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2018 Mazda CX-3

Gas
Compact Cars
2 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
A
Safety Signal
92 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns1
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA10
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA31 mpg
202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact car with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CX-3 2WD, is EPA-rated at 31 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of A. Owners have filed 10 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
CX-3 2WDGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl293431$2,000
CX-3 4WDGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl273229$2,150

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 38869, 38870.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (1)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Back Over Prevention

6023G
236,100 vehicles
ProblemMazda 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.RiskA rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers 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, anticipa
NHTSA campaign 23V487000reported Jul 14, 2023Mazda North American Operations

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
10complaints filed

1 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2018: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2026: 1

Most-cited components

Electrical System2
Engine2
Back Over Prevention2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Unspecified1
Wheels1

What owners describe

“Fuel injector failed without warning. A lot of fuel leaked into the engine destroying a spark plug in one cylinder and ultimately ruining the catalytic converter when fuel got into it. Independent mechanic and Mazda dealership diagnosed. Car cannot be driven.”May 8, 2026 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2018 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca…”Dec 10, 2024 · Back Over Prevention · NHTSA owner report
“Heavy condensation is occurring inside the driver side headlamp. A quick google search shows this is a common problem among Mazda owners and Mazda will not cover the repair. I am unable to get a Massachusetts state inspection sticker due to this.”Mar 16, 2024 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆14%
SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆14%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other CX-3 model years

A

2021 Mazda CX-3

1 recalls · 4 complaints

A

2020 Mazda CX-3

1 recalls · 1 complaints

B

2019 Mazda CX-3

2 recalls · 27 complaints

A

2017 Mazda CX-3

1 recalls · 21 complaints

C

2016 Mazda CX-3

3 recalls · 48 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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