Owners have filed 38 complaints
about the 2019 Mazda CX-3 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the Mazda CX-3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 41
7.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
94% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
531.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
850.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
212.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
16.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2018peak 5Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2019 Mazda CX-3
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V487000
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
21V875000
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023391116,779 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the rearview camera connector could cause distortion or flickering of the rearview camera image. Note: This recall only affects hatchback (5-door) models. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mazda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the rearview camera and install a seal for the wiring harness. The dealer will replace the rearview camera, if necessary.
Recall 202169620,762 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power while driving could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mazda will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Thomasville, GACrash
WHEELS
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomasville, GACrash
STEERING
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomasville, GACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Arnold, MO
AIR BAGS
Ok so the front seat passenger side i put my phone it think there a person there and it dings constantly until I plug seatbelt it annoying I dont want to hear that all the time madza know about it they won't help unless there a recall
NHTSA complaint #11755876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
van Nuys, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11680467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barnhart, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
So the sport mode on cx3 have not bracket under the sport mode and if try to activeit the sport mode whole switch goes down you cant active with grabbing it will fall out of socket
NHTSA complaint #11631126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesSan Jose, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the air bag warning light flashed off and on. Additionally, the rear hatch door failed to open as needed. The cause of the failures has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11622324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesSan Jose, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the air bag warning light flashed off and on. Additionally, the rear hatch door failed to open as needed. The cause of the failures has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11622324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Campbell, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A recall notice dated July 14, 2023 stated improper design of rearview camera wiring harness fastener. The fastener may become damaged from vibrations during normal vehicle use and/or while closing the lift gate. I have been told by the dealership that they do not have the parts to remedy the issue and don't know when they will have the parts. It appears that the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner since more than a year has passed since the recall notice was issued and they are unable to predict when the parts will be available. Recall Status: "Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available" Manufacturer Recall Number: 6023G. NHTSA Recall Number: 23V-487.
NHTSA complaint #11605215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesModesto, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electrical wiring harness, finding that the harness appeared to suffer from normal wear and tear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact with a case number. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11583229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomasville, GACrash
WHEELS
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomasville, GACrash
STEERING
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomasville, GACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11560533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint George, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof shattered randomly while driving. (No objects hit the glass.) If my visor had been open the glass would have exploded down on me while driving potentially leading to an accident. Dealer said it was likely a pressure change and although rare does happen. No prior sign of cracks or dents. Currently waiting to hear back from insurance as dealer will not replace.
NHTSA complaint #11554491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No incidents. No one hurt. Just my AC broke and I think it was defective because: - I had a low milage: 17000 miles. - No accidents - No driving on a highway Why would otherwise AC condenser start leaking? There was a recall on Mazda CX-3 of 2015-2016 models. I suspect the problem was not fixed and my Mazda CX-3 2019 had the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11546100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, NY
STEERING
Steering wheel gives resistance to movement, both left and right. This creates a safety hazard from oversteering.
NHTSA complaint #11513720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, NY
STEERING
Steering wheel gives resistance to movement, both left and right. This creates a safety hazard from oversteering. The contact stated that the date the failure was first noticed was Oct 1st.
NHTSA complaint #11513159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatham, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have two issues. The front crash warning light goes on and off intermittently even when alone on the highway. This happens about once a month. The second issue is more serious. My car showed 40 miles of gas left in the tank, and ran out of gas. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane and there was a shoulder. Had this happed anyplace else I'd likely be dead. I took my car to the dealer where I bought it. they could not explain the problem and told me to assume it would never happen again (!). I contacted Mazda directly twice. The first time they took my info and did nothing. The second time they told me to take it to another dealership. I cannot tell that the issue has been reported anywhere so I'm reporting it here. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11512641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatham, NJ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I have two issues. The front crash warning light goes on and off intermittently even when alone on the highway. This happens about once a month. The second issue is more serious. My car showed 40 miles of gas left in the tank, and ran out of gas. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane and there was a shoulder. Had this happed anyplace else I'd likely be dead. I took my car to the dealer where I bought it. they could not explain the problem and told me to assume it would never happen again (!). I contacted Mazda directly twice. The first time they took my info and did nothing. The second time they told me to take it to another dealership. I cannot tell that the issue has been reported anywhere so I'm reporting it here. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11512641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,056 milesDiamond Bar, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, while making a lane adjustment to the left, the automated lane departure system overcorrected the steering to the right. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent however, the failure had begun to occur at slower speeds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,056.
NHTSA complaint #11508623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,056 milesDiamond Bar, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, while making a lane adjustment to the left, the automated lane departure system overcorrected the steering to the right. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent however, the failure had begun to occur at slower speeds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,056.
NHTSA complaint #11508623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
In early November 2022, a stress crack appeared on the left side of the front windshield. The crack was about 20 inches long, about halfway down the windshield, and impaired my view of the road. I took it to the dealership (Jeff Haas Mazda at 16711 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas) for inspection and they confirmed it was a stress crack from the pillar, not caused by an object hitting the windshield. They refused to replace the windshield at no cost. I called Mazda to file a complaint about and was told to file a claim with my insurance. I believe this is a defect with the vehicle and should be covered by the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11499183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was told I have a recall on my fuel pump it can die at any time! Then they tell you they have no solution for fixing it so you're taking your life in your own hands going out of town having a car break down on you! How is that right I buy a new car thinking I can drive it safely and now I'm afraid to go anywhere and this isn't the first recall this car is had either!
NHTSA complaint #11468563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX3. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11467761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the issue. The contact was unaware if a failure was experienced. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
NHTSA complaint #11448699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Rough starting, stalling while going to switch gears, hesitating when pressing gas.
NHTSA complaint #11447754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rough starting, stalling while going to switch gears, hesitating when pressing gas.
NHTSA complaint #11447754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.