Your membership has expired

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

Re-activate
GREEN CHOICE

Mazda 3

EPA MPG: 30 mpg
Average Retail Price
$13,325 - $19,675

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 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 2020 Mazda 3 has been recalled 2 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 2020 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

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

What Owners Say

12V battery

"When I started the car the dashboard would go black until the engine started, then the dashboard would come back on. After this happened three or four times I took the car to the dealer, they tested the battery and the battery failed the tests so they replaced the battery. It was outside the warranty so I had to pay."

Anonymous, ON (2020 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Keyless entry

"On the driver's side, the sensor on the handle doesn't unlock the door several times per month. In order to unlock the door the remote has to be used. Taken to the dealer several times and each time they say they can't reproduce the problem."

Anonymous, NM (2020 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other electrical system problem

"A problem I have had with this car since the beginning is that it frequently drains the battery. I regularly need to jump start the car."

Anonymous, WA (2020 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Engine may be consuming oil. Low profile tires have blown out multiple times"

Anonymous, MO (2020 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The engines temperature control module (water pump system) failed. I noticed the engine temperature fluctuating as I was driving (1/24) at about 112,000 miles. I had it fixed in 3/24. Cost was going to be just under $1000. I worked with my dealer and Mazda. My out of pocket ended up around $350."

Anonymous A., PA (2020 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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

What Owners Say

Fuel pump

"Fuel pump just stopped working one day."

Anonymous A., OK (2020 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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

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

Brakes

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

/ 5

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

Engine Major

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

/ 5

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

In-car Electronics

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

/ 5

Transmission Major

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

/ 5

Transmission Minor

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

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

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

/ 5

Paint/Trim

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

/ 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

Engine Minor

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

/ 5

2020 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
15
16
17
18
19*
20
21
22
23
24
Overall Reliability Verdict

NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
Exhaust
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
Brakes
NA
Climate System
NA
Build Quality
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
In-car Electronics
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 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 12, 2020
Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
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: 20V346000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 24037
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Dec 19, 2019
Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
What should you do:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
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: 19V907000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 35390
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle