repaired · 2026 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2018 Mazda CX-3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 10 owner complaints about the 2018 Mazda CX-3, most often about the back over prevention. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-487 the manufacturer reports only 42% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Mazda CX-3 has problems
10 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Back over prevention
2Electrical system
2Engine
1Exterior lighting
1Forward collision avoidance
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Lane departure
1Service brakes
1Suspension
22 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2018 Mazda CX-3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other CX-3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CX-3 median. How we score
'14'16'17'18'19'20'21
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Mazda CX-3 safety ratings
2018 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (13.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What CX-3 owners report
Recent back over prevention complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
Own a 2018 CX-3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.