2013-2019 (3rd generation) - 2.0 SkyActiv-G 120hp/165hp petrol
One of the most reliable compact cars of its era. The naturally aspirated 2.0 SkyActiv-G engine with timing chain is proven to exceed 300,000 km with proper maintenance. Consumer Reports rated the 2014-2018 models 5/5 for reliability. Main concerns: carbon buildup on direct injection valves (preventable with quality oil), infotainment touchscreen ghost-touch issues on 2014-2016 models (extended warranty available), and i-stop battery sensitivity. Avoid 2014 first-year production if possible; 2015+ models are more refined. Verify parking brake recall (1217F) completed on Mexico-built cars.
Direct injection engines accumulate carbon on valves over time · more· less
All direct injection engines including the SkyActiv-G are prone to carbon buildup because fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder rather than through the intake ports where it would wash away deposits. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, and reduced power, typically appearing between 80,000-120,000 km. Mazda addressed this somewhat by keeping intake valve temperatures high to burn off deposits. The fix is walnut blasting, which costs €300-600 at specialist shops. Prevention: use quality synthetic oil (low volatility reduces blow-by deposits), and occasional spirited driving helps keep valves cleaner.
Infotainment touchscreen ghost-touch€100 - €1,200
Screen operates by itself, becomes unresponsive, or shows erratic behavior · more· less
On 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles, the Mazda Connect touchscreen can malfunction due to moisture corroding the ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film during manufacturing. The screen may accept phantom inputs, dial phone numbers randomly, or become unresponsive. Mazda issued Special Service Program SSPB6 extending warranty coverage to 7 years / unlimited km for this specific issue. If within the extended warranty period, replacement is free. Out of warranty, a DIY screen replacement kit costs around €70-100, while dealer replacement of the entire unit runs €800-1,200. Check if your car qualifies for the extended warranty before paying for repairs.
Rear coil spring breakage€200 - €500
Corrosion causes springs to fracture, usually at the lower coil · more· less
Rear coil springs can break due to corrosion from road salt and debris accumulating between the spring and spring sheet. The right rear spring is most commonly affected. Mazda issued a TSB acknowledging this and modified the spring design. Symptoms include clunking noises and visible spring damage. Cars driven in areas with harsh winters and road salt are particularly susceptible. Replacement cost is €200-250 per spring at an independent shop, or €400-500 at dealers. Some dealerships have covered this under warranty if the car is relatively new.
Wheel bearing wear€250 - €450
Growling/humming noise from wheels, more noticeable at highway speeds · more· less
Wheel bearings typically last 100,000 km or more but can fail earlier due to pothole impacts or lack of maintenance. Symptoms include a growling noise that changes with speed (not with braking or steering), and in advanced cases, loose steering feel. On the 2014+ Mazda 3, OEM front hubs come with bearings pre-installed. Replacement cost per wheel is €250-450 including labor (about 1.8 hours). The failure is gradual, so you'll have warning before it becomes dangerous.
i-stop battery issues€200 - €350
Start-stop system is very sensitive to battery condition · more· less
The i-stop system requires an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or AGM battery and is extremely sensitive to battery health. Even a battery that can still start the car may not be good enough for i-stop function. Symptoms include i-stop warning light, system refusing to engage, and various electrical glitches. Batteries typically last 3-4 years in i-stop equipped vehicles. Replacement requires an EFB or AGM battery (€150-250) and some dealers charge €100-200 for battery registration/programming, though many owners report DIY replacement works without issues.
Brake pedal microswitch failure€100 - €200
Faulty switch prevents shifting out of Park and causes i-stop errors · more· less
The microswitch on the brake pedal controls i-stop engagement and transmission interlock. When it fails (typically around 3-4 years), you may be unable to shift the automatic transmission out of Park, experience i-stop errors, or the car may refuse to start. The part itself is inexpensive (€20-40) but diagnosis can take time if the mechanic is unfamiliar with the issue.
Low oil pressure (oil pump)€400 - €900
Oil pump failure triggers check engine light with P0015/P0524 codes · more· less
The SkyActiv-G engine does not have an oil pressure warning light on the dashboard - instead, low oil pressure triggers a check engine light with specific diagnostic codes (P0015 and/or P0524). This is relatively uncommon but was documented enough for Mazda to issue TSB 01-009-14 for 2014 models. The fix involves replacing the oil pump, oil strainer, and cleaning the oil pan. Cost is €400-900 depending on the shop. Prevention: regular oil changes with quality synthetic oil.
Mass air flow sensor failure€150 - €400
Engine stalls, runs rough, or has very poor throttle response · more· less
MAF sensor failures have been reported on some Mazda 3 BM models. Symptoms include the engine starting then dying within seconds unless you keep giving it gas, or extremely sluggish throttle response. OEM Mazda MAF sensors cost €100-150 and are significantly more reliable than cheap aftermarket alternatives. The sensor is easy to replace yourself in about 30 minutes.
Very reliable with few serious concerns
The Mazda 3 BM with the 2.0 SkyActiv-G engine is one of the most reliable compact cars available. The engine uses a timing chain (not belt) and has no known major powertrain weaknesses. Most issues are minor and relatively inexpensive to fix. The conventional 6-speed automatic is more reliable than dual-clutch alternatives used by competitors. With proper maintenance, 250,000+ km is achievable.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 15,000 km or 12 months).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns indicating alignment issues.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen for any unusual sounds in the first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust on wheel arches, door edges, and underbody. Mazda paint is thin and chips easily.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds to check for wheel bearing noise.
Specific for this vehicle
Test infotainment touchscreen thoroughly
Press all areas of the screen, check for ghost touches or unresponsive zones. Try all features including backup camera. Screen issues are common on 2014-2016 models.
Check i-stop function
Drive until engine is warm, stop at traffic lights. If i-stop warning light appears or system doesn't engage, battery may need replacement soon.
Listen for rear suspension noises
Drive over bumps and listen for clunking from the rear. Broken coil springs are a known issue, especially in cars from winter regions.
Inspect rear wheel arches for rust
Look for bubbling paint or surface rust, especially on the wheel arch edges and underbody.
Check for parking brake sticking (if cable type)
Apply and release parking brake several times. If it feels sticky or doesn't fully release, the recall may not have been completed.
Verify production location
Mexico-built cars (VIN starts with 3) were affected by parking brake recall. Check recall completion status with Mazda dealer.
Engine protection software (Apr 2015 - Nov 2017)Verify completed
Touchscreen extended warranty SSPB6 (2014-2016)7 years coverage
Enter your VIN at mazda.eu/recall-information or contact a Mazda dealer to verify all recalls have been completed. The parking brake recall is particularly important for Mexico-built vehicles.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on most
Powertrain warranty (5 years / 100,000 km)Expired on 2019 and older
Touchscreen extended warranty (SSPB6)7 years from first registration
Rust perforation warranty12 years
Most Mazda 3 BM models are now outside their original warranty period. For 2014-2016 models with touchscreen issues, check if the 7-year extended warranty (SSPB6) still applies. The 12-year rust perforation warranty may still be valid for body corrosion claims.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.