2016 Mazda CX-3

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Electrical

Electrical leads by volume: 11 of 48 complaints (23%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Data last changed Sep 16, 2026. Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 3 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.
Category	2016	2017	2018	vs. 2016 Compact Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)	2,000–2,150	2,000–2,150	2,000–2,150
Combined MPG	29–31	29–31	29–31
City / Highway MPG	27–29 / 32–35	27–29 / 32–34	27–29 / 32–34
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)	290–308	288–308	290–308
Complaints filed	48	21	10	Not compared
Recalls issued	3	1	1	Not compared
Crash-involved complaints	4	2	1	Not compared
Fire-involved complaints	0	0	0	Not compared
Injuries reported	2	0	0	Not compared
Deaths reported	0	0	0	Not compared
Configurations compared	2	2	2

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 have?

3 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 2016 Mazda CX-3?

Electrical: 11 of 48 NHTSA complaints (23%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda CX-3 get?

EPA rates it 29–31 MPG combined across 2 configurations.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mazda CX-3?

EPA estimates $2,000–$2,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

Similar Vehicles

EPA-Rated Configurations (2)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
Configuration	Transmission	Cylinders	Displacement	Drivetrain	Fuel Type	Vehicle Class	City	Highway	Combined	Annual Fuel Cost	CO₂
Configuration 1	Automatic (S6)	4	2.0L	Front-Wheel Drive	Regular	Compact Cars	29 mpg (high)	35 mpg (high)	31 mpg (high)	$2,000 (low)	290 g/mi (low)
Configuration 2	Automatic (S6)	4	2.0L	4-Wheel Drive	Regular	Compact Cars	27 mpg (low)	32 mpg (low)	29 mpg (low)	$2,150 (high)	308 g/mi (high)

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
Category	Complaints	Crash-Involved	Injuries
Engine	4	0	0
Transmission & Drivetrain	0	0	0
Fuel System	5	0	0
Electrical	11	0	0
Brakes	2	0	0
Steering	0	0	0
Suspension, Wheels & Tires	1	1	0
Airbags & Restraints	2	1	2
Driver Assistance & Speed Control	10	1	0
Body, Seats & Latches	4	0	0
Visibility & Lighting	10	0	0
Other	10	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 (3)

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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE · Campaign 16V644000 · Sep 6, 2016
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
STEERING · Campaign 16V203000 · Apr 11, 2016
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Consequence: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.