BestCarRank
Mazda

2017 Mazda CX-3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Mazda CX-3 has 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 37. The most common issue is fuel system problems (37% of all complaints), specifically: where the plastic center console meets the carpeting on the right side of the gas pedal, there is a gap. no less than three times in only two months while in motion have i gotten my shoe stuck in the plastic of center console when trying to take it off the gas pedal, leaving me unable to take my fo. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

4 crash reports

27

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

FUEL SYSTEM

10 complaints
37%
  • WHERE THE PLASTIC CENTER CONSOLE MEETS THE CARPETING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GAS PEDAL, THERE IS A GAP. NO LESS THAN THREE TIMES IN ONLY TWO MONTHS WHILE IN MOTION HAVE I GOTTEN MY SHOE STUCK IN THE PLASTIC OF CENTER CONSOLE WHEN TRYING TO TAKE IT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO TAKE MY FO
  • WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE STALLED AND STARTED JERKING, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, LOSING SPEED QUICKLY. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO MOVE ONTO THE SHOULDER, AVOIDING A SEMI TRUCK APPROACHING QUICKLY BEHIND, AND ANOTHER SEMI TRUCKED PARKED ALONG THE INTERSTATE BLOCKING ACCESS TO THE SHO
  • The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact related the failure to a faulty fuel pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

WHERE THE PLASTIC CENTER CONSOLE MEETS THE CARPETING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GAS PEDAL, THERE IS A GAP. NO LESS THAN THREE TIMES IN ONLY TWO MONTHS WHILE IN MOTION HAVE I GOTTEN MY SHOE STUCK IN THE PLASTIC OF CENTER CONSOLE WHEN TRYING TO TAKE IT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO TAKE MY FO

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA14/07/2023

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.

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers 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, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Mazda CX-3

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,549
Per month
$129
Per mile
12.9¢
MPG
31
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$1,656/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,412/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
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 2017 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.
Full coverage / year
$1,511
Full coverage / month
$126
Liability only / year
$574
vs US avg
-10%
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 age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1511

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 2017 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

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 27 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • FUEL SYSTEM: WHERE THE PLASTIC CENTER CONSOLE MEETS THE CARPETING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GAS PEDAL, THERE IS A GAP. NO LESS THAN THREE TIMES IN ONLY TWO MONTHS WHILE IN MOTION HAVE I GOTTEN MY SHOE STUCK IN THE PLASTIC OF CENTER CONSOLE WHEN TRYING TO TAKE IT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO TAKE MY FO

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AT A VERY HIGH SPEED. A DRIVER DIDN'T SEE ME IN HIS LEFT SIDE BLIND SPOT AND WAS VEERING INTO MY LANE AT 85-90MPH. I SWERVED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID THE CAR AND MY CAR WOULDN'T STRAIGHTEN/I COULDN'T GET BACK THE CONTROL. I SMASHED THE GUARDRAIL WITH THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR AN

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: 2017 MAZDA CX3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AN ISSUE WITH VEHICLES BLIND SPOT WARNING SYSTEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BLIND SPOT SYSTEM DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE OPERATING WELL. THE SYSTEM ONLY SEEMED TO REGISTER WHEN A VEHICLE WAS APPROACHED FROM THE REAR. LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE WARNINGS APPEARED

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: WARM AIR FROM THE CLIMATE CONTROL VENTS- CAR IS UNDER 45,000 MILES AND NEEDS A NEW EVAPORATOR- MOST CARS WILL NEVER NEED A NEW EVAPORATOR, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS UNDER FOUR YEARS OLD. *TR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mazda CX-3 — Year Comparison

How does 2017 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
27
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
4
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
37

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2017 Mazda CX-3