Here Are The Mazda3 Years To Avoid
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Mazda has made one of the most stylish, exciting to drive subcompact sedans and hatchbacks. Each generation of Mazda3 has looked sharper than the last, managing to look ultra-modern when they first come out and age pretty well.
It has always been known as a good budget car with excellent if not exceptional performance, sleek design inside and out, and a surprisingly high-end feel in the cabin. But the Mazda3’s reliability has varied a little from generation to generation, with the second generation having a massive spike in complaints for the first year of that design.
The first year of each new generation is usually rough, so you should avoid the first model of generation 1 in 2004, generation 2 in 2010, and generation 3 in 2014. So far, few complaints have been about the 2019 model year’s brand new design.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE MAZDA3
Read on to learn more about the most reliable Mazda3 year, the general reliability of the Mazda3 across the board, and other valuable information.
But outside of those initial redesigns and the second generation, you should expect a safe, reliable subcompact car out of a Mazda3. CoPilot is here to help you buy the right vehicle and make sure you know which Mazda3 model years to avoid.
Quick Answer: Avoid the 2004, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Models
While far from a disaster, the first year of the Mazda3 model line did have a few more issues than the following years, with a few transmission and engine problems, plus some issues with the headlights and air conditioning unit. While not awful, other models are better than in 2004. But the second generation of Mazda3 from 2010 to 2014 was not.
From 2010 through 2012, Mazda3s were riddled with problems relating to the transmission and clutch, plus poor interior build quality. While the transmission wasn’t so bad in 2013, it had issues of its own inside the cabin and with the headlights. Then the 2014 model had to deal with bad brakes and cabin quality control, especially as far as the seats and infotainment center go.
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Which Model Years of Mazda3 Are Safe to Buy Used?
- 2005 Mazda3
- 2006 Mazda3
- 2007 Mazda3
- 2008 Mazda3
- 2009 Mazda3
- 2015 Mazda3
- 2016 Mazda3
- 2017 Mazda3
- 2018 Mazda3
- 2019 Mazda3
- 2020 Mazda3
After a few issues in the first year, the Mazda3 did better for year two and beyond in its first generation. Engine and transmission problems were kept to a minimum, and there were few complaints about the rest of the car. Then after the dark period that was the second generation of Mazda3 and the growing pains of the first model of the third generation, Mazda got their subcompact sedan back on track.
The only common complaint about the 2015 Mazda3 was the infotainment system dying. While nobody wants that, it’s not the most expensive fix in a car nor the driver’s most significant safety hazard. The 2016 model did see some complaints of brakes wearing down quickly, but there were only a handful of complaints, far fewer than the 2014 edition.
And since then, very few complaints have been filed for the new Mazda3 models. More will come in time, but for now, there aren’t any significant causes for concern with more recent models. We wouldn’t consider avoiding anything from the late third-generation or early fourth-generation Mazda3 model years.
Which Model Years of Mazda3 to Avoid:
- 2004 Mazda3
- 2010 Mazda3
- 2011 Mazda3
- 2012 Mazda3
- 2013 Mazda3
- 2014 Mazda3
The first model didn’t have many problems. Still, the complaints had issues with the motor blowing and the transmission struggling to shift through all the gears or even outright failing. This wasn’t a common issue, but the 2005 model with fewer complaints barely costs more than in 2004.
But after a total of 137 complaints across the first generation, the Mazda3 was redesigned. However, complaints more than doubled in the first year alone. Many drivers reported that the clutch gave out in their cars, making them undrivable until it was replaced.
And this wasn’t a problem late in the car’s life; the average report of this problem was after only 40,000 miles. There were also several drivers complaining of melted dashboards and seat brackets breaking. Fortunately, the 2011 and 2012 models had far fewer complaints, but they were for all the same problems, showing that Mazda still hadn’t fixed the issues.
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The 2013 model had fewer problems with the transmission and clutch. However, it still had some issues with the brakes, the accelerator, the interior accessories, and a new problem where headlights started to flicker out when the brakes were applied. 2014 fixed many of the old problems but had a noticeable issue with brakes wearing down quickly, and in a few cases, the brakes even locked up. On top of that there were some problems with the interior accessories, especially relating to the infotainment system. Mazda significantly reduced these problems after this model year and has been a pretty solid choice since then. Still, as a rule of thumb, the 2004 and 2010 through 2014 models are the biggest Mazda3 model years to avoid. But remember, newer cars tend not to see issues and complaints until they’ve been on the road longer, and not all problems are reported. So, buying a Mazda3 from the safe years doesn’t guarantee a dependable car. Suppose you already own one of the model years to avoid. In that case, there is no guarantee these problems will present themselves in your vehicle. The essential tips are maintaining your car properly and getting a trusted mechanic to inspect any vehicle you’re interested in buying.
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Common Mazda3 Problems
Despite its popularity in the compact car segment, the Mazda is not without its share of reliability woes. Here are some of the most common Mazda3 problems you should know about:
- Clutch failure: Several Mazda3 models (particularly the 2010 and 2011 years) have struggled with clutch issues. Specifically, the Mazda 3’s clutch just failed, resulting in stalls and acceleration issues. Many owners had to replace their clutch.
- Interior accessory issues: Frustrated owners complained about the problematic interior accessories of the Mazda3. We’ve seen reports of the infotainment acting up and not being responsive. Some reports claimed their dashboard melted and turned into a dark sludge, while others complained about broken seat brackets.
- Excessive vibrations: A handful of Mazda3 models received complaints about excessive vibrations while driving. Many drivers attempted to fix the issue by replacing their tires and brake pads. However, it was later determined to be due to a faulty motor mount.
- Rattling from rear suspension: Mazda3 drivers heard rattling from the rear suspension while driving on rough roads. Technicians discovered that this issue stemmed from either a loose rear stabilizer bar link or faulty rear brake light mounting. Replacing the components should correct the problem.
Mazda3 Problem Counts by Year
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Frequently Asked Questions: Mazda3 Years to Avoid
Q: What are the Mazda3 model years to avoid?
A: Based on the number of complaints and reported issues, it’s best to steer clear of the 2004, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Mazda3 models. These model years have experienced problems ranging from transmission and clutch failures to poor interior build quality and brake issues.
Q: Why should I avoid the first year of each new Mazda3 generation?
A: The first year of each new Mazda3 generation tends to have more problems as the manufacturer works out the kinks in the redesign. It’s generally recommended to avoid the 2004 (1st gen), 2010 (2nd gen), and 2014 (3rd gen) models, as they have had more complaints compared to the subsequent years within their respective generations.
Q: What problems did the 2004 Mazda3 experience?
A: While the 2004 Mazda3 didn’t have many problems, the reported issues were significant, including engine failure, transmission problems (difficulty shifting or complete failure), headlight malfunctions, and air conditioning unit troubles.
Q: Are there any reliable Mazda3 model years?
A: Yes, several Mazda3 model years are considered reliable, including 2005-2009 (1st gen), 2015-2018 (3rd gen), and 2019-2020 (4th gen). These model years have had fewer reported problems and complaints.
Are Mazda3s typically reliable?
Overall, the Mazda Mazda3 (yes, that’s a bit redundant, but it’s the name Mazda picked) is well-regarded for being dependable transportation. Outside of the first half of the 2010s, most Mazda3s are reliable.
How much does a used Mazda3 typically cost?
Small compact cars are in-demand now because SUVs have gotten more expensive. One example is the Mazda3. A 2009 sedan has an average price of $7,665, according to CoPilot Price Pulse, and includes an eye-opening market premium of 43% (compared to normal selling conditions). Newer models still command above-average prices. A 2020 Mazda3 sedan sells for $23,510, with a 26% increased market adjustment.
Is the Mazda3 a good car to purchase?
The Mazda3 is an excellent vehicle for several reasons. It’s dependable, stylish, and often gets overlooked by shoppers searching for a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. Just focus on the most reliable Mazda3 years, and you’re on your way.
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