SUV · Gas
Mazda CX-3 2016-2021
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- Take the quiz
- Price
- $19,960–$22,190
- MPG
- 31
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong reliability
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Poor passenger space
How it scores for you10 scores
Drives like a hot hatch and carries five-star crash ratings, but the back seat and cargo hold are among the smallest in the class.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; none of its 4 recalls were serious. About 6% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +5 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,100 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 70% of cars we track.
12.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 3% of other SUVs we track.
Rear seat and cargo hold are among the smallest in the segment.
Light, eager, and tidy-handling - among the most entertaining subcompact crossovers.
Mazda Connect with a rotary controller was decent early, dated late; CarPlay only from 2019.
Firm ride, noticeable road noise, and snug front quarters.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls9 recalls
9 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2016–2021
- Electrical — 11 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Back over prevention: sensing system: camera (2021)
- Electrical — 8 complaints (2019)
2021
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera23V487000
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.
2020
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera23V487000
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.
2019
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V875000
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.
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera23V487000
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.
- Complaint clusterElectrical8 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
- Complaint clusterSteering5 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
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 interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]
2018
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera23V487000
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.
2017
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera23V487000
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.
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion6 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine on my 2017 CX-3 died while travelling on the interstate at 70mph just before the low fuel light would normally turn on. I pulled to the side of the interstate freaked out at what just happened. I was within a mile of an exit with a gas station and the car started when fuel was added.
2016
- RecallSteering16V203000
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
- RecallStructure: body: hatchback/liftgate16V644000
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,
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera23V487000
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.
- Complaint clusterElectrical11 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical component
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
- Complaint clusterExterior lighting6 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 repair?? on fixed income, to pricey for me to repair!
- Complaint clusterBack over prevention5 complaintscomplaints: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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Cost to own$17,800 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$19,960–$22,190
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,100/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
29
Highway MPG
35
Combined MPG
31
Horsepower
148 hp
Doors
4
Length
168.1 in
Width
69.7 in
Height
60.6 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
2,952 lb
Cargo volume
12.4 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
44.5 cu ft
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