VehicleVerdict

2018 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 sits mid-pack among Mazda3 years: 139 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 139, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (30), other (25), and driver assistance (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

139

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

2

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted920 complaints2004: 185 complaints2005: 127 complaints2006: 224 complaints2007: 301 complaints2008: 387 complaints2009: 140 complaints2010: 920 complaints2011: 179 complaints2012: 328 complaints2013: 176 complaints2014: 180 complaints2015: 154 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 105 complaints2018: 139 complaints2019: 117 complaints2020: 50 complaints2021: 66 complaints2022: 31 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 20 complaints2025: 8 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3022%
Other2518%
Driver Assistance2417%
Visibility & Wipers1612%
Engine139%
Fuel System107%
Brakes64%
Transmission54%
Speed Control21%
Steering21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Body & Structure21%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

4 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.

19V272000Visibility & WipersApril 4, 2019 · 187,880 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.

Consequence

Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.

17V745000EngineNovember 21, 2017 · 144 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“In 2023, the reverse camera would either flicker or completely shut off (displaying a blank screen) while the reverse gear is engaged. While reversing the vehicle to park onto the property the rear camera image failed to display in the vehicle, leading to a collision with the curb. The limited…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 28, 2024 · crash

“ON 2/14/19 BETWEEN 2:30 AND 3 P.M., MY MOTHER (MELISSA DODSON) WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE (A 2004 GMC ENVOY) THAT RESULTED IN BEING DOA. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3 SPORT FOUR DR AND TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON EAST HANOVER RD IN GRAHAM, NC AT THE TIME OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 14, 2019 · crash

“In 2023, the reverse camera would either flicker or completely shut off (displaying a blank screen) while the reverse gear is engaged. While reversing the vehicle to park onto the property the rear camera image failed to display in the vehicle, leading to a collision with the curb. The limited…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 28, 2024 · crash

“ON SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2018, I WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE STATE, DURING A ROAD TRIP ON MY WAY FROM CANNON BEACH TO PORTLAND IN THE STATE OF OREGON AROUND 9PM, I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 MAZDA 3 ON NORTH OF HIGHWAY I-5 WHEN RAIN BEGAN DURING RUSH TRAFFIC. I HAD THE AUTOMATIC FRONT WIPERS ON AND THEY BEGAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 13, 2018 · crash

“ON 2/14/19 BETWEEN 2:30 AND 3 P.M., MY MOTHER (MELISSA DODSON) WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE (A 2004 GMC ENVOY) THAT RESULTED IN BEING DOA. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3 SPORT FOUR DR AND TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON EAST HANOVER RD IN GRAHAM, NC AT THE TIME OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 14, 2019 · crash

2018 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda3: 139 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (30 complaints), other (25 complaints), driver assistance (24 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda3 years to avoid are 2010, 2008, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2011, 2013. The cleanest record among Mazda3 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 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.