VehicleVerdict

2017 Mazda CX-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2017 Mazda CX-3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

27

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other CX-3 years?

CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted63 complaints2014: 4 complaints2016: 63 complaints2017: 27 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints
CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Mazda CX-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1037%
Engine311%
Electrical System27%
Other27%
Speed Control27%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Lighting14%
Brakes14%
Driver Assistance14%
Airbags14%
Steering14%
Body & Structure14%

Does the 2017 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V487000Driver AssistanceJuly 14, 2023 · 236,100 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact related the failure to a faulty fuel pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 9, 2022

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AT A VERY HIGH SPEED. A DRIVER DIDN'T SEE ME IN HIS LEFT SIDE BLIND SPOT AND WAS VEERING INTO MY LANE AT 85-90MPH. I SWERVED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID THE CAR AND MY CAR WOULDN'T STRAIGHTEN/I COULDN'T GET BACK THE CONTROL. I SMASHED THE GUARDRAIL WITH THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 5, 2020 · crash

“WARM AIR FROM THE CLIMATE CONTROL VENTS- CAR IS UNDER 45,000 MILES AND NEEDS A NEW EVAPORATOR- MOST CARS WILL NEVER NEED A NEW EVAPORATOR, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS UNDER FOUR YEARS OLD. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 14, 2020

“I put my right signals on and came to a near stop, as I did a right turn into the parking space in front of the dry cleaners. I was slowly creeping into the parking space, and pushing the brakes, as I slowed down to a near stop in the parking spot. All of a sudden, as my right foot was still on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 8, 2022 · crash

“When starting the car in cold weather, the driver assistance system, to include rear camera display, navigation, hands-free voice commands and calling, continuously restarts for close to 15 minutes rendering safe navigation unavailable. Without a backup navigation system, drivers cannot get turn…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 14, 2023

2017 Mazda CX-3 — common questions

Is the 2017 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 CX-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (10 complaints), engine (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Mazda CX-3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-3 years to avoid are 2016, 2019. The cleanest record among CX-3 years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2017 Mazda CX-3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.