2011 Mazda 3 — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Mazda 3 is a hatchback offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mazda 3 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Mazda 3: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 34 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2010 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 12 cu ft (340 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 30 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 25 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 197 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2011 Mazda 3 across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 28 mpg (US), or 28 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/32) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/32) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/28) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 240 | $2,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Mazda 3
Running Costs: 2011 Mazda 3
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Mazda 3 at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Mazda 3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Mazda 3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seats (1), Structure (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seats — campaign 17V082000, reported 9 February 2017. Risk: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Structure — campaign 16V644000, reported 6 September 2016. Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Owners have filed 132 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mazda 3. The most-reported areas are Air bags (29), Seats (20), Unspecified (18). Complaints include 12 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 13 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 83 complaints across the 17 Mazda 3 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Mazda 3
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (29 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Seats (1 recall campaign · 20 owner complaints) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
- Electrical system (15 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Body structure (1 recall campaign) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Mazda models in our database.
Of the 17 Mazda 3 model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 16th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined, against a high of 40 mpg). See every Mazda 3 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Mazda 3
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Mazda 3 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 Mazda 3: 2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Mazda 3?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 34 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Mazda 3 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Mazda 3 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 Mazda 3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Mazda 3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seats (1), Structure (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Mazda 3?
Among the 132 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (29 complaints), Seats (20 complaints), Unspecified (18 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Mazda 3 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.