Mazda 3 — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Mazda 3 specifications on file for 17 model years, 2010–2026, covering hatchback trims. Across those years EPA data lists 3 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 28 to 40 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 12 of the 15 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20262.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline32–361835★01
20252.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline32–371785★08
20242.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–361835★312
20232L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–371785★012
20222L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline32–371785★024
20212L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline32–371785★152
20202.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline34–361855★232
20192.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline34–36186—674
20182L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline35–371755★4108
20172L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline35–381755★283
20162L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline35–401655★6103
20152L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline35–401655★4129
20142L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline37–401685★4138
20132L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline28–381724★1117
20122L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline28–381734★1226
20112L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline28–341974★2132
20102L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline29–34197—3686

Best and Worst Mazda 3 Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 13 Mazda 3 model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 108 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2022 — 24 complaints, 0 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2020 — 32 complaints, 2 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2021 — 52 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 5★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

  • 2010 — 686 complaints, 3 recall campaigns
  • 2012 — 226 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2014 — 138 complaints, 4 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

Compare the Mazda 3 With Rivals

Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Mazda 3 covered on this site?

We have data for 17 model years of the Mazda 3, from 2010 to 2026.

What engines does the Mazda 3 come with?

EPA data lists: 2L 4-cyl (2010–2018, 2021–2023); 2.5L 4-cyl (2010–2026); 2.5L 4-cyl turbo (2021–2026).

Which Mazda 3 year has the best fuel economy?

The 2016 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 40 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Mazda 3 have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which Mazda 3 model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2016 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (6), and the 2010 has the most owner complaints (686). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2022–2023 and 2025–2026. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 is classed as a hatchback on this site.

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