We’ve ranked what we think is the best and the worst Mazda 3 from 2004 to the current model in this guide.
We’ve put together this guide to help you decide which Mazda 3 generation is best for you to buy and which Mazda 3 generation should be avoided.
We gathered data from reputable automotive platforms like NHTSA, JD Power, and Consumer Reports to determine which Mazda 3 years were the most and least reliable.
This guide will tell you how much the Mazda 3 is worth, recalls, and what to look out for.
It’s time to get started.
Mazda 3 Generations
Despite its entry-level status, Mazda 3’s stunning design, powerful performance, and appealing features quickly elevated it to the top of the automotive industry.
In addition to the sedan, Mazda 3s came in hatchbacks, making them versatile choices.
Using a table that summarizes the Mazda 3’s generations from 2004 to the present, we will provide a structured overview of each generation since 2004.
| Generations | Years |
| 1st generation (BK) | 2004-2009 |
| 2nd generation (BL) | 2010-2013 |
| 3rd generation (BM/BN) | 2014-2018 |
| 4th generation (BP) | 2019-Present |
As you move on in the future, there will be variations, upgrades, and improvements that are important to keep in mind so you can make an informed decision.
Years with Mazda 3: Good, Neutral, and Bad
In deciding which years are the best, neutral, and worst for Mazda 3, we consider the following factors:
- Owners’ reports of reliability (surveys)
- Maintenance costs
- The safety rating system
- Consumer Reports’ ratings of reliability
- Consumer Reports’ ratings of owner satisfaction
- Inquiries, recalls, and complaints by the NHTSA
- Owner ratings on Edmunds
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelly’s Blue Book ratings for owners
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
As a result of the collective data, a comprehensive table was created which categorizes each Mazda 3 model year into three categories: ‘superlative,’ ‘neutral,’ and ‘worst.’
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
| 1st generation (BK) | 2008 2009 | 2007 | 2004 2005 2006 |
| 2nd generation (BL) | 2012 2013 | N/A | 2010 2011 |
| 3rd generation (BM/BN) | 2017 2018 | 2016 | 2014 2015 |
| 4th generation (BP) | 2021 2022 2023 | 2020 | 2019 |
“Neutral Years” refer to model years during which none of our metrics excelled or faltered significantly.
Various factors, such as NHTSA recalls, can adversely affect a car’s reliability score. Consumers will feel less confident about a product if there are more complaints, recalls, and safety investigations.
The following table compares the best, neutral, and worst model years for the Mazda 3
(2004-2009) Mazda 3 1st Generation Best and Worst Years
Mazda introduced its first generation of the Mazda 3 in 2003, a compact car acclaimed for its excellent design, engaging driving characteristics, and fuel economy.
Mazda 3 sales are highest in 2008 and 2009, while 2004 and 2005 should be avoided.
Years to remember: 2008 and 2009
Consumer Reports rates the 2008 and 2009 Mazda 3s as the most reliable and most satisfying.
With its “s” Sport trim introduced in 2008, Mazda offered a 2.3L MZR L engine that developed 156 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque.
Combining this engine with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, you’ll achieve an average fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
There has been a report of a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system as well as valve stem leaks, which may result in flat tires.
Although, its expanded features, including an advanced audio system and side-curtain airbags, enable these model years to stand out in terms of overall reliability and driver satisfaction.
2007: A Neutral Year
There were persistent problems with the 2007 Mazda 3 despite its noteworthy features and powertrain options.
Despite its class-leading performance, the 2007 Mazda 3’s 2.0L MZR LF-VD engine delivered 148 horsepower and 135 pound-foot of torque and its 2.3L engine generated 150 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.
Among the trim levels, including “i” and “s”, there was a choice between an automatic and manual transmission.
In 2007, Mazda3 owners were notified of a recall for a risk of losing power steering assistance as a result of a power steering issue.
2004-2006: The Worst Years
Among Mazda’s generation 3 models, 2004 and 2005, it is undoubtedly the least reliable with the lowest VehicleHistory ratings.
Mazda 3 owners found these years less desirable because there were many problems with the model from 2004 through 2006.
It was notorious that the airbag system in 2004 Mazda 3s malfunctioned during collisions.
Besides stalling, the engine also leaked oil from the engine filter housing and had oil leaks. These issues posed a risk to the safety of passengers.
There were suspension and power steering issues with Mazda 3 models in 2005 and 2006, resulting in a compromised driving experience.
In 2004, 2005, and 2006, the NHTSA published Mazda 3 recalls and complaints.
Mazda 3 2nd Generation Best and Worst Years (2010-2013)
For the second generation Mazda 3 (2010-2013), aesthetic refinement and technical advancements marked a new era in the automotive industry.
Consequently, Mazda 3 years of 2012 and 2013 are the years to avoid due to melted dashboards, whereas Mazda 3 years of 2010 and 2011 are the years to avoid.
Years of Excellence: 2012, 2013
Despite Mazda’s SkyActiv technology and great gas mileage, it has been a very successful year for its second generation, with high ratings from Consumer Reports for owner satisfaction and reliability.
This was the period in which Mazda introduced the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G engine which developed 155 horsepower and 148 pounds-feet of torque.
With a fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, the Mazda 3 was known for its driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.
SkyActiv technology made responsive and fluid shifting possible on both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions during these years.
All trim levels of the 2013 model came with a USB port, making navigation systems easier to use and more intuitive for both model years.
Improved material quality and Bose Centerpoint surround-sound technology enhance the cabin experience in certain trims.
Some owners reported glitches with the information tainment system and clutch failures.
2010, 2011: the worst years
Because of common problems with dashboards and tire inflation valve stems, Mazda 3 years 2010 and 2011 should be avoided.
A melting dashboard issue in the 2010 Mazda 3 degraded the dashboard and made it shiny and sticky, which greatly impacted visibility.
Several class-action lawsuits were filed because of this issue.
A recall was issued for problematic seats and motor mounts that were also found to be problematic for this model year.
In spite of maintaining a semblance to the 2010 Mazda 3, some of the issues listed above persisted in the 2011.
Deflation of tires is frequently reported as a result of tire inflation valve stem problems. The dashboard is sometimes still present, however.
2011 and 2010 NHTSA Mazda 3 recalls and complaints
3rd Generation Mazda 3 Best and Worst Years (2014-2018)
In its third generation, the Mazda 3 underwent notable changes in design and technology.
While the Mazda 3 experienced some of its worst reliability in 2014 and 2015, it experienced some of its best years in 2017 and 2018.
Yearly Highlights: 2017 and 2018
What is the best year to buy a used Mazda 3? VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and Consumer Reports give the 2017 and 2018 Mazda 3 the highest scores for reliability and owner satisfaction, and there are fewer owner complaints than ever before.
It was available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, the SkyActiv-G petrol engines producing 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
It achieved 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway, which is commendable considering the engine’s 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.
Drivers are assisted in avoiding frontal collisions at low speeds by the Smart City Brake Support system, which is standard equipment on the vehicle.
The G-Vectoring Control technology was also introduced to improve ride comfort by increasing steering response through an adjustment of engine torque.
It’s reported that some owners experienced some discomfort during long rides as well as noise interference.
2016: Neutral Years
Providing a balanced perspective, the 2016 Mazda 3 combines praise and criticism.
While the same powertrains were offered, there wasn’t the same level of sophistication in terms of technology and safety.
In spite of this, all trim levels now come standard with a rearview camera and a touchscreen interface.
The parking brake actuator and fuel tank were both recalled this year due to corrosion concerns and possible fuel leaks from an Inlet Check Valve.
2014 and 2015: The Worst Years
It’s best to steer clear of Mazda 3 year 2014 and 2015 due to lower than average Edmunds and J.D Power scores.
A few owners have reported brake-related problems, including fuel leaks caused by corrosion.
On models equipped with the 2.5L engine and regenerative engine braking system, there were complaints of unexpected engine stalling and loss of power steering assist.
Recalls were issued for several noteworthy items, including the inlet vent valve of the fuel tank, which may malfunction and leak fuel, and the parking brake actuator, which may corrode. Vehicle owners and buyers were informed of mechanical concerns through these recalls.
2014, 2015, and 2016 Mazda 3 recalls and complaints
What’s the best and worst year for Mazda 3 4th Gen?
There was a new era in luxury with Mazda 3s of the fourth generation. The new era was marked by a premium look and feel that embodied quality.
Among the Mazda 3 years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Mazda 3 year 2019 is one to avoid.
2021, 2022, 2023: The best years
In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Mazda 3 will be enhanced with new technologies and safety features.
As 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engines and 2.5L Skyactiv-G PY-VPS four-cylinder engines have been introduced in recent years, the number of engine options has increased. The engine provides 320 lb-ft of torque and 250 horsepower when combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
City fuel economy was 28 mpg, highway fuel economy was 37 mpg.
In addition to adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning, i-Activsense offers lane-keeping assistance and lane departure warning.
According to IIHS, the 2022 Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick+ award:
It is important to note that challenges still existed despite these peak years. Some Mazda 3 owners have reported excessive oil consumption in their vehicles.
2020: The Neutral Years
It achieved a somewhat neutral ranking among the industry’s models despite Mazda’s commitment to performance and aesthetics.
Furthermore, it was equipped with a 2.5L engine that provided ample fuel efficiency and driving performance. However, there were some downsides to this model as well.
The model year is recalled for several reasons, including loosening of caliper bolts and emergency braking that occurs intermittently.
Year 2019: The Worst Year
In view of Consumer Reports’ findings on Mazda 3 reliability and owner satisfaction, and a number of recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the year 2019 is undoubtedly the worst time to buy a Mazda 3.
Consumers reported a wide range of concerns, including power train malfunctions, braking system failures, and problems with airbags and seatbelt indicators.
Several recalls have taken place on vehicles in the past year, including software errors causing engine stalls, unplanned emergency braking, loose rearview mirrors, and loose wheel lug nuts.
It was a particularly challenging year for the model, despite its commendable driving dynamics and sleek design.
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Problems with Mazda3
There have been some reliability issues with the Mazda, despite its popularity in the compact car segment. There are a number of common problems with the Mazda3 including:
- Clutch failure: Several Mazda3 models have experienced clutch failure (especially 2010, 2011, and 2012 models).
- This vehicle stalled and accelerated slowly due to a faulty clutch in the Mazda 3. There were many owners who had to change their clutches.
- Interior accessory problems: The interior accessory system in Mazda3s has been reported to have problems. Information system is reportedly acting up and unresponsive. Other reports claim that the seat brackets are broken, while others claim that the dashboard has melted and turned into a dark sludge.
- Excessive vibrations: Mazda3 models are causing excessive vibration complaints. Tires and brake pads were replaced by several drivers to resolve the issue. Motor mounts were found to be faulty as the cause of the problem.
- Rear suspension rattling: The rear suspension rattling has been reported by some Mazda3 drivers on rough roads. According to the investigation, the rear stabilizer bar link was either loose or the rear brake light mounting was faulty. In this case, the component should be replaced in order to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
Our analysis of Mazda 3’s journey over its generations has revealed some of its best years, as well as a few we wish had never happened. There are three years in particular that provide the best performance and reliability in terms of 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2021-2023.
Is reliability, resale value, or technological advances the most important factor in determining which model year you would like to purchase?
