Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more
    GREEN CHOICE

    Mazda 3

    EPA MPG: 33 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 3 is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Mazda 3 has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Android Auto

    "Radio reboots repeatedly when using Android Auto. Only occurs for the first 20 minutes of a drive then seems to be OK."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen freezes up

    ""the entertainment/ climate control screen periodically malfunctions and the screen goes haywire. (apparently a common issue with such screens across the board) Seems to me that electronics shouldn't be in a vehicle exposed to extreme heat or cold. If there should be software or firmware updates, they have not been manually done.""

    Anonymous, MD (2018 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "GPS is crap - the only way that you can use it is entering a postal code. You cannot enter actual addresses."

    Anonymous A., ON (2018 Mazda 3 Unsure Unsure)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""The phone charger barely works. Sometimes seems to sap more battery than not using it. Was tested and told weak, but would have to replace the whole thing.""

    Anonymous A., AB (2018 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "It happened on a hot day (May, 2024 I think) while sitting in a parking lot, the screen just cracked across the corners. I called my Mazda dealer and they told me to bring it in. They had only seen it on a couple Mazda 3s and they have a kit to fix the infotainment system. It was covered by Mazda and I have a new undamaged screen. I got a notice in the mail that this new one will also be covered if something breaks again, and it was only stressful for the few days between it happening and when I could get it in to be fixed. Really looking back it felt big until it was taken care of so quickly and without issue."

    Anonymous, MN (2018 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Accessory belts or pulleys

    "Drive belt tensioner failed"

    Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "The drivers side rear window seal leaks and there is a constant whistling."

    Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-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.

    What Owners Say

    Bushings

    "Was covered by extended warranty, worn boots"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Other electrical system problem

    "The switch for the electric parking brake broke. So we were unable to turn off the parking brake. Had to go to the Mazda dealership and have the switch replaced. Cost approximately $500."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-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.

    What Owners Say

    Ignition switch

    "One of two key fobs self destructed meaning it could not be used to start the car"

    Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Brakes and rotors go so quickly on Mazdas and are expensive to replace. Weve always owned Mazda and this seems to be a consistent problem"

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    ""The warning lights for stuff like tire pressure, abs brakes, etc come on randomly. Sometimes it goes for week without problem. There may be some correltion with low temperatures or high humidity""

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

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

    Engine Major

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    Climate System

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

    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.

    Engine Cooling

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

    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.

    Transmission Major

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

    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.

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
    02
    03
    04*
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09
    10*
    11
    12
    13
    14*
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19*
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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 about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 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.
    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
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Nov 12, 2021
    Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
    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: 21V875000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 121038
    VISIBILITY
    Apr 04, 2019
    Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
    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: 19V272000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 187880
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Nov 21, 2017
    An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.
    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: 17V745000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 144
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle