Recall homework
There are 4 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2018 Mazda Mazda3
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
4 Total recalls
Jul 14, 2023 Latest recall date
106 Complaint reports
$1,717 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention electrical system, unknown or other, visibility/wiper. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
459 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2018 Mazda Mazda3?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to electrical system, unknown or other, visibility/wiper?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2018 Mazda Mazda3 Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2018 Mazda Mazda3.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD Default | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2018 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 have?
Verify with official VIN lookup4 official recalls on record for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3. 22 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: July 14, 2023
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V487000 | BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image. | A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. | Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G. | Jul 2023 | 2026-1 |
| 21V875000 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail. | Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. | Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K. | Nov 2021 | 2024-2 |
| 19V272000 | VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility. | Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of crash. | Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front body control module with a new module which uses an improved wiper relay design, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3219D. | Apr 2019 | 2020-3 |
| 17V745000 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall. | An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. | Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K. | Nov 2017 | 2018-1 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?
Official records show 459 manufacturer communications on record for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3.
15 warranty 0 service campaigns 0 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | POWER TRAIN | This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. This may be caused by insufficient sealing at the drive belt auto tensioner damper when the auto tensioner fully operates under both high ambient temperature and high load conditions. To eliminate this concern, the shape of the drive belt auto tensioner damper has been changed. REPAIR PROCEDURE If the tensioner is found to be "No Good" after completing the Drive Belt Auto Tensioner Inspection, replace it with a modified part according to the instructions on MGSS online: | 11032003 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) using VIN Plate Request Form available on One Mazda. To obtain a replacement vehicle certification label (located on the Bpillar or front door), contact your assigned DSM (District Service Manager) to place the order. If DSM contact information is not available, refer to the Dealer & Field Contact Directory. | 11032104 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.). | 11032103 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold. When the new engine assembly is installed, debris in the intake manifold will be ingested into the new engine and cause internal damage. Clean the intake manifold internally to remove any debris from old engine before installing the new replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold cannot be properly cleaned internally, replace it. | 11032101 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-003/22 03/02/22 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about a tapping or knocking noise coming from the rear seat after fuel fill. The concern will likely occur if the fuel tank is overfilled (more fuel is added after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off automatically) or filled up normally in high ambient temperatures and the fuel expands. No repair is needed. Explain to the customer not to continue filling after nozzle shut off. | 11032019 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience one or more electrical malfunctions after a vehicle body repair. A newly painted fender stay (2) may be causing a poor front harness (1) ground connection. The front fender stay (2) newly painted surface at ground point (3), where attachment bolt (4) is seated, may create a poor front harness ground connection. NOTE: DO NOT paint ground point (3) attachment bolt (4) is seated. NEWLY INSTALLED FRONT FENDER STAY NOTE: CAUTION: If the bolt (4) contact area (3) is painted when the front fender stay (2) is newly replaced, it could cause a malfunction in the PCM. Before painting a newly replaced part, protect the bolt (4) contact area (3) with masking tape (5) as shown in the figure. | 11032100 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) and TSB(s) listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-035/24 05/31/24 DESCRIPTION There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This Service Alert is to inform you about the water pump sealing mechanism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not. A mechanical seal (A) is used for the water pump. This mechanical seal can seal coolant (B) by sliding a mating ring (C) against a seal ring (D). When the sliding surface temperature of the mechanical seal is more than 248 °F (120 °C) while driving, a small amount of steam (E) is leaked and bleeds through the bleeding hole (F). After drying, the steam leaves a green coolant deposit near the water pump bleed hole (F). This is a normal condition and does not require water pump replacement. The water pump should only be replaced if there is an accumulation of crystallized coolant near the bleed hole. When you encounter a water pump with coolant seepage marks, decide to replace it or not based on the following criteria using sample photos. NOTE: During the initial period of use*, the sliding surfaces of the seals may not yet be fully settled, which can temporarily increase the amount of leakage. Continued use will allow the surfaces to settle, reducing the leakage. Replacing parts that are already settled with new ones will increase the leakage again until the new parts become conditioned. Therefore, replacement should be avoided in this initial period of use. *As a guideline, this applies to vehicles with less than 1,860 miles (3000 km) of mileage. | 11030636 |
| Jan 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method • B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method 2019 and newer models require a 10-digit key code to accurately cut keys • 5-digit codes CANNOT be provided for 2019 and newer vehicles (the traditional 5-digit code from the key tag or driver's door lock cylinder is not sufficient and will not be issued for key cutting on these models). • Only Mazda-approved key cutting machines can process these 10-digit codes. • Many older key machines do not support 10-digit codes and cannot be updated to do so. In these cases, dealers will need to purchase one of the newer Mazda-approved key cutting machines capable of handling this requirement. • For a list of current Mazda-approved machines and purchasing options, refer to the Mazda Dealer Equipment Program or view the current Mazda approved key machines below. | 11028133 |
| Jan 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Some customers may report an odor or water in the HVAC system and upon inspection, the cabin air filter may be found to be wet. | 11028127 |
| Dec 2025 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. | 11026917 |
What are the most common 2018 Mazda Mazda3 complaints?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 16
VISIBILITY/WIPER 14
BACK OVER PREVENTION 13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5
SERVICE BRAKES 5
ENGINE 4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION 2
106 total complaints on record
How much does the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $1,717 $143/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 31.4 MPG
Energy used 382 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
283 g/mi CO2Fuel score 7/10Smog 7/10SmartWay