Is the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

The 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 has 139 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (30 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (25 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (23 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, 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 insure a 2018 Mazda MAZDA3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 is approximately $1,511/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.

2018 Mazda MAZDA3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 has 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 137. The most common issue is electrical problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2018 mazda 3. the contact stated that she was experiencing different electrical failures with the vehicle. the contact stated that the passenger side seat belt warning chime sounded when the seat was unoccupied. the contact had to buckle the seat beat to stop the warning sound. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

7 crash reports 7 injuries

139

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

30 complaints

22%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS EXPERIENCING DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME SOUNDED WHEN THE SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BEAT TO STOP THE WARNING SOUND
• THE BATTERY IN MY 2018 MAZDA 3 (TOURING) HAS DIED 3 TIMES IN ABOUT YEAR'S TIME. AFTER THE FIRST TIME, THE DEALER SAID IT WAS JUST A FLUKE--THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ANYTHING. THEY PUT A BRAND NEW BATTERY IN. AFTER THE SECOND BATTERY DIED, THE DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS BECAUSE WE WEREN'T MAKING
• THE CHARGE WARNING SYSTEM CAME ON AND THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC IT HAPPENED ON FEBRUARY 3RD AND I HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT ON FEBRUARY THE 9TH 2021 I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET LOOKED AT MY MAZDA AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITHOUT HAVING THE IN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS EXPERIENCING DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME SOUNDED WHEN THE SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BEAT TO STOP THE WARNING SOUND”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3

Based on 48 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 22K 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+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 17K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

Later than typicalmedian 39K mi · 10 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 (4)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER04/04/2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.

Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mazda MAZDA3

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

$1,511

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 MAZDA3 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 2018 MAZDA3, 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

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 139 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS EXPERIENCING DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME SOUNDED WHEN THE SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BEAT TO STOP THE WARNING SOUND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY QUIET BOULEVARD IN NIAGARA FALLS, NY. I WAS THERE ON A FAMILY TRIP WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN WE HEARD MULTIPLE VERY LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE TOP OF OUR CAR, ESPECIALLY THE LAST ONE WHICH SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THE SUNROOF OR OUR 6-MONTH OLD 2018 MAZDA 3 HAD JUST EXPLODED!
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light illuminated. The contact then slammed on the brakes and pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact stated that
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: ON SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2018, I WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE STATE, DURING A ROAD TRIP ON MY WAY FROM CANNON BEACH TO PORTLAND IN THE STATE OF OREGON AROUND 9PM, I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 MAZDA 3 ON NORTH OF HIGHWAY I-5 WHEN RAIN BEGAN DURING RUSH TRAFFIC. I HAD THE AUTOMATIC FRONT WIPERS ON AND THEY BEGAN PERFORM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)