The body clips have broken and the front and rear of the car were falling off. We had to have a body shop put screw where you couldnt see them to keep the car together."

Anonymous, IN (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The rear bumper cover is now falling off. The body clips are broken. We will need to have it repaired at a body shop."

Anonymous, IN (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint on hood failing, cracking. Paint of roof badly fading"

Anonymous, HI (2014 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Bushings

"Wasnt aware of it until mechanic found it during routine maintenance."

Anonymous A., FL (2014 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Springs or torsion bars

"UPON DEALER INSPECTION FOUND R/ R SWAY BAR BROKEN, HAD PART REPLACED. I HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM BEFOREHAND."

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Both rear springs were found to have broken coils during state inspection & were replaced."

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Stability control (ESC)

"Stability control module is defective"

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Traction control

"traction control issue is part of the stability control module issue"

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other minor engine problem

"Noticed strong gasoline smell inside car. Dealership diagnosed corroded filler connection to gas tank. Replaced tank and fuel pump. $2000 repair !!!"

Anonymous, MA (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

"Simple clutch wear on a manual transmission"

Anonymous, CA (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other engine starting/ignition problem

"The car would start and then immediately stop. It was an air sensor problem. Parts and Labor were $600+"

Anonymous A., WA (2014 Mazda 3)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other brakes problem

"The issue is cost - the cost of replacing front and rear brakes (at 95K miles) DOUBLED from cost of prior replacement (at 50K miles)"

Anonymous, MA (2014 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

2014 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Jul 14, 2023
A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V487000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 236100
PARKING BRAKE
Jun 22, 2017
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V393000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 227814
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Sep 22, 2016
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V684000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 17484
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