NHTSA has received 108 owner complaints about the 2018 Mazda Mazda3, or 12.5 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.30, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #19 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is about the same; against other Compact cars it is 46% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-05-13 and 2026-08-26. Median delay from incident to filing: 14 days.
108Complaints
12.5Complaints per year on the road
0.3Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
4Recalls
5.6%Share involving a crash or fire
9Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 9.6 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 16 complaints, 82% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Electrical (37.0% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (15.7%) and Body & structure (14.8%). Electrical complaints are 2.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Electrical reports, owners most often mention “notification prevention”, “ghost”, “prevention recall”, “camera” and “confirms available”. 6 reports (5.6%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 5 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 68 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (65% of incidents). In the last 12 months 9 new complaints were filed, versus 18 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for this model year. 71% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.3
vs. other Mazda models1.03
vs. other 2018 models0.25
vs. other Compact cars0.54
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (16)0.18
In 2023, the reverse camera would either flicker or completely shut off (displaying a blank screen) while the reverse gear is engaged.
Electrical · 2024-07-18 · ODI 11603286 · Crash
Vehicle was off and unattended in parking lot:manual transmission which I've driven my whole life & I'm no spring chicken. Live in flat city where hill/rolling back has never been an issue. Car has electric parking brake.
Brakes · 2020-06-24 · ODI 11330612 · Crash
The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a small explosion. I am positive that no object struck the vehicle.
Interior & equipment · 2026-08-26 · ODI 11759848
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the windshield wipers had become inoperable.
Body & structure · 2026-06-05 · ODI 11742263
While I was driving on the highway, I went to use my front wipers and there was no response when trying to active them. The rear wiper, front and rear washer fluid sprayers all worked. No warning lights or other signs of failure were present.
Body & structure · 2026-03-24 · ODI 11726590
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 23V487000 · 2023-07-14
Summary: 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.
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.
Summary: 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.
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.
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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 · 2017-11-21
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?
108 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3, or about 12.5 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?
The most common category is Electrical, accounting for 37.0% of complaints.
Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 9 new complaints were filed, versus 18 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
How does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 108 owner complaints about the 2018 Mazda Mazda3, or 12.5 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.30, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #19 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is about the same; against other Compact cars it is 46% lower.