Is the 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 reliable?

The 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); LIGHTING (2 complaints, avg repair $500); WHEELS (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): SEATS, STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is approximately $1,366/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.

2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is body/structure problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the front dash separates and the manufacture won't stand by it. *tr. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

BODY/STRUCTURE

2 complaints

25%

• THE FRONT DASH SEPARATES AND THE MANUFACTURE WON'T STAND BY IT. *TR
• EXCESSIVE ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF MOISTURE/WATER GETTING IN HEADLIGHT (PASSENGERS SIDE) CAUSING HEADLIGHT NOT TO WORK. PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN 7/1/2016. WATER GETTING INTO HEADLIGHT AND EFFECTING THE AFS SENSOR ALSO. AFS SENSOR NOT WORKING NOW. AFS SENSOR QUIT WORKING ON OR ABOUT 6/1/2017. HEADLIGHT QUIT WO

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

“THE FRONT DASH SEPARATES AND THE MANUFACTURE WON'T STAND BY IT. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

SEATS09/02/2017

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.

Risk: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

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

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

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 rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda MAZDASPEED3 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 2011 MAZDASPEED3, 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

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: THE FRONT DASH SEPARATES AND THE MANUFACTURE WON'T STAND BY IT. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: EXCESSIVE ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF MOISTURE/WATER GETTING IN HEADLIGHT (PASSENGERS SIDE) CAUSING HEADLIGHT NOT TO WORK. PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN 7/1/2016. WATER GETTING INTO HEADLIGHT AND EFFECTING THE AFS SENSOR ALSO. AFS SENSOR NOT WORKING NOW. AFS SENSOR QUIT WORKING ON OR ABOUT 6/1/2017. HEADLIGHT QUIT WO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: 2011 MAZDA 3 REAR TIRE WEAR ISSUES: CAR HAS UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, (INSIDE EDGES) EVEN WHEN TIRES GET ROTATED, CAR IS ALSO ALIGNED CORRECTLY, NO FRONT END ISSUES. AFTER NORMAL DRIVING, THE TIRES GET A BAD FEATHERING WEAR ISSUE, CREATING UNEVEN (INSIDE EDGE) WEAR AND PREMATURE TIRE USAGE. THIS SHOULD B
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TIRES: 2011 MAZDA 3 REAR TIRE WEAR ISSUES: CAR HAS UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, (INSIDE EDGES) EVEN WHEN TIRES GET ROTATED, CAR IS ALSO ALIGNED CORRECTLY, NO FRONT END ISSUES. AFTER NORMAL DRIVING, THE TIRES GET A BAD FEATHERING WEAR ISSUE, CREATING UNEVEN (INSIDE EDGE) WEAR AND PREMATURE TIRE USAGE. THIS SHOULD B
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mazda MAZDASPEED3 — Year Comparison

How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2012

6Excellent Reliability

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints: 8
Recalls: 2
Fire reports: 0
Crash reports: 0
Injury reports: 0
Segment avg: 8

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2011 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

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