Used Mazda 3 2019-present reliability review

What should I look for in a used Mazda Mazda3?

Make sure that a Mazda dealer has applied the latest infotainment software update to make sure that continues to run smoothly. There has also been a safety recall that requires a software update which is described in the following chapter.

Is a used Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

Perhaps surprisingly, the Mazda 3 had a rather disappointing finish in our most recent 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey. It finished in 21st place out of 30 cars in the family car class, with an overall score of 90.6%.

Mazda as a brand managed a 15th-place finish out of 30 car manufacturers with an overall score of 93.0%. This placed it above Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen, but below BMW, Honda, Kia and Toyota.

Used Mazda 3 reliability: the owners' view

As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers shared mixed experiences with the Mazda 3.

Many praised its overall dependability, with several owners reporting largely trouble-free motoring. However, some diesel models have been less reliable, with issues including warning lights for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and problems with the emissions system.

A few petrol owners mentioned occasional electrical faults, such as malfunctioning infotainment screens and sensor warnings, but these were typically minor and easily resolved.

Dealer service received mixed feedback. While some praised Mazda’s dealerships for their efficiency and professionalism, others reported frustration with long wait times for repairs and high costs for out-of-warranty fixes. A few owners felt dealers were slow to acknowledge known issues, particularly with diesel models.

Overall, while the Mazda 3 is reasonably reliable, diesel owners in particular have faced more issues, and dealer service experiences vary depending on location.

If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.

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