CarBrief

The 2014 Mazda 3 has four recalls on file, including a fuel tank leak risk and a parking brake issue whose repair parts the recall record lists as unavailable[1][2]. Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA[3].

138owner complaints[3]
4recalls[4]
30–33MPG combined (EPA)[5]
5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 138 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Mazda 3[3]. Of those, 10 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 5 injuries, and none report a death[3]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name several parts, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Here are the biggest component groups.

Component group Complaints Crashes Median miles at failure
Electrical system[7] 27 2 12,300
Unknown or other[8] 27 0 49,601
Brakes[9] 26 3 59,000
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 21 0 23,550
Engine[11] 14 3 17,000
Back over prevention[12] 11 0 not listed
Speed control[13] 9 3 18,050
Power train[14] 7 1 44,000

We read a small sample of complaint texts in four groups. What owners describe in that sample:

The back over prevention group has 11 complaints[12]. Recall 23V487 covers the rearview camera[15].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for the 2014 Mazda 3[15][1][2][16]. They are below, newest first.

Whether a recall applies depends on the individual car, because some cover only certain build dates. A Mazda dealer can tell you which ones apply to a specific car.

Fuel economy

EPA lists eight versions of the 2014 Mazda 3, all front-wheel drive and all on regular gas[17][18]. Combined ratings run from 30 to 33 MPG[17][5][19][20][21][22][23][18].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
4-door, 2.0L, automatic (S6)[19] 30 / 39 / 33 $2,050
4-door, 2.0L, manual 6-speed[20] 29 / 39 / 33 $2,050
5-door, 2.0L, automatic (S6)[5] 29 / 39 / 33 $2,050
5-door, 2.0L, manual 6-speed[17] 29 / 39 / 32 $2,100
4-door, 2.5L, automatic (S6)[21] 28 / 38 / 31 $2,150
4-door, 2.5L, automatic (S6)[22] 28 / 38 / 32 $2,100
5-door, 2.5L, automatic (S6)[23] 27 / 36 / 30 $2,250
5-door, 2.5L, automatic (S6)[18] 28 / 37 / 32 $2,100

The 2.0L versions rate 32 or 33 combined, and the 2.5L versions rate 30 to 32[17][5][19][20][21][22][23][18]. EPA lists two separate ratings each for the 4-door and the 5-door 2.5L automatics, and the listings do not say why they differ[21][22][23][18]. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door front-wheel drive version 5 stars overall, 5 stars in frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side tests[6]. Its rollover rating is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 10.5%[6]. The 5-door hatchback front-wheel drive version has the same ratings[24].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 155 hp[25] and the 2.5L 4-cylinder at 184 hp[26].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars. Length, width, height and wheelbase are in inches, and curb weight is in pounds.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
GT sedan[27] 180 71 57 106 3,012
GX/GS sedan[28] 180 71 57 106 2,879
Sport GT hatchback[29] 176 71 57 106 3,031
Sport GX/GS hatchback[30] 176 71 57 106 2,886

How 2014 compares with other years

2004: 145 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 97 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 166 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 222 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 303 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 115 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 686 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 132 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 226 complaints, 1 recalls20122013: 117 complaints, 1 recalls2014: 138 complaints, 4 recalls13820142015: 130 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 104 complaints, 6 recalls20162017: 84 complaints, 2 recalls2018: 109 complaints, 4 recalls20182019: 74 complaints, 6 recalls2020: 32 complaints, 2 recalls20202021: 54 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 24 complaints, 0 recalls20222023: 12 complaints, 0 recalls2024: 12 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 8 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 3 model year. The 2014 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20041452
2005972
20061661
20072222
20083032
20091153
20106863
20111322
20122261
20131171
20141384
20151304
20161046
2017842
20181094
2019746
2020322
2021541
2022240
2023120
2024123
202581
202610

The 2014 model year has 138 complaints and 4 recalls on file[4]. Six model years have more complaints: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012, and 2010 stands far apart at 686[4]. Every other year has fewer, including 2013 with 117 and 2015 with 130[4].

On recalls, 2016 and 2019 have 6 each[4]. The 2014, 2015 and 2018 model years have 4 each[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare only years of the same model, as we do here.

Should you buy a used 2014 Mazda 3?

The 2014 Mazda 3 has 138 complaints, which is neither the highest nor the lowest among its model years[3][4]. It earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA[6][24]. The main thing to sort out is recalls. Ask a dealer which of the four apply to the exact car, and note that the parking brake recall record says remedy parts are unavailable[1]. Owners in the samples we read describe fuel smells and rear brake caliper trouble, so a pre-purchase inspection of those areas is sensible[9][10]. Fuel economy is steady across versions at 30 to 33 MPG combined[17][5][19][20][21][22][23][18].

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2014 Mazda 3 have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists four: rearview camera (23V487), parking brake (17V393), fuel tank (16V684) and alternator belt (14V173)[15][1][2][16]. The parking brake recall record says remedy parts are currently unavailable[1].
What problems do 2014 Mazda 3 owners report?
NHTSA has 138 complaints[3]. The electrical system has 27, brakes 26 and the fuel/propulsion system 21[7][9][10]. In the samples we read, owners describe rear brake caliper trouble and fuel smells[9][10].
How many MPG does a 2014 Mazda 3 get?
EPA combined ratings run from 30 to 33 MPG depending on the version[17][5][19][20][21][22][23][18]. The 2.0L 4-door automatic is rated 30 city and 39 highway[19].
Is the 2014 Mazda 3 safe?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall for both the 4-door and the 5-door hatchback, with 4 stars for rollover[6][24].
Is 2014 a good year for the Mazda 3?
Six model years have more complaints than 2014's 138, and 2010 has 686[4]. For recalls, 2014 has 4, while 2016 and 2019 have 6 each[4].

Facts and sources

  1. Recall 17V393, filed June 22, 2017: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
  2. Recall 16V684, filed September 22, 2016: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  3. NHTSA has 138 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Mazda 3 (10 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda 3 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 27 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 27 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,601). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 26 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 21 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,550). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 14 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 11 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 9 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,050). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 7 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 23V487, filed July 14, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 14V173, filed April 3, 2014: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 39 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Mazda 3 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 155 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Mazda 3 with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 184 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 GT SEDAN: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,012 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 GX/GS SEDAN: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,879 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 SPORT GT HATCBACK: length 176 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,031 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 SPORT GX/GS HATCBACK: length 176 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,886 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.