The Lemon Index2023 Mazda3.
The 2023 Mazda3 has too few complaints to score: 12 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 26 to 31 mpg combined. The best Mazda3 year is 2011.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 12 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2023 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.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 329 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s)…
- That the air bag warning light turns on or repeats cycles of turning on and off
- Chirp noise (stick-slip noise) from the automatic transaxle (AT) when shifting
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 Mazda3 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Cars lurches/jerks at low speeds when shifting 1-2 gears and sometimes rpm bounces up and down when downshifting.
2023 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11514104
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Mazda3 reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 12 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2023 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (25%), electrical (25%) and automatic emergency braking (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda3 have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Mazda3 get?
26 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Mazda3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2023?
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