The Lemon Index2018 Mazda3.
The 2018 Mazda3 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 25 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 28 to 32 mpg combined. The best Mazda3 year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 109 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2018 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 3K to 79K miles on the car (37 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- back over prevention 2023
The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- visibility 2019
A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Show all 4 recalls
- engine 2017
The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
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 462 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights on when they start the vehicle…
- When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the…
- Rough idle with the check engine light on and DTC P0015 / P0524 stored in memory
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
My windshield wipers have just stopped working while driving in rain. I tried to pull over, turn off my car and turn it back on but they're still not working. The wiper fluid still sprays.
2018 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11240932
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mazda3 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda3 year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2018 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (28%), engine (16%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda3 have?
4 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mazda3 get?
28 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Mazda3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2018 Mazda3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 79,000 miles. The middle report was at 29,800 miles, from 37 complaints.
Does the 2018 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mazda3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2018?
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