The Lemon Index2013 Mazda3.
The 2013 Mazda3 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 31, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 1 recall, and it gets 23 to 32 mpg combined. The best Mazda3 year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 117 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2013 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 27K to 65K miles on the car (80 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- lights complaints mostly came at 30K–74K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 28K–73K miles
Recalls 1
- 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 504 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The new skyactiv-drive fw6a-el at uses automatic transmission fluid (atf) type: fz
- When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the…
- 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 $2000–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When I started driving and put on my headlights. Everytime I put on the brakes the headlights dim as the brake light is pushed.
2013 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 10667536
More owner reports
Noticed flickering of headlights during night driving while braking. This headlight flicker was repeatable while night driving and braking at moderate to highway speeds.
NHTSA complaint 10721542
Every time I slow down (braking or just decelerating) the lights flicker. This happens with high or low beams. This has been happening for quite some time. I thought it might be the battery, but after replacement this continued.
NHTSA complaint 10863227
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Mazda3 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 31; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda3 year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2013 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), lights (26%) and transmission & drivetrain (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Mazda3 have?
1 safety recall (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Mazda3 get?
23 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 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 2013 Mazda3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 27,200 and 65,000 miles. The middle report was at 40,700 miles, from 80 complaints.
Does the 2013 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Mazda3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2013 and 2017.
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