VehicleVerdict

2025 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2025 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 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, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance225%
Other113%
Airbags113%
Speed Control113%
Suspension113%
Tires & Wheels113%
Seat Belts113%

Does the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V357000AirbagsMay 29, 2025 · 171,412 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Car was turning left in front of me. I was going about 30 mph. I started to steer to the right of the car into a passing lane. The AEB stopped me and the guy behind me rear-ended me. The system did not need to react, I was not going to hit the car in front of me, but I could not steer to the right…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 15, 2024 · crash

“I am reporting a catastrophic failure of the rear seatbelt restraint system in my 2025 Mazda 3. The rear seatbelt guide geometry is badly designed, allowing the webbing to bunch and jam during normal operation. This physical obstruction prevents the seatbelt from retracting, leading to three severe…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 9, 2026

“WHEN TURNING A CORNER IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, AS I GOT AROUND THE CORNER (SLOW SPEED (10 MPH?). THE CAR GRADUALLY SPED UP ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. NO CRUISE ON AND NO FLOOR MAT PROBLEM. WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL "ON", THE ENGINE "REVED UP. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY COULD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 23, 2026

“I found out about this recall today. Mazda doesn’t have a fix to this recall yet. I am scared to drive my car in the event of a crash, due to the fact that my airbags won’t go off due to the recall. Mazda said to just “be aware until we have a fix” I cannot just “be aware” if I get into…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 5, 2025

2025 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2025 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.