Throttlebook

2020 Mazda Mazda3

The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 75/100. Expect about $37,539 to own it for five years, or $626 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 32 complaints.

Recalls
2
Complaints
32
5-yr cost
$38k
MPG (EPA)
—
0
Strong
Ownership Score

2020 Mazda Mazda3 vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Mazda3?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

2 recalls may apply

For the 2020 Mazda Mazda3. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

  • What's wrong: 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.

    Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $12,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$37,539
$626/month · $0.63/mile
Depreciation$3,473
Insurance (national avg.)$12,000
Fuel / charging$6,700
Maintenance$6,600
Repairs$3,720
Loan interest$3,326
Taxes & fees$1,720

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

32 complaints
  • Forward Collision Avoidance15
  • Steering3
  • Electrical System3
  • Service Brakes3
  • Unknown Or Other3
  • Fuel/Propulsion System2

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Frontal
5 out of 5 stars
Side
5 out of 5 stars
Rollover
5 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2020 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD

What to check on a used 2020 Mazda Mazda3

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Driver-assist systems
    • Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
    • Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.
  • Brakes
    • Press the pedal firmly: it should feel solid, not sink or pulse.
    • Listen for grinding or squealing when stopping.
  • Electrical and lights
    • Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
    • Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2020 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 a good car to buy?
The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 75/100. Expect about $37,539 to own it for five years, or $626 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 32 complaints.
Does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, including Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2020 Mazda Mazda3 problems?
Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (15), steering (3), electrical system (3), service brakes (3).
How much does a 2020 Mazda Mazda3 cost to own for 5 years?
About $37,539 over 5 years ($626/month) at an estimated $12,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.