Mazda CX-3 years to avoid
The Mazda CX-3 years to avoid are 2016, 2019 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2020 is the cleanest year on record.
154
Total complaints
4
Recall campaigns
2014–2021
Years covered
2
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
CX-3 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | High complaint rate | 63 | |
| 2019 | High complaint rate | 38 |
Every CX-3 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2019avoid | 38 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 27 | 1 | |
| 2016avoid | 63 | 3 | |
| 2014 | 4 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mazda CX-3 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-3 years to avoid are 2016, 2019. The cleanest year on record is 2020.
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-3?
By complaint volume, 2020 has the cleanest NHTSA record among CX-3 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mazda CX-3 have?
Across all model years, the CX-3 has 4 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 154 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.