VehicleVerdict

2019 Mazda CX-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median CX-3 year — the 2019 model ranks #2 of 7 CX-3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (30% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

37

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other CX-3 years?

CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted63 complaints2014: 4 complaints2016: 63 complaints2017: 27 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints
CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Mazda CX-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1130%
Steering514%
Fuel System411%
Other411%
Driver Assistance25%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%
Brakes13%
Engine13%
Latches & Locks13%
Airbags13%
Seats13%

Does the 2019 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

21V875000Fuel SystemNovember 12, 2021 · 121,038 units

Defect

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. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ENTIRE DASH LIGHTS GO DARK. THIS IS THE THIRD EPISODE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER TWICE BEFORE WITH SAME COMPLAINT. I CONTACTED MAZDA IN DECEMBER 2018 & WAS GIVEN REFERENCE NUMBER OF 1-1911536225. INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY WHEN DRIVING UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 4, 2020

“Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX].…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 7, 2023 · crash

“No incidents. No one hurt. Just my AC broke and I think it was defective because: - I had a low milage: 17000 miles. - No accidents - No driving on a highway Why would otherwise AC condenser start leaking? There was a recall on Mazda CX-3 of 2015-2016 models. I suspect the problem was not fixed and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 10, 2023

“I was told I have a recall on my fuel pump it can die at any time! Then they tell you they have no solution for fixing it so you're taking your life in your own hands going out of town having a car break down on you! How is that right I buy a new car thinking I can drive it safely and now I'm…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 10, 2021

“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 16, 2024

2019 Mazda CX-3 — common questions

Is the 2019 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 2019 model at #2 of 7 CX-3 years. It is one of the CX-3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 CX-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), steering (5 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2019 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 Mazda CX-3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 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.