Mazda Mazda3 years to avoid
The Mazda Mazda3 years to avoid are 2010, 2008, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2011, 2013 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
3,995
Total complaints
30
Recall campaigns
2004–2026
Years covered
7
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Mazda3 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | High complaints + open investigation | 920 | |
| 2008 | High complaint rate | 387 | |
| 2012 | High complaints + open investigation | 328 | |
| 2007 | High complaint rate | 301 | |
| 2006 | High complaint rate | 224 | |
| 2011 | Open safety investigation | 179 | |
| 2013 | Open safety investigation | 176 |
Every Mazda3 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 20 | 3 | |
| 2023 | 20 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 31 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 66 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 50 | 2 | |
| 2019 | 117 | 6 | |
| 2018 | 139 | 4 | |
| 2017 | 105 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 137 | 6 | |
| 2015 | 154 | 4 | |
| 2014 | 180 | 4 | |
| 2013avoid | 176 | 1 | |
| 2012avoid | 328 | 1 | |
| 2011avoid | 179 | 2 | |
| 2010avoid | 920 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 140 | 4 | |
| 2008avoid | 387 | 3 | |
| 2007avoid | 301 | 3 | |
| 2006avoid | 224 | 2 | |
| 2005 | 127 | 3 | |
| 2004 | 185 | 3 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mazda Mazda3 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda3 years to avoid are 2010, 2008, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2011, 2013. The cleanest year on record is 2026.
What is the best year for the Mazda Mazda3?
By complaint volume, 2026 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Mazda3 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mazda Mazda3 have?
Across all model years, the Mazda3 has 30 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 3,995 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.