VehicleVerdict

2019 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2019 Mazda Mazda3 is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 6 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 117 owner complaints run below the Mazda3 median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (15), brakes (15), and electrical system (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

117

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1513%
Brakes1513%
Electrical System1311%
Transmission1210%
Driver Assistance1210%
Engine119%
Visibility & Wipers109%
Fuel System87%
Airbags65%
Body & Structure54%
Steering33%
Seat Belts22%
Lighting22%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2019 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V907000Driver AssistanceDecember 19, 2019 · 35,390 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.

Consequence

Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.

19V558000Visibility & WipersJuly 29, 2019 · 22,571 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.

Consequence

Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3919G.

19V514000SeatsJuly 5, 2019 · 9,430 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.

Consequence

Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3819F.

19V497000EngineJune 27, 2019 · 262,220 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence

An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

19V425000Tires & WheelsJune 7, 2019 · 25,003 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.

Consequence

A wheel separating from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the front and rear wheel lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3519F.

19V363000Electrical SystemMay 14, 2019 · 17,016 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.

Consequence

Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THESE ISSUES BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE SECOND MONTH I OWNED MY 2019 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK. 1- SUSPENSIONS, THEY'RE VERY ROUGH & HARSH., THEY BOUNCE SO MUCH FOR NO REASON, I DAMAGED ONE TIRE ALREADY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON I476 NORMAL HIGHWAY WHERE I STEPPED ON NORMAL POTHOLE ENDED UP DAMAGING MY TIRE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2019 · crash

“JAN. 23, 2020. 10:45 AM. I WAS ON MY STREET, A NARROW RESIDENTIAL STREET, PREPARING TO BACK IN MY GARAGE. IN ORDER TO DO THAT ON THIS NARROW STREET, I TOUCHED THE LIP OF THE DRIVEWAY ACROSS THE STREET. SPEED WELL UNDER 3 MPH. WHEN I DID SO, MY CAR SUDDENLY SHARPLY ACCELERATED AND AT THE SAME TIME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 23, 2020 · crash

“THESE ISSUES BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE SECOND MONTH I OWNED MY 2019 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK. 1- SUSPENSIONS, THEY'RE VERY ROUGH & HARSH., THEY BOUNCE SO MUCH FOR NO REASON, I DAMAGED ONE TIRE ALREADY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON I476 NORMAL HIGHWAY WHERE I STEPPED ON NORMAL POTHOLE ENDED UP DAMAGING MY TIRE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE AFTER THE BRAKE ASSIST WAS ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 1, 2019 · crash

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD. THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP WHILE I WAS DOING 15 MPH AND JUST GAVE OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. ALL YOU COULD SMELL IS BURNT FLUID AND HEAR A LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM UNDER THE CAR WHILE AT IDLE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 12,680 MILES ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 16, 2020

2019 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2019 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda3: 117 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (15 complaints), brakes (15 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints).

Does the 2019 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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.

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.