Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Mazda CX-3, and it carries 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 5 | 19% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 11% |
| Steering | 2 | 7% |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 7% |
| Fuel system | 2 | 7% |
| Air bags | 1 | 4% |
| Air bags | 1 | 4% |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 4% |
| Steering | 1 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Ok so the front seat passenger side i put my phone it think there a person there and it dings constantly until I plug seatbelt it annoying I dont want to hear that all the time madza know about it they won't help unless
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
So the sport mode on cx3 have not bracket under the sport mode and if try to activeit the sport mode whole switch goes down you cant active with grabbing it will fall out of socket
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the air bag warning light flashed off and on.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
A recall notice dated July 14, 2023 stated improper design of rearview camera wiring harness fastener. The fastener may become damaged from vibrations during normal vehicle use and/or while closing the lift gate. I have
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. T
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2019 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 th
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Sunroof shattered randomly while driving. (No objects hit the glass.) If my visor had been open the glass would have exploded down on me while driving potentially leading to an accident. Dealer said it was likely a press
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2019 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 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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 t
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 | 88 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 84 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 91 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 51 | average |
| Performance | 55 | average |
| Efficiency | 50 | average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 5 of them (19%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 88/100 (excellent) 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 84/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 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 77/100. 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.