Mazda CX-3 problems (2016–2021)

We have documented 2 engines for the Mazda CX-3; the Skyactiv-D has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the CX-3 has two old Safety Gate campaigns: a suspension bolt that could work loose and leave the car without steering, and a current converter fault with a fire risk. Owners also describe air conditioning refrigerant leaks, uneven power steering on the motorway and rear seat belts that do not always retract properly; the ADAC places the model in the green zone of its breakdown statistics.

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]

Outside the engine, the CX-3 has two old Safety Gate campaigns: a suspension bolt that could work loose and leave the car without steering, and a current converter fault with a fire risk. Owners also describe air conditioning refrigerant leaks, uneven power steering on the motorway and rear seat belts that do not always retract properly; the ADAC places the model in the green zone of its breakdown statistics. The most important documented faults are: the air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively often (climate control, medium severity), the bolt between the steering knuckle and the shock absorber can work loose and leave the car without steering (suspension, critical severity), a DC converter fault can cause a short circuit and a fire risk (electrical system, critical severity) and the electric power steering can become heavy or uneven, especially on the motorway (steering, medium severity).^{[6][7][8][9][10]}

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), turbo wear or failure from lack of lubrication (Skyactiv-D, high severity), carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors (Skyactiv-D, medium severity), intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling (Skyactiv-G, medium severity) and micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller (Skyactiv-G, medium severity).

According to our rating by year, the best is 2021 (7.2/10); the worst rated is 2017 (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.

Yes: we have documented 2 campaigns for the Mazda CX-3, such as fault in the DC converter control unit (fire risk) (2018). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.^[9]