2017 Mazda CX-3 problems
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the Skyactiv-D and the Skyactiv-G. The Skyactiv-D has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2017 cars, such as the air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively often.
2017 Mazda CX-3 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 12 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.0From 4.6 to 7.5 depending on the engine
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electrical system8.61 fault
- Headlights and lights8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control7.91 fault
- Bodywork and interior7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety8.61 fault
What changes compared with the 2016 Mazda CX-3
- Score: 6.7 → 6.6
- No longer affected by: the bolt between the steering knuckle and the shock absorber can work loose and leave the car without steering (rest of the car)
- Starts to be affected by: micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller (Skyactiv-G) and eCU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV) (Skyactiv-G)
Skyactiv-D engine in the 2017 Mazda CX-3
Names: CX-3 1.5 Skyactiv-D · CX-3 1.8 Skyactiv-D
- With caution
1.5 Skyactiv-D 105 (S5-DPTS, 2015-2018)
105 hp · S5-DPTS, S5-DPTR
It has fewer published reports than the 2.2, but those available on fiches-auto.fr describe the same oil dilution pattern and the odd injector and even turbo case. Check the maintenance history before buying.[2][3]
Faults that affect 2017 cars
- 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.
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo wear or failure from lack of lubricationThe two-stage sequential turbo of the 2.2 Skyactiv-D appears as one of the most cited faults by CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 owners, especially when the oil has lost lubricating ability through dilution or when the camshaft on 2013-2014 units sheds metal particles.
- 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.
Skyactiv-G engine in the 2017 Mazda CX-3
Names: 1.5 Skyactiv-G · 2.0 Skyactiv-G
- Buy
1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)
75–115 hp · P5-VPS, P5-VP
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.[6][7]
- Buy
2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)
155 hp · PE-VPS
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.[8][9][10]
Faults that affect 2017 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsIntake shut-off valve software issue and engine stallingOn Mazda3 BM/BN units built up to 4 July 2018, incorrect ECU programming can deposit soot on the intake shut-off valve to the point of suddenly stalling the engine; Mazda fixed it with a software update.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Faults outside the engine in the 2017 Mazda CX-3
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonClimate controlThe air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively oftenIt is one of the most repeated non-engine faults among CX-3 owners: the air conditioning gradually loses its cooling because of a gas leak in the condenser, in some cases with less than a year or only a few thousand kilometres of use.Appears at around 17,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: RareElectrical systemA DC converter fault can cause a short circuit and a fire riskOn cars built up to April 2017, the control unit of the DC converter can malfunction and cause a short circuit that damages the converter itself, with a risk of fire. Mazda corrects it by checking the component at an official dealer.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringThe electric power steering can become heavy or uneven, especially on the motorwaySome owners describe uneven power steering, with abnormally high resistance above a certain motorway speed; the manufacturer acknowledges the problem and covers it under warranty when it is detected.Appears at around 6,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyThe rear seat belts may not retract properlySeveral owners describe the seat belt in a rear seat no longer retracting normally after a while, staying slack or locked, without the manufacturer acknowledging it as a systemic defect.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the Skyactiv-D and the Skyactiv-G. The Skyactiv-D has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2017 cars, such as the air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively often.
Is the 2017 Mazda CX-3 better than the 2016?
Our score goes from 6.7 in 2016 to 6.6 in 2017. No longer affected by: the bolt between the steering knuckle and the shock absorber can work loose and leave the car without steering (rest of the car). Starts to be affected by: micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller (Skyactiv-G) and eCU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV) (Skyactiv-G).
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-3?
According to our score, the best is 2021 (7.2/10). The year with the worst score is 2017 (6.6/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2017 Mazda CX-3 have?
The most important ones documented for 2017 cars are: a DC converter fault can cause a short circuit and a fire risk (electrical system, critical severity), 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) and intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling (Skyactiv-G, medium severity).
Own a 2017 Mazda CX-3? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Mazda CX-3Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité Mazda CX-3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2013-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Mazda CX-3 – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German