2019 Mazda CX-3 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Mazda CX-3, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical927.3%
- Steering515.2%
- Fuel system412.1%
- Driver assistance412.1%
- Visibility26.1%
- Interior & seats26.1%
- Airbags26.1%
- Body & structure13.0%
- Exterior lighting13.0%
- Other / unspecified13.0%
- Engine13.0%
- Brakes13.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
So the sport mode on cx3 have not bracket under the sport mode and if try to activeit the sport mode whole switch goes down you cant active with grabbing it will fall out of socket
A recall notice dated July 14, 2023 stated improper design of rearview camera wiring harness fastener. The fastener may become damaged from vibrations during normal vehicle use and/or while closing the lift gate. I have been told by the dealership that they do not have the parts to remedy the issue and don't know when they will have the parts. It appears that the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner since more than a year has passed since the recall notice was issued and they are unable to predict when the parts will be available. Recall Status: "Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available" Manufacturer Recall Number: 6023G. NHTSA Recall Number: 23V-487.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering wheel gives resistance to movement, both left and right. This creates a safety hazard from oversteering.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have two issues. The front crash warning light goes on and off intermittently even when alone on the highway. This happens about once a month. The second issue is more serious. My car showed 40 miles of gas left in the tank, and ran out of gas. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane and there was a shoulder. Had this happed anyplace else I'd likely be dead. I took my car to the dealer where I bought it. they could not explain the problem and told me to assume it would never happen again (!). I contacted Mazda directly twice. The first time they took my info and did nothing. The second time they told me to take it to another dealership. I cannot tell that the issue has been reported anywhere so I'm reporting it here. Thank you.
I was told I have a recall on my fuel pump it can die at any time! Then they tell you they have no solution for fixing it so you're taking your life in your own hands going out of town having a car break down on you! How is that right I buy a new car thinking I can drive it safely and now I'm afraid to go anywhere and this isn't the first recall this car is had either!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact with a case number. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I have two issues. The front crash warning light goes on and off intermittently even when alone on the highway. This happens about once a month. The second issue is more serious. My car showed 40 miles of gas left in the tank, and ran out of gas. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane and there was a shoulder. Had this happed anyplace else I'd likely be dead. I took my car to the dealer where I bought it. they could not explain the problem and told me to assume it would never happen again (!). I contacted Mazda directly twice. The first time they took my info and did nothing. The second time they told me to take it to another dealership. I cannot tell that the issue has been reported anywhere so I'm reporting it here. Thank you.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
In early November 2022, a stress crack appeared on the left side of the front windshield. The crack was about 20 inches long, about halfway down the windshield, and impaired my view of the road. I took it to the dealership (Jeff Haas Mazda at 16711 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas) for inspection and they confirmed it was a stress crack from the pillar, not caused by an object hitting the windshield. They refused to replace the windshield at no cost. I called Mazda to file a complaint about and was told to file a claim with my insurance. I believe this is a defect with the vehicle and should be covered by the manufacturer.
FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM TOP OF CAR NOTHING HIT IT LOOKS LIKE STRESS CRACK. MAZDA SAYS NO AND NO PROBLEMS WITH THERE WINDOWS. 5 WEEKS LATER AND NO ONE CAN GET ME WINDSHIELD BECAUSE 400 BACKORDERD AND MAZDA HAS HOLD ON THEM.SO I HAVE A BROKEN WINDOW ON A NEW CAR THAT I CANNOT GET FIXED LUCKY SOM FAR NO TICKETS. THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT ARE KEEPING IT A SECRET
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the air bag warning light flashed off and on. Additionally, the rear hatch door failed to open as needed. The cause of the failures has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Steering Issue: Vehicle from purchase date had stiff steering. Figured this was just a new vehicle and it would get loose as it ages. As of one year later and 14K miles it has gotten worse. Especially at highway speeds the wheel gets "stuck" and breaking it free causes me to oversteer/overcompensate which gives the impression the vehicle is jerking left or right while in motion. Brought to the dealer who stated it's the steering column that will need to be replaced and the part has a six week backorder. Seat Issue: The passenger seat weight sensor alarms with zero weight on the seat.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Ok so the front seat passenger side i put my phone it think there a person there and it dings constantly until I plug seatbelt it annoying I dont want to hear that all the time madza know about it they won't help unless there a recall
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the air bag warning light flashed off and on. Additionally, the rear hatch door failed to open as needed. The cause of the failures has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ENTIRE DASH LIGHTS GO DARK. THIS IS THE THIRD EPISODE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER TWICE BEFORE WITH SAME COMPLAINT. I CONTACTED MAZDA IN DECEMBER 2018 & WAS GIVEN REFERENCE NUMBER OF 1-1911536225. INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY WHEN DRIVING UNDER OVERPASS ON HIGHWAY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dec 7, 2023, I was driving on [XXX] in Gaston County and someone slammed my vehicle as I was driving safely and not fast. I was in the middle lane and barely saw the vehicle that slammed me pushing me to the left of the interstate. Officer Talley, J was there to help me: The report number is [XXX]. The vehicle was totally damaged and I am waiting for Progressive to complete the claim so I can get another vehicle. I am currently renting a vehicle from Enterprise for 28 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
KEY FOB DISCONNECTS WHILE DRIVING. LOCK/UNLOCK DOES NOT WORK. CAR DOES NOT START WHEN KEYFOB IS IN VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW, THE DEALERSHIP HAS CHANGED MY KEYFOBS, FLASHED THE MEMORY, AND REPLACED THE BATTERIES. I'VE SPOKEN TO CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD "SOMETIMES KEY FOBS JUST DISCONNECT. PLEASE EXIT THE VEHICLE, WAIT, AND TRY AGAIN." I'M CURRENTLY WAITING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN A FOURTH TIME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 MAZDA CX-3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND BRAKES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SMITH CAIRNS FORD LINCOLN (900 CENTRAL PARK AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, (914) 377-8100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT PEBBLES WERE CAUSING THE ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-2295928510. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .