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)
- —
2020 Mazda Mazda3 vs nearby years
Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.
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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.
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.
| 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.
- 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.
- 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.