2018 Mazda 3
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 30 of 108 complaints (28%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Engine include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 83 in 2017 to 108 in 2018.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | vs. 2018 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,900–2,150 | 1,950–2,250 | 1,950–2,250 | 2,100–2,300 | 2,100–2,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 29–33 | 28–32 | 28–32 | 27–30 | 27–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 25–30 / 34–40 | 25–28 / 33–37 | 25–28 / 33–38 | 24–27 / 32–36 | 24–27 / 32–36 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 266–310 | 281–319 | 280–319 | 295–328 | 295–328 | |
| Complaints filed | 103 | 83 | 108 | 74 | 32 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 7 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
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 2018 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 is the most common complaint about the 2018 Mazda 3?
Electrical: 30 of 108 NHTSA complaints (28%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mazda 3 get?
EPA rates it 28–32 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Mazda 3?
EPA estimates $1,950–$2,250 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
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 | Compact Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 281 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 283 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 293 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 27 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 286 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 37 mpg | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 280 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 301 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg (low) | 34 mpg | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 312 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 25 mpg (low) | 33 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | $2,250 (high) | 319 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 30 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 16 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Other | 26 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 21V875000 · Nov 12, 2021
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER · Campaign 19V272000 · Apr 7, 2019
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Consequence: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM · Campaign 17V745000 · Nov 27, 2017
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.