The most-reported Mazda3 run is JM1BL1SF4A1 (2010 builds) with 27 complaints, 12.9× the typical run. Unknown or other problems make up 16% of reports; 2010 is the worst model year at 7 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 30 recall campaigns for Mazda3 model years 2004–2025.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mazda Mazda3 has 1,233 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 4% of every Mazda3 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JM1BL1SF4A1•••••• | 2010 | 1 | 1 | |
| JM1BL1SF3A1•••••• | 2010 | — | — | |
| JM1BL1SFXA1•••••• | 2010 | — | — | |
| JM1BL1SF7A1•••••• | 2010 | 1 | — | |
| JM1BL1SF9A1•••••• | 2010 | 1 | — | |
| JM1BL1SF5A1•••••• | 2010 | — | — | |
| JM1BL1SF1A1•••••• | 2010 | — | — | |
| JM1BL1SF8A1•••••• | 2010 | — | — | |
| JM1BL1SF0A1•••••• | 2010 | 1 | — | |
| JM1BL1SF2A1•••••• | 2010 | 2 | — | |
| JM1BL1SF6A1•••••• | 2010 | — | 1 | |
| JM1BL1SG8A1•••••• | 2010 | — | — |
Each of the other 1,221 Mazda3 runs has 13 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 366 Mazda3 VINs so far, most often 2012, 2015, 2014 builds; 11 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mazda Mazda3 the gap between build years is 5.8×: a 2010 car draws 7 complaints per run, a 2016 one 1.2.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | 11 | 2 | |
| 2023 | 12 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2022 | 24 | 22 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 53 | 42 | 2 | |
| 2020 | 32 | 26 | — | |
| 2019 | 73 | 56 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 107 | 48 | 6 | |
| 2017 | 81 | 62 | 6 | |
| 2016 | 102 | 84 | 7 | |
| 2015 | 123 | 83 | 8 | |
| 2014 | 131 | 78 | 10 | |
| 2013 | 105 | 72 | 5 | |
| 2012 | 203 | 112 | 7 | |
| 2011 | 112 | 67 | 11 | |
| 2010 | 581 | 83 | 15 | |
| 2009 | 96 | 48 | 10 | |
| 2008 | 243 | 81 | 24 | |
| 2007 | 182 | 90 | 24 | |
| 2006 | 126 | 71 | 17 | |
| 2005 | 76 | 41 | 14 |
Heaviest year here is 2010 at 7 complaints per run; lightest is 2022 at 1.1. The 2024 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 16% of everything Mazda Mazda3 owners report: Unknown Or Other, 345 of 2,585 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 9 | 6 | |
| Steering | 40 | — | |
| Electrical System | 14 | 12 | |
| Structure | 16 | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 27 | — | |
| Air Bags | 76 | 1 | |
| Power Train | 3 | 2 | |
| Engine | 8 | 6 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 30 recall campaigns on the Mazda Mazda3; the 6 below cover build years 2004 to 2018. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 09E011000 | Equipment | 2004–2009 |
| 23V487000 | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2014–2018 |
| 16V644000 | Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate | 2010–2013 |
| 21V494000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2004–2007 |
| 19V272000 | Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer | 2016–2018 |
| 16V684000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly | 2014–2016 |
The Mazda3 against its rivals
The Mazda3 draws 2.1 complaints per production run; the Honda Civic 2.8, the Toyota Corolla 5.2 and the Toyota Prius 13.3. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda3 | 2,585 | 1,233 | 7.4% | |
| Honda Civic | 13,473 | 4,774 | 10.3% | |
| Toyota Corolla | 10,489 | 2,033 | 14.9% | |
| Toyota Prius | 10,797 | 811 | 7.9% |
How serious were they
Of the 2,585 reports on the Mazda Mazda3, 7.4% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Mazda Mazda3 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 2,585 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 190 (7.4%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 28 (1.1%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 137 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The Mazda Mazda3 share of that is 2,585 complaints over 1,233 runs, 0.23% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mazda Mazda3 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 2,585 NHTSA complaints from 1,233 Mazda3 runs and 30 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Mazda3 production run has the most complaints?
JM1BL1SF4A1, a 2010 build, with 27 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical Mazda3 run has 2.1.
Which Mazda3 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2010 is heaviest at 7 complaints per run and 2022 lightest at 1.1.
Does the Mazda3 get more complaints than the Honda Civic?
No: 2.1 complaints per production run for the Mazda3 against 2.8 for the Honda Civic.
How many Mazda3 complaints involve a crash?
7.4% of 2,585 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 28 involved a fire.
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