Verdict
2020 Mazda Mazda3: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for sedan.
Owners filed 32 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 60% of 2020 sedans. Forward Collision Avoidance leads the reports (38%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
32
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
No data
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 60% of 2020 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Forward Collision Avoidance issues lead owner complaints (38% of 32 reports), followed by electrical system (9%).
+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 32 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11546515, ODI 11533718, ODI 11495146, ODI 11464746, ODI 11464747.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Service BrakesDec 2020 · 20V346000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Forward Collision Avoidance · 19V907000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2020 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2020 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2020 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
No EPA fuel-economy record is available for this model year. Some trims and older vehicles were not tested or are not in the current EPA feed.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2020 Mazda Mazda3: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
Owners filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 — more complaints than 60% of comparable 2020 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
The most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (38% of complaints) and electrical system (9%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, covering components such as service brakes. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 get?
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 aren't available yet.