VehicleVerdict

2020 Mazda CX-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2020 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other CX-3 years?

CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted63 complaints2014: 4 complaints2016: 63 complaints2017: 27 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints
CX-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1100%

Does the 2020 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.

“On 1/22/21, I was driving for Lyft. I had a passenger in this car and I was giving her a ride home. I had a seizure towards the end of the ride, and was completely amnesiac to the crash that occurred. During my seizure, I was unable to check for clearance before I entered a highway and I crashed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 22, 2021 · crash

2020 Mazda CX-3 — common questions

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

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

Does the 2020 Mazda CX-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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 2020 Mazda CX-3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.