Recall homework
There are 2 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
2020 Mazda Mazda3
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
2 Total recalls
Jun 12, 2020 Latest recall date
31 Complaint reports
$1,775 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 forward collision avoidance, service brakes,forward collision avoidance, electrical system. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
601 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 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to forward collision avoidance, service brakes,forward collision avoidance, electrical system?
- 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.
2020 Mazda Mazda3 Regular Gasoline
Create checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 4 tested variants of the 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD Default | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have?
Verify with official VIN lookup2 official recalls on record for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3. 14 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: June 12, 2020
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V346000 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen. | Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. | Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F. | Jun 2020 | 2022-2 |
| 19V907000 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle. | Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash. | Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L. | Dec 2019 | 2021-2 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
Official records show 601 manufacturer communications on record for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3.
22 warranty 6 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 | STRUCTURE:BODY | 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 | POWER TRAIN | 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 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. SA-007/25 10/22/25, 06/02/25 and 02/03/25 DESCRIPTION The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types) 1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings (excluding i-STOP batteries e.g. Q-85, S-95) molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the factory with a JIS rated battery. NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery. 2. CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): CCA ratings are normally located on a sticker affixed to the top of the battery to indicate a battery’s Cold Cranking Amps. CCA rated batteries are supplied with domestically produced vehicles. NOTE: If an incorrect CCA rating is entered into the Mazda DCA-8000, it will result in a false result and invalid Warranty Code from the tester. This will also result in unnecessary replacement of batteries. TEST PROCEDURE 1. Connect the charger clamps to the appropriate battery posts. | 11032102 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience one or both of the following symptoms while locking and unlocking the doors works fine using the remote transmitter. Symptom 1: The touch sensor of the front door outer handle does not lock the doors after rain and/or car washing, even though unlocking is possible. Symptom 2: The touch sensor of the front door outer handle does not unlock the doors. Door outer handle touch sensor for locking (1) / unlocking (2) NOTE: If the concern occurs after specific operation as described below, refer to the TSB 09-046/22 (DOOR OUTER HANDLE TOUCH SENSOR DOES NOT LOCK AND UNLOCK AFTER A SPECIFIC OPERATION). 1. [MX-30] After using cabin preconditioning or hazard warning lights for approx.15 minutes. 2. [MAZDA3 and CX-30] After using hazard warning lights for approx. 15 minutes. 3. [MAZDA3, CX-30 and MX-30] When both touch sensors are touched at once. Cause 1 (for Symptom 1): Water may accumulate around the touch sensor in the outer handle, resulting in temporary lower sensitivity of the capacitive sensor. Also, if car wash foam gets inside the outer handle while washing the vehicle, the foam may disturb the touch sensor detection. Mazda is still working on a mass production change for this concern. Cause 2 (for Symptom 2): Improper soldering in the production process may disturb the touch sensor detection. To eliminate this concern, the production process has been modified. Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify customer concern. 2. Repair the vehicle depending on the experienced symptom(s). Symptom 1: Follow the "Procedure to waterproof a touch sensor” below to make the touch sensor waterproof. Symptom 2: Replace the front outer handle with a modified one according to the instructions on MGSS. Mazda3 (FRONT OUTER HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION) CX-30 (FRONT OUTER HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION) MX-30 (FRONT OUTER HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION) If both symptoms are experienced: Replace the front outer handle with a modified one and follow the “Procedure to waterproof a touch sensor” below to make the touch sensor waterproof. NOTE: DO NOT repair the other front outer handle for the vehicle if it is not experiencing any problems. 3. Verify the repair by checking if the new outer handle locks/unlocks the door correctly. | 11030603 |
| 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 |
| Mar 2026 | Warranty Program/Extension | ENGINE | Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 Mazda6, 2020-2023 CX-30 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, Mazda Motor Corporation has made a change regarding related parts to TSB 01-001/26 which also impacts Warranty Extension Special Service Program (SSPD8). Parts Ordering and Warranty Claims: Effective March 5, 2026 only the related parts kit PYY2-15-SAY can be ordered and claimed for any repair. The two separate parts PYFB-15-169 and PE13-15-296 can no longer be claimed with repaired dates of March 5, 2026 and later. There is no change to the main part, the Plug PYY3-15-SA1. We have updated the TSB 01-001/26 and SSPD8 Repair Procedure and Parts & Warranty Information on Mazda Global Service Support (MGSS) to reflect this change. | 11030700 |
| Mar 2026 | Warranty Program/Extension | ENGINE | Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 Mazda6, 2020-2023 CX-30 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, Mazda Motor Corporation has made a change regarding related parts to TSB 01-001/26 which also impacts Warranty Extension Special Service Program (SSPD8). Parts Ordering and Warranty Claims: Effective March 5, 2026 only the related parts kit PYY2-15-SAY can be ordered and claimed for any repair. The two separate parts PYFB-15-169 and PE13-15-296 can no longer be claimed with repaired dates of March 5, 2026 and later. There is no change to the main part, the Plug PYY3-15-SA1. We have updated the TSB 01-001/26 and SSPD8 Repair Procedure and Parts & Warranty Information on Mazda Global Service Support (MGSS) to reflect this change. | 11030701 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | Some customers may experience a check engine light ON with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) and one or more of the following symptoms: Engine takes longer to warm up. Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. Poor heater performance, especially at idle. Vehicles with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T are not applicable to this service information. DTC P0126:00 is not required to be present to perform this repair. If the vehicle has not previously had the repair specified in this TSB and is exhibiting any of the listed symptoms, proceed with the repair procedure outlined in this bulletin. If DTC P2B61:00 (Coolant Control Valve Circuit Range/Performance) is present along with DTC P0126:00, this TSB does not apply. Diagnose the symptom and/or stored DTCs according to the procedures in MGSS. If only DTC P0126:00 is present and this TSB has already been completed previously, this bulletin does not apply, diagnose the symptom and/or stored DTCs according to the procedures in MGSS. This concern may be caused if the coolant control valve fail-safe thermostat opens at a temperature lower than the normal temperature due to a deformation of the thermostat diaphragm. To eliminate the concern, the water flow control valve specification has been modified. Affected vehicles will require PCM reprogramming with the Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS), using either a) Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software (MDARS) or b) Mazda Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) 140.04 or later software. | 11030598 |
What are the most common 2020 Mazda Mazda3 complaints?
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 12
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE 1
EQUIPMENT 1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1
POWER TRAIN 1
SEAT BELTS 1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 1
31 total complaints on record
How much does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $1,775 $148/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 30.4 MPG
Energy used 394 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
295 g/mi CO2Fuel score 7/10Smog 7/10SmartWay