2020 Mazda CX-3 problems
The 2020 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, 3 documented faults affect 2020 cars, such as the air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively often.
2020 Mazda CX-3 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 7 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.8From 5.7 to 8.0 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 system10.0No documented faults
- 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 2019 Mazda CX-3
- Score: 6.9 → 7.0
- No longer affected by: eCU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV) (Skyactiv-G) and higher-than-normal oil consumption (Skyactiv-G)
Skyactiv-D engine in the 2020 Mazda CX-3
Names: CX-3 1.5 Skyactiv-D · CX-3 1.8 Skyactiv-D
- With caution
1.8 Skyactiv-D 116 (S8-DPTS, 2018-present)
116 hp · S8-DPTS, S8-DPTR
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.[2][3][4]
Faults that affect 2020 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.
- 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 2020 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.[7][8]
- 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.[9][10][11]
Faults that affect 2020 cars
- 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.
- 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.
Faults outside the engine in the 2020 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
- 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.
Buying a 2020 Mazda CX-3?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
The 2020 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, 3 documented faults affect 2020 cars, such as the air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively often.
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-3 better than the 2019?
Our score goes from 6.9 in 2019 to 7.0 in 2020. No longer affected by: eCU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV) (Skyactiv-G) and higher-than-normal oil consumption (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 2020 Mazda CX-3 have?
The most important ones documented for 2020 cars 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), the air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively often (climate control, medium severity) and the electric power steering can become heavy or uneven, especially on the motorway (steering, medium severity).
Own a 2020 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 CX-30Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Mazda 3 (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