The Lemon Index2019 Mazda3.
The 2019 Mazda3 is about average by owner complaints: 54 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 96, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 27 to 30 mpg combined. The best Mazda3 year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 74 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2019 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 2K to 10K miles on the car (42 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- automatic emergency braking 2019
The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
- visibility 2019
The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing.
- seats 2019
The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
Show all 6 recalls
- engine 2019
A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
- wheels 2019
The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
- electrical 2019
Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated.
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 827 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle
- Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging
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 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
the vehicle started surging at low soeeds and accelarating and control module issues for the transmission
2019 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11461434
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Mazda3 reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 96; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda3 year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2019 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (26%), transmission & drivetrain (19%) and automatic emergency braking (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Mazda3 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: automatic emergency braking). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Mazda3 get?
27 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 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 2019 Mazda3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,000 and 10,500 miles. The middle report was at 5,000 miles, from 42 complaints.
Does the 2019 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Mazda3 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2019?
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