2014 Mazda 3
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes is the largest identified problem area: 28 of 138 complaints (20%) mention it. 30 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Body, Seats & Latches include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 117 in 2013 to 138 in 2014.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | vs. 2014 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,950–2,700 | 1,950–2,700 | 1,900–2,100 | 1,900–2,150 | 1,900–2,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 23–32 | 23–32 | 30–33 | 29–33 | 29–33 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 20–28 / 28–39 | 20–28 / 28–39 | 27–30 / 36–39 | 25–30 / 34–40 | 25–30 / 34–40 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 278–386 | 277–377 | 267–293 | 266–310 | 266–310 | |
| Complaints filed | 226 | 117 | 138 | 130 | 103 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 7 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 5 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Mazda 3 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Mazda 3 get?
EPA rates it 30–33 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Mazda 3?
EPA estimates $1,900–$2,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 29 mpg | 39 mpg (high) | 32 mpg | $1,950 | 275 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 29 mpg | 39 mpg (high) | 33 mpg (high) | $1,900 (low) | 270 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 30 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 33 mpg (high) | $1,900 (low) | 267 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 29 mpg | 39 mpg (high) | 33 mpg (high) | $1,900 (low) | 270 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 28 mpg | 38 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 282 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 28 mpg | 38 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 | 280 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 27 mpg (low) | 36 mpg (low) | 30 mpg (low) | $2,100 (high) | 293 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg | 37 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 | 281 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 27 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 28 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 21 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 30 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 23V487000 · Jul 17, 2023
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.
PARKING BRAKE · Campaign 17V393000 · Jun 22, 2017
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Consequence: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 16V684000 · Sep 22, 2016
Defect: Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded attachment of the Inlet Check Valve (ICV) may fail and allow fuel to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld, replacing the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0116I.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR · Campaign 14V173000 · Apr 10, 2014
Defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.
Consequence: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.