The Lemon Index2011 Mazda3.
The 2011 Mazda3 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 37 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 30, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 23 to 28 mpg combined. It's the best Mazda3 year we track.
One of the most reliable. 3.3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2008
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 132 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 22K to 85K miles on the car (95 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 24K–101K miles
Recalls 2
- seats 2017
In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
- body structure 2016
On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda3 told dealers about
Mazda3 sent dealers 284 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- Squeak noise from the engine compartment when the vehicle starts moving and/or
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Transmission hesitates when downshifting. On going issue.
2011 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 10512380
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Mazda3 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 30; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2011 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (24%), tires (14%) and suspension (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda3 have?
2 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mazda3 get?
23 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Mazda3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Mazda3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 22,000 and 85,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,100 miles, from 95 complaints.
Does the 2011 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Mazda3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works