VehicleVerdict

2018 Mazda CX-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2018 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.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other CX-3 years?

CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted63 complaints2014: 4 complaints2016: 63 complaints2017: 27 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints
CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mazda CX-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance427%
Electrical System213%
Engine213%
Other17%
Speed Control17%
Suspension17%
Brakes17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Fuel System17%
Lighting17%

Does the 2018 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 2018 Mazda CX3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 26, 2023

“The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was moving from left to right. The contact stated that the brakes were making an abnormal scraping sound. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. There were no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 23, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MAZDA CX-3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION WARNING INDICATOR WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OLYMPIA MAZDA (2201 CARRIAGE SOUTHWEST OLYMPIA, WA 98502) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BLIND SPOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 2020

“Fuel injector failed without warning. A lot of fuel leaked into the engine destroying a spark plug in one cylinder and ultimately ruining the catalytic converter when fuel got into it. Independent mechanic and Mazda dealership diagnosed. Car cannot be driven.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 16, 2026

“Heavy condensation is occurring inside the driver side headlamp. A quick google search shows this is a common problem among Mazda owners and Mazda will not cover the repair. I am unable to get a Massachusetts state inspection sticker due to this. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 16, 2024

2018 Mazda CX-3 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

The record is thin — 15 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 2018 CX-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (4 complaints), engine (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 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 2018 Mazda CX-3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.