What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mazda 3?

The largest named group is the electrical system, followed by back over prevention and brakes. See the problems section for what owners describe.

Does the 2017 Mazda 3 have recalls?

Yes, the by-year facts show recalls for this model year. The Recalls section below lists them.

What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Mazda 3?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2017 Mazda 3 reliable?

Owners filed complaints with NHTSA, and the biggest named group is electronics. Read the problems and recalls sections to weigh them.

Is 2017 the best year for the Mazda 3?

The by-year comparison section shows how this year stacks up against its neighbors.

2017 Mazda 3 Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Mazda 3^[1]. The biggest named groups are the electrical system and back over prevention, and the page below lays out each one.

84owner complaints^[1]

2recalls^[2]

28–32MPG combined (EPA)^[3]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners raised, biggest first.

Unknown or other. 28 complaints fall in this group^[5]. It is a catch-all, so the reports vary a lot from one to the next.
Electrical system. 20 complaints name this group^[6]. Owners describe dashboard warning lights that come and go, an infotainment screen that acts up or shuts off, an instrument display that goes blank, and a horn that works only some of the time.
Back over prevention. 11 complaints name this group^[7]. In the stories we read, owners describe a rear camera image that is distorted or missing, and a center screen that seems to act on its own. Some say a repair part was not yet available.
Brakes. 7 complaints name this group^[8]. Owners describe brake noises, corroded rear brakes, a shaking steering wheel when stopping, and a parked car that rolled away.
Engine. 5 complaints name this group^[9].
Visibility and wipers. 5 complaints name this group^[10]. Owners describe trouble getting a recall repair done, and one tells of a sunroof glass panel that broke while driving.
Structure. 4 complaints name this group^[11].
Wheels. 3 complaints name this group^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2017 3 is necessarily included.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera (23V487), July 2023. About 236,100 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer (19V272), April 2019. About 187,880 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
3 4-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[15]	27 / 37 / 31	$2,150
3 4-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[3]	28 / 37 / 32	$2,100
3 4-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[16]	25 / 34 / 29	$2,300
3 4-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[17]	27 / 36 / 30	$2,250
3 4-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[18]	28 / 37 / 31	$2,150
3 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[19]	27 / 37 / 31	$2,150
3 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	28 / 37 / 31	$2,150
3 5-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[21]	25 / 33 / 28	$2,400
3 5-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[22]	26 / 35 / 30	$2,250
3 5-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[23]	27 / 36 / 30	$2,250

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR FWD^[4]	5	5	5	4	10.5%
5 HB FWD^[24]	5	5	5	4	10.5%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2017 Mazda 3 with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[25]	155 hp
2017 Mazda 3 with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[26]	184 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
CX-3 4DR SUV AWD^[27]	168 in	70 in	61 in	101 in	2,952 lb
CX-3 4DR SUV FWD^[28]	168 in	70 in	61 in	101 in	2,811 lb
MAZDA3 GT 4DR SEDAN^[29]	180 in	71 in	57 in	106 in	3,049 lb
MAZDA3 GX/GS 4DR SEDAN^[30]	180 in	71 in	57 in	106 in	2,926 lb
MAZDA3 SPORT GT 4DR HATCBACK^[31]	176 in	71 in	57 in	106 in	3,051 lb
MAZDA3 SPORT GX/GS 4DR HATCBACK^[32]	176 in	71 in	57 in	106 in	2,932 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 3 model year. The 2017 is highlighted^[2].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2004	145	2
2005	97	2
2006	166	1
2007	222	2
2008	303	2
2009	115	3
2010	686	3
2011	132	2
2012	226	1
2013	117	1
2014	138	4
2015	130	4
2016	104	6
2017	84	2
2018	109	4
2019	74	6
2020	32	2
2021	54	1
2022	24	0
2023	12	0
2024	12	3
2025	8	1
2026	1	0

NHTSA's counts for the 3 show 84 complaints and 2 recalls for 2017^[2]. Among the 23 model years listed, 8 have fewer complaints than 2017 and 14 have more^[2]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (1) and the most are for 2010 (686)^[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2017 3?

The 2017 Mazda 3 has a modest pile of owner complaints on file^[1]. Owners describe screens, lights and other electronics acting up^[6]. Brake reports include crash mentions too^[8]. The by-year facts also show recalls for this model year^[2]. These are unverified reports, so check open recalls before buying.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mazda 3?: The largest named group is the electrical system^[6], followed by back over prevention^[7] and brakes^[8]. See the problems section for what owners describe.
Does the 2017 Mazda 3 have recalls?: Yes, the by-year facts show recalls for this model year^[2]. The Recalls section below lists them.
What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Mazda 3?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2017 Mazda 3 reliable?: Owners filed complaints with NHTSA^[1], and the biggest named group is electronics^[6]. Read the problems and recalls sections to weigh them.
Is 2017 the best year for the Mazda 3?: The by-year comparison section shows how this year stacks up against its neighbors.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Mazda 3

2008 303 complaints, 2 recalls
2010 686 complaints, 3 recalls
2011 132 complaints, 2 recalls
2012 226 complaints, 1 recall
2014 138 complaints, 4 recalls
2015 130 complaints, 4 recalls
2016 104 complaints, 6 recalls
2017 this page

Compare all model years of the Mazda 3

Other Mazda models from 2017

2017 Mazda 6 60 complaints, 1 recall

All Mazda models

Similar cars from 2017: compact cars

2017 Nissan Versa 72 complaints, 3 recalls
2017 Toyota Yaris 31 complaints, 3 recalls
2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI 301 complaints, 7 recalls
2017 Volkswagen Jetta 160 complaints, 6 recalls
2017 Audi A3 71 complaints, 5 recalls
2017 Audi A4 87 complaints, 6 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Mazda 3 (6 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda 3 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.0L 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
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
28 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
20 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
7 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
5 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
5 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
4 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 23V487, filed July 14, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V272, filed April 4, 2019: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 3 4-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
EPA rating for 3 4-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 3 5-Door, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
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
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
EPA Test Car List, 2017 Mazda 3 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 155 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2017 Mazda 3 with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 184 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CX-3 4DR SUV AWD: length 168 in, width 70 in, height 61 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 2,952 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CX-3 4DR SUV FWD: length 168 in, width 70 in, height 61 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 2,811 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 GT 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,049 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 GX/GS 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,926 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 SPORT GT 4DR HATCBACK: length 176 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,051 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 SPORT GX/GS 4DR HATCBACK: length 176 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,932 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.

2017 Mazda 3: problems, recalls and fuel economy