VehicleVerdict

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

YearWhyComplaints
2010High complaints + open investigation920
2008High complaint rate387
2012High complaints + open investigation328
2007High complaint rate301
2006High complaint rate224
2011Open safety investigation179
2013Open safety investigation176

Every Mazda3 year

YearComplaintsRecalls
202610
202581
2024203
2023200
2022310
2021661
2020502
20191176
20181394
20171052
20161376
20151544
20141804
2013avoid1761
2012avoid3281
2011avoid1792
2010avoid9203
20091404
2008avoid3873
2007avoid3013
2006avoid2242
20051273
20041853

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 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.