Car Record Book

2020 Mazda Mazda3 recalls & problems

The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 has 2 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (24 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints32filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
2020 Mazda Mazda3 in an NHTSA crash test
2020 Mazda Mazda3 in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper

NHTSA recall 20V346000 · Jun 12, 2020 · 24,037 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.

Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.

Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking

NHTSA recall 19V907000 · Dec 19, 2019 · 35,390 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.

Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2020 Mazda Mazda3 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2020 Mazda Mazda3 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2020 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2020 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2020 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2020 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Forward collision avoidance
Automatic emergency braking; Warnings
240009,706 mi
Steering
3000—
Unknown or other
3000—
Electrical system
3000—
Lane departure
Warning; Assist
3000—
Service brakes
2000—
Fuel/propulsion system
2000—
Suspension
2000—
Structure
Body
1000—
Service brakes, hydraulic
1000—
Engine
1000—
Visibility/wiper
1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.