The Lemon Index2020 Mazda3.
The 2020 Mazda3 is better than average by owner complaints: 24 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 69, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 2 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 32 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2020 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 1K to 9K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- brakes 2020
The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
- 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.
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 726 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some vehicles, the Commander switch might be inoperative
- Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging
- All of the following when turning the ignition ON under hot weather conditions
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving the vehicle decided to suddenly brake ....... thinking it was dangerous ..... lucky no one was behind me ..... that was really scarry and could have caused an accident for no reason.
2020 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11444236
More owner reports
I was traveling 25mph with no obstruction in front of me, when the collision warning sounded. The braking system did not activate. No collision was imminent.
NHTSA complaint 11464747
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Mazda3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 69; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda3 year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2020 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (100%), steering (8%) and brakes (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda3 have?
2 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mazda3 get?
27 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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.
Does the 2020 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Mazda3 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2020?
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