Is the Mazda CX-3 Reliable?
2016–2021 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.
Reliability Score
Own a Mazda CX-3? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mazda CX-3 Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 95 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 98 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 22 | — | — | 86 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 7 | — | — | 93 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 1 | 13 | — | — | 92 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 3 | 27 | — | — | 84 | Excellent |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the CX-3 Compares to Similar Vehicles
The CX-3 scores 23 points above the average suv — a strong result.
Known Mazda CX-3 Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 71 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda CX-3 reliable?+
The Mazda CX-3 scores 91/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 6 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 9 recall campaigns and 71 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year CX-3 is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2020 CX-3 achieved the highest reliability score of 98/100 with 1 recall and 0 complaints.
How many miles does a CX-3 last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Mazda CX-3 owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used CX-3 will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Mazda CX-3 Research
Check a Specific Mazda CX-3 VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →