Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has 63 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-3?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (11 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (10 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (9 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Mazda CX-3?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, STEERING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mazda CX-3?

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 gets 31 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1548. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Mazda CX-3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is approximately $1,390/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Mazda CX-3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 37. The most common issue is electrical problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: vehicle a/c quit working after less than 3 yrs, just out of warranty no less. dealer wants nearly $2k for repair. turns out the cause is a defective part mazda has been aware of since 2016. i was not notified of this issue. there are three separate tsb's about the issue and a mazda service progra. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

11 complaints

17%

• VEHICLE A/C QUIT WORKING AFTER LESS THAN 3 YRS, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY NO LESS. DEALER WANTS NEARLY $2K FOR REPAIR. TURNS OUT THE CAUSE IS A DEFECTIVE PART MAZDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF SINCE 2016. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE THREE SEPARATE TSB'S ABOUT THE ISSUE AND A MAZDA SERVICE PROGRA
• THE HEADLAMPS CONTAIN AND HOLD MOISTURE CAUSING A SOFTER LIGHT AND LESS VISIBILITY. I AM AFRAID THE MOISTURE WILL CAUSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE.
• DRIVING ON INTERSTATE CAR LOST POWER ALL WARNING LIGHTS WENT ON THEN DIED COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD COULD NOT RESTART CAR HAD ABOUT 1/8 TANK GAS DOT CAME AND PUT IN SOME MORE GAS RESTARTED WENT TO GAS STATION AND OIL CHANGE SHOP THAT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING TO REPAIR RESET WARNING LIGHTS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“VEHICLE A/C QUIT WORKING AFTER LESS THAN 3 YRS, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY NO LESS. DEALER WANTS NEARLY $2K FOR REPAIR. TURNS OUT THE CAUSE IS A DEFECTIVE PART MAZDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF SINCE 2016. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE THREE SEPARATE TSB'S ABOUT THE ISSUE AND A MAZDA SERVICE PROGRA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Mazda CX-3

Based on 35 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 42K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Later than typicalmedian 55K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE06/09/2016

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, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Mazda CX-3

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,549

Per month

$129

Per mile

12.9¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Mazda CX-3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,390

Full coverage / month

$116

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-17%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1390

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda CX-3 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2016 CX-3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 63 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: VEHICLE A/C QUIT WORKING AFTER LESS THAN 3 YRS, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY NO LESS. DEALER WANTS NEARLY $2K FOR REPAIR. TURNS OUT THE CAUSE IS A DEFECTIVE PART MAZDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF SINCE 2016. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE THREE SEPARATE TSB'S ABOUT THE ISSUE AND A MAZDA SERVICE PROGRA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I BOUGHT A MAZDA CX-3 ON DECEMBER 31ST 2015. ON JANUARY 27TH I DROVE THE CAR FROM HOME TO WORK FOR 20 MINUTES AND I ENTERED PARKING LOT WITH MAY BE 15 MILES AN HOUR! I MADE MY 90 DEGREE TURN INTO PARKING STALL WITH MAY BE 5 MILES AN HOUR AND PUSHED THE BRAKE TO FULLY STOP! CAR ALMOST STOPPED BUT SU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION CHIME SOUNDED EVERY 5 SECONDS FOR 35 MINUTES. PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE NOW DISABLED. BLIND SPOT MONITORING ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES....A MIND OF ITS OWN.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-3. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PRODUCE ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (SIL TERHAR MOTORS, 1551 US HIGHWAY 287, BROOMFIELD, CO 80020), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ADJUST THE HEADLIGHTS. THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)