0.67 vs. all vehicles Too few recent reports to judge
47 of the 318 complaints about the Mazda Mazda3 (14.8%) concern Engine, making it the model's second-largest problem area. That share is 0.7× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
47Complaints · Engine
14.8%Share of complaints
0.67×vs. all vehicles
2Last 12 months
6.4%Share involving a crash or fire
2Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2021 model (18, 37% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2020 model (1). 2 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
Owners most often describe: “oil”, “engine”, “low”, “light” and “malfunction”. 3 of these reports (6.4%) describe a crash or fire, with 2 injuries and 1 death mentioned.
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 19V497000 (2019-06-27, model years 2019).
I was driving on the highway and decided to switch int the left lane so I sped up and heard a big bang and what sounded like my bumper being dragged against the ground.
Engine · 2023-09-19 · ODI 11545514 · Fire
These issues been happening since the second month I owned my 2019 mazda 3 hatchback. 1- suspensions, they're very rough & harsh., they bounce so much for no reason, I damaged one tire already while I was driving on i476 normal highway where I stepped on…
Engine · 2020-05-24 · ODI 11325706 · Crash
My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving.
Engine · 2025-11-19 · ODI 11700428
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-pressure fuel pump failed. This component failure prevents the car from starting or staying running.
Engine · 2025-10-20 · ODI 11694610
Spontaneous loss of power while driving on highway. Check engine light came on. Speed limited by car. Continues to vibrate especially at idle from cold start. Code P0304 intermittently popping up.
Engine · 2025-04-23 · ODI 11656416
The thermostat malfunctioned on this vehicle, resulting in the thermostat remaining open and providing excess coolant to the engine, which in turn damaged internal components of the engine (compromises safety), decreased fuel economy, increased emissions…
Engine · 2025-02-21 · ODI 11644041
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
ENGINE Campaign 19V497000 · 2019-06-27 · Model years: 2019
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Campaign 17V745000 · 2017-11-21 · Model years: 2018
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.
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.
Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Mazda Mazda3?
47 of the 318 complaints about the Mazda Mazda3 (14.8%) concern Engine, making it the model's second-largest problem area. That share is 0.7× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Mazda Mazda3 model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2021 model (18, 37% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2020 model (1).
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda3 Engine problems?
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 19V497000 (2019-06-27, model years 2019).