Mazda CX-3 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mazda CX-3 model year (2016–2021) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mazda CX-3 Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 27 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 36
2 recalls · 22 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 28
1 recall · 13 complaints
Top issue: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 16
Best Mazda CX-3 Years to Buy
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 5
1 recall · 7 complaints
Main area: BACK OVER PREVENTION
Problem score: 10
Found the right year? Verify that specific CX-3 with a free VIN report.
Mazda CX-3 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Good |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 22 | — | — | 28 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 1 | 7 | — | — | 10 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 13 | — | — | 16 | Caution |
| 2016 | 3 | 27 | — | — | 36 | Avoid |
All 6 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mazda CX-3 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent CX-3 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 3 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade CX-3 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year CX-3 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2016 Mazda CX-3 if possible. It has 3 recalls, 27 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 36 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year CX-3 to buy?+
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which CX-3 has the fewest problems?+
The 2020, 2021, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mazda CX-3 Research
Check a Specific Mazda CX-3 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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