VehicleVerdict

2020 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 is among the quieter years of the Mazda3 on NHTSA's books: 50 complaints (64% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: driver assistance issues account for 54% of all reports (27 of 50), far ahead of other at 4. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

50

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance2754%
Other48%
Steering36%
Electrical System36%
Brakes36%
Suspension24%
Tires & Wheels12%
Transmission12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Engine12%
Fuel System12%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

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

20V346000BrakesJune 12, 2020 · 24,037 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.

Consequence

Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving 35MPH on a side street in “sport” mode. Car system beeped, car auto stopped, red circle with explanation mark and the word Break appeared on my center console. My drive shift popped out of Drive. No object was in front of my car, nothing ran out in front of it. Fortunately, there…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 30, 2021

“in May 2023 the visors of the vehicle hinge melted causing the visors to hang down to eye level and would not hold up causing visibly issues for driver and passenger. dealer said it is a common issue in heat but it blocks forward visibility and won't hold up and if there were and accident, forward…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 8, 2023

“MY NEW 2020 MAZDA 3 PREMIUM WITH 1,177 MILES SUDDENLY TOOK COMPLETE CONTROL OF STEERING MY CAR. DRIVING 65-70 MPH ON A 3 LANE STRAIGHT HIGHWAY ON A CLEAR DAY, WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC, I MOVED ONE LANE TO MY LEFT, AND THE CAR TOOK OVER THE STEERING, PULLING MY CAR OUT OF THE LEFT LANE NEARLY MISSING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 24, 2020

“My car's automatic emergency brake is deploying without warning, during driving, when there are no other cars in my forward proximity. I took it to the dealership to have it fixed, and on the drive home, it did it again. There is a recall for similar makes and models for this year, but my car has…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 18, 2023

“EL VEHICULO TIENE PROBLEMAS DE ENCENDIDO, DESPUES DE ESTAR EN REPOSO DOS DIAS NO ENCIENDE SE TIENE QUE PASAR CORRIENTE, INCLUSIVE EN MANEJOS CORTOS AL VOLVER A ENCENDER EL VEHICULO PRESENTA EL MISMO PROBLEMA, ESTE ES UN PROBLEMA EN LA MAYORIA DE ESTE TIPO DE VEHICULOS, MISMOS QUE SON ENCONTRADOS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 30, 2021

2020 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 50 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Mazda3 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (27 complaints), other (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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 2020 Mazda Mazda3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.