2020 Mazda 3 Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.9

Ranked #2 in 

Compact Sedan
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$21,500 - $28,900
Starting Price 

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  • M

    Mery

    31/10/2021

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... miles on it , I had power train problems couple of times and engine system malfunction 3 times , slow wipes engine etc absolutely disaster, my husband has Audi never had a problem I just can’t believe it’s Japanese brand so , I’m trying to get rid of this junk and never gonna buy any Mazda or Toyota my opinion is stay away Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • M

    Mery

    27/02/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    I’ve been struggling with this car, I got brand new mazda3 from Mazda Ramsey New Jersey , so far terrible experience, first sensor problems then wipers, major brake problems , i had to go to service 6 times a month, unbelievable My husband has Audi as well never visit service but oil change, I will try to use lemon law , cuz , this car is garbageRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • R

    Robert

    26/10/2020

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... serviced and they denied me a loaner but I have had a loaner car the other 5 times I have brought my car in for service. Customer service is terrible it's taken me all day of calling to get ahold of a manger which I still haven't been able to and corporate has only offered to give me egifts in the from of free parts. Save yourself the stress and don't buy a Mazda. Read More

    Source: edmunds

2020 Mazda 3 Problems Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

31

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on December 2, 2022

The Mazda 3 entered its fourth generation in 2019, and it quickly became the company's best-selling vehicle. Mazda is well-known for producing high-quality, dependable vehicles. The 2020 Mazda 3 recovered quickly, earning a flawless five out of five points for dependability. The 2020 Mazda 3 is one of the most prevalent cars on the roads today. The 2020 Mazda 3 is an averagely reliable blending in the segment, with only 16 complaints and 2 recalls.

The Mazda 3 common problems which are unfortunately dealt with by owners are related to defective engines and fuel systems, malfunctioning steering and forward collision avoidance, and malfunctioning service brakes. Along with that, the Mazda 3 issues persist with its exterior and interior structures. The Mazda 3’s competitors are equally impressive: the Hyundai Elantra, the Kia Forte, and the Honda CivicLet's examine in greater detail the problems it has encountered thus far.

Engine and Mechanical Complaints

Engine: No journey could be satisfied without a dependable engine. That is what Mazda 3 owners are discovering. There were a couple of powertrain issues and three engine system malfunctions, as well as a slow wipes engine. Mazda was installing faulty fuel pumps in the Mazda 3, starting to cause it to stall or shut down unexpectedly.

Fuel/Propulsion System: Fuel pump, car dying, unable to turn off brake release when it dies Acceleration causes shaking are the problem with fuel gas. The Cummins diesel engine when under high pressure can disrupt the fuel pump and could fail. Even a fuel leak is possible as a result of the repercussions described above.

Service Brakes: The contact owns a 2020 Mazda 3. While driving at 35 mph, the contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated, and the brakes locked away, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the problem persisted. The failure mileage was around 2,000.

Steering: Mazda 3 common faults which are reported by the owners have difficulty turning and steering. Steering wheel issues could be more complicated than any other problem. If this occurs in a Mazda 3, the power steering fluid should be checked first. You should also look for a steering fluid leak.

Safety Complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: Today's safety systems are intended to protect and keep people safe, but the forward collision avoidance software in the 2020 Mazda 3 does not. A contact stated that she was driving at 25 mph with no obstacles in front of her when the collision warning makes it sound. The braking framework did not work. There was no danger of colliding.

2020 Mazda 3 Recalls

S.No.

Recall Date

NHTSA Campaign ID

Issues noticed

Additional remarks

Remedy

1

June 12, 2020,

20V346000

Front Brake Caliper Bolts May Loosen and Fall Off

Mazda Certain 2020 Mazda3 vehicles are being recalled by North American Operations (Mazda). The front brake caliper mounting bolts may have been improperly stiffened during the arrangement, allowing the calipers to slacken.

Mazda will immediately inform owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the front brake caliper bolts as needed. If any bolts are missing, the brake caliper in question will be replaced. Repairs will be provided at no cost. The recall went into effect on July 24, 2020.

2

December 19, 2019,

19V907000

Emergency Braking Can Activate Unexpectedly

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain Mazda3 models from 2019 to 2020. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can detect an obstacle while driving and activate the automatic emergency braking system, causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop.

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install SBS software updates. Vehicles with specific production dates will also receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement, as well as a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be made at no cost. The recall went into effect on February 14, 2020.

Should you buy a used 2020 Mazda 3?

The 2020 Mazda 3 is a decent hatchback vehicle. Its energetic processing makes it one of the athletic subcompacts. However, when it tends to come to rating the car, it has not made the same impact as its competitors. The 2020 Mazda 3 is prophesied to be 74 out of 100 reliable. This is why nearly 30,352 people purchase the 2020 Mazda 3 hatchback which is significantly low than the previous years. The Mazda 3 common problems include faulty engines and fuel systems, faulty steering and forward collision avoidance, and faulty service brakes. 

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

March 13, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11724244

Components: 192000 TIRES

NHTSA ID Number:
11724244

Incident Date:
March 13, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
3MZBPAEM6LM

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
size 21545ZR18 93Y. replaced these oem tires with these from costco on feb 27 2025. in dec 5 2025 the tir...

February 19, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11719227

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11719227

Incident Date:
February 19, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
3MZBPBEM1LM

Consumer Location:
FAIRFAX, VA

Summary
My Mazda3 began producing a chirp when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear (automatic transmission). The dealer...

November 18, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11700190

Components: 020000 SUSPENSION

NHTSA ID Number:
11700190

Incident Date:
November 18, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3MZBPBDM7LM

Consumer Location:
EXTON, PA

Summary
I pulled into the driveway (at about 5 mph) of my passenger's home, when a very loud, metallic pop occurr...

November 16, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11699700

Components: 010000 STEERING

NHTSA ID Number:
11699700

Incident Date:
November 16, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM1BPBNM6L1

Consumer Location:
PFLUGERVILLE, TX

Summary
TSB 02-003/24 Car front suspension bolts corroded and making metal on metal sounds during turning and br...

July 8, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11671865

Components: 355100 EQUIPMENT

NHTSA ID Number:
11671865

Incident Date:
July 8, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3MZBPABL7LM

Consumer Location:
SEMINOLE, FL

Summary
See attached document for complaint.

74/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

83/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

85/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

82/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

FAQs

What is the average lifespan of a Mazda3?

Posted On: November 9, 2022

The first generation Mazda 3 was launched all the way back in 2003 and it's not uncommon to see a well-maintained first-generation Mazda 3 with around 200,000-250,000 miles on the streets. In fact, there have been cases of a Mazda 3 doing 350,000 miles on the odometer and still working fine.

Are Mazdas as reliable as Toyotas?

Posted On: November 9, 2022

The Mazda brand tops the list with a reliability rating of 83/100 whereas Toyota scores a humble 74/100 and Honda scores a much lower 63/100. Mazda was also awarded as the most reliable car brand in the market.

Do Mazda 3 hold their value?

Posted On: November 9, 2022

Since the average rate of depreciation for cars in the US is around 8% per year and the Mazda 3 cars are known to depreciate by about 48% in the first 5 years of its ownership, we can say that the Mazda 3 does hold its value relatively well in the long run

What's the cost of the 2020 Mazda3?

Posted On: November 9, 2022

The 2020 Mazda 3 price starts at an MSRP of $21,500 excluding the $945 destination fee for the base model. The top-end Mazda 3 Premium gets a price tag of $26,500.

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