2018 Mazda MAZDA3
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 109
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 109 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 145 |
| 2005 | 97 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 132 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2015 | 130 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 84 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
28% · 30 reportsShow complaint excerpts
In 2023, the reverse camera would either flicker or completely shut off (displaying a blank screen) while the reverse gear is engaged.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-18
Also filed under Back over prevention and lane departure
Visibility/wiper
15% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On September 13TH, 2018, I was driving out of the state, during a road trip on my way from cannon beach to portland in the state of Oregon around 9PM, I was driving my 2018 Mazda 3 on north of highway i-5 when rain began during rush traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-25
Back over prevention
14% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing camera and rearview system braking.
Engine
11% · 12 reportsFuel/propulsion system
6% · 7 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018-01-22Engine and engine cooling17V745000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
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2019-05-07Visibility19V272000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019.
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2022-07-18Fuel system, gasoline21V875000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
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2024-08-14Back over prevention23V487000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Back over prevention: 15 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V745000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 19V272000 · Visibility
- Recall 21V875000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 23V487000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.