2020 Mazda MAZDA3
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 32
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
Campaigns on file for 2020
None on file
75% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 32 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.
Forward collision avoidance
75% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving on a residential street the automatic emergency braking system activated and brought the car to a very abrupt stop but there was nothing in the front of the car to activate the system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-26
Steering
9% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My new 2020 Mazda 3 premium with 1,177 miles suddenly took complete control of steering my car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-29
Electrical system
9% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Google search shows Mazda has common problem with their front sensing camera, people are reporting the issue for different Mazda models across the board for the last few years including newer models as well.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-16
Also filed under Lane departure
Service brakes
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Lane departure
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing warning and assist.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2020-02-14Forward collision avoidance19V907000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual.
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R
2020-07-24Service brakes, hydraulic20V346000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V907000 · Forward collision avoidance
- Recall 20V346000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3?
- The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
- 2 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.