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Mazda 3 IV problems (2019–today)

We have documented 2 engines for the Mazda 3 IV; the Skyactiv-D has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2][3][4][5]

Outside the engine: Apart from the engine, the Mazda3 (BP) shares two factory campaigns with the CX-30: unintended automatic braking from Smart Brake Support (2018-2019) and a fault in the vision cameras (2023). On top of that there are isolated complaints about the 12 V battery on m-hybrid versions, refrigerant leaks in the air conditioning and flaking paint, with no recognition by the manufacturer as systemic faults.[3][6][7][8][9]

Mazda 3 IV (2019–today)
Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.6out of 10

Mazda 3 IV rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 11 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine6.6From 5.7 to 7.6 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes7.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system8.61 fault
  • Headlights and lights7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment8.91 fault
  • Climate control9.31 fault
  • Bodywork and interior8.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety7.11 fault

Ranked 14 of 93 among the compact cars with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Mazda 3 IV

  1. 1High severity: Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsSkyactiv-D engine
  2. 2Critical severity: Smart Brake Support can brake the car unintentionally while drivingAirbags and safety
  3. 3Medium severity: Carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectorsSkyactiv-D engine
  4. 4Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impellerSkyactiv-G engine
  5. 5Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)Skyactiv-G engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

2 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Software fault in the vision camera control module. See the campaigns for the Mazda 3 IV

13 sourcesHow we work

Skyactiv-D

Mazda Skyactiv-D 1.5/1.8/2.2 (S5-DPTS, S8-DPTS, SH-VPTS) · Diesel

In the 3 IV
since 2019[6][9]
Name
Mazda3 1.8 Skyactiv-D
Faults that affect it
2 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
43
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.8 Skyactiv-D 116 (S8-DPTS, 2018-present)since 2018 · 116 hp · S8-DPTS, S8-DPTR

    With caution

    It is the most recent version and has the fewest accumulated kilometres on the road, so there are few reports of serious faults on fiches-auto.fr. Specialist sources describe the same design-related oil dilution risk as the rest of the family, so it is still worth watching the level.[6][10][11]

Faults that affect the 3 IV

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Skyactiv-D has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsOn the Skyactiv-D (1.5, 1.8 and 2.2), particulate filter regenerations can let diesel into the sump and raise the oil level. Mazda accepts some dilution as normal, but on short urban journeys the expected margin can be exceeded and harm the lubrication of the turbo and the camshaft.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectorsUrban use and short journeys encourage carbon build-up in the intake manifold, EGR valve and injectors of the Skyactiv-D, with loss of power and uneven running; it is documented on the CX-5, the Mazda6, the Mazda3, the CX-3 and the CX-30.

3 IV Skyactiv-D pageAll versions and faults of the Skyactiv-D

Skyactiv-G

Safest option

Mazda Skyactiv-G 1.5/2.0/2.5 (P5-VPS, PE-VPS, PY-VPS) · Petrol

In the 3 IV
since 2019[3][12]
Names
1.5 Skyactiv-G · 2.0 Skyactiv-G
Faults that affect it
4
Risk index on this car
24
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)since 2012 · 155 hp · PE-VPS

    Buy

    According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

  • 1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)since 2014 · 75–115 hp · P5-VPS, P5-VP

    Buy

    gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents no relevant engine failures on the Mazda2 or Mazda3 with this engine; the occasional oil consumption on the Mazda3 BM/BN is the only point to watch.[4][5]

Faults that affect the 3 IV

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Skyactiv-G has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelMicro-cracks in the fuel pump impellerBetween October 2017 and May 2020, Mazda built Mazda3 and CX-5 units with a fuel pump whose impeller can crack, swell and end up cutting off the fuel supply with the engine running; the manufacturer recalled the affected cars.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)On the CX-5 II built between 2017 and 2019, and the 2019 Mazda3 IV, incorrect engine ECU programming can cause loss of power or the engine to stall; Mazda fixes it with a software update acknowledged by Germany's KBA.
  3. Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectorsLike almost any direct-injection petrol engine, the Skyactiv-G accumulates carbon on the intake valves over the miles and can foul the injectors, with loss of power and a rough idle; gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents it on the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5.
  4. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-normal oil consumptionSome Mazda3 BM/BN with the Skyactiv-G engine use more oil than expected between changes; the manufacturer itself considers up to 0.8 litres per 1,000 km normal, but gebrauchtwagenberater.de recommends not ignoring higher figures and checking the level regularly.

3 IV Skyactiv-G pageAll versions and faults of the Skyactiv-G

Faults of the Mazda 3 IV outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Mazda 3 IV

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 571 inspections of 450 cars registered between 2020 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.6%.

    Average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.5%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 5.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 2.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 11.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 11.9%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Mazda 3 IV

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the Skyactiv-D (since 2019)

Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations

High severity

Carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors

Medium severity

If it has the Skyactiv-G (since 2019)

Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller

Medium severity

ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)

Medium severity

Carbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectors

Low severity

Higher-than-normal oil consumption

Low severity

Wear parts for the Mazda 3 IV

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Mazda 3 IV?

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Own a Mazda 3 IV? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda 3 IV reliable?

We have documented 2 engines for the Mazda 3 IV; the Skyactiv-D has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict. Apart from the engine, the Mazda3 (BP) shares two factory campaigns with the CX-30: unintended automatic braking from Smart Brake Support (2018-2019) and a fault in the vision cameras (2023). On top of that there are isolated complaints about the 12 V battery on m-hybrid versions, refrigerant leaks in the air conditioning and flaking paint, with no recognition by the manufacturer as systemic faults.

Which Mazda 3 IV engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict. According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Mazda 3 IV have apart from the engine?

Apart from the engine, the Mazda3 (BP) shares two factory campaigns with the CX-30: unintended automatic braking from Smart Brake Support (2018-2019) and a fault in the vision cameras (2023). On top of that there are isolated complaints about the 12 V battery on m-hybrid versions, refrigerant leaks in the air conditioning and flaking paint, with no recognition by the manufacturer as systemic faults. The most important documented faults are: smart Brake Support can brake the car unintentionally while driving (airbags and safety, critical severity), the m-hybrid system can drain or damage the 12 V battery (electrical system, medium severity), the rear-view and 360° cameras may not show an image on the screen (electronics and infotainment, high severity) and the air conditioning can lose refrigerant and stop cooling (climate control, medium severity).[3][6][7][8][9]

What faults does the Mazda 3 IV have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations (Skyactiv-D, high severity), carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors (Skyactiv-D, medium severity), micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller (Skyactiv-G, medium severity), ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV) (Skyactiv-G, medium severity) and carbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectors (Skyactiv-G, low severity).

What is the best year to buy a Mazda 3 IV?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2026, 2025, 2024 and 3 other years with the same rating (7.6/10); the worst rated is 2019 (6.6/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Mazda 3 IV have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 2 campaigns for the Mazda 3 IV, such as software fault in the vision camera control module (2024). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[8]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2019-)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Mazda CX-30 / Mazda3 (2018-2019): activación involuntaria del Smart Brake SupportCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published December 2021 · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Mazda CX-30 / Mazda3 (2023): fallo de las cámaras de visiónCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published December 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Mazda3Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Fiabilité Mazda CX-3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité Mazda CX-30Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Aviso a todos los propietarios de Mazda CX-5 Dieselkm77 · Motoring press · published 22 May 2013 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish