Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda CX-3, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 6 | 13% |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 13% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 13% |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 10% |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 6% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 4% |
| Seats | 2 | 4% |
| Engine | 2 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
It’s a safety risk with this car. The converter burns super fast, causing issues that seem like it’s related to transmission or alternator.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
While driving on the highway on a posted 65mph, the fuel remaining on the vehicle was posted at 1/4, approx. 75miles remaining. The vehicle abruptly stalled and I managed to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that t
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that w
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was conta
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and f
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
My recent experience with the service at Putnam Mazda was extremely disappointing and frustrating. What should have been a routine visit turned into a distressing ordeal. My car suddenly died on the freeway without warni
NHTSA complaint: Engine
THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE CONTAINED MOISTURE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, CAUSING DIFFUSED, DIMMED VISIBILITY AT NIGHT...VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO, CONCERNED THAT ELECTRICAL MAY BE AFFECTED EVENTUALLY.... Mazda still will not recall and
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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,
Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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
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
Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 th
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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 notific
| Reliability raw | 72 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 77 | good |
| Maintenance | 91 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 62 | average |
| Performance | 45 | below average |
| Efficiency | 54 | average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and unknown or other is the most reported area with 6 of them (13%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 72/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 77/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 73/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.