The Lemon Index2025 Mazda3.
The 2025 Mazda3 has too few complaints to score: 8 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 1 recall, 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 8 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2025 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 1
- airbags 2025
The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
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 153 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs…
- Some customers may complain about color discrepancies (brightness differences) of the image…
- 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 MAZDA3 HATCHBACK 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda MAZDA3 HATCHBACK 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda MAZDA3 SEDAN 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda MAZDA3 SEDAN 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Mazda3 reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 8 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2025 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (25%), airbags (12%) and suspension (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Mazda3 have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Mazda3 get?
26 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 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 2025 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Mazda3 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2025?
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