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 MAZDA3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 110 owner complaints about the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-487 the manufacturer reports only 42% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 20, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 has problems
110 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
30Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
16Visibility/wiper1 crash/fire/injury
16Back over prevention1 crash/fire/injury
12Engine1 crash/fire/injury
7Fuel/propulsion system
6Service brakes
5Power train
5Forward collision avoidance
4Fuel system, gasoline
179 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 30 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 16 | 1 |
| Engine | 12 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 1 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 17 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2018 Mazda MAZDA3 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.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
Risk. Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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 MAZDA3 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 MAZDA3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Mazda MAZDA3 safety ratings
2018 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What MAZDA3 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The center dashboard information screen developed "spider cracks" and got opaque in the corners of the screen. The screen would change functions / jump around commands without being touched while driving ( from NAV to radio, change radio stations etc) - apparently called 'Ghost Touch". Mazda has…
My 2018 Mazda 3 has an intermittent electrical failure on the high-speed CAN network that causes multiple safety-critical systems to fail while driving. When the fault occurs, the dash lights up with warnings for powertrain, ABS/traction, lane departure, collision-avoidance, TPMS, immobilizer, and…
There is a infotainment display that sits on the center part of the dash that has touch screen capability that over time starts to fail and results in what is known as "ghost touch", where random screen settings change as though someone is using the touch screen on the infotainment screen. I had…
Own a 2018 MAZDA3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.