2015-2021 (DK) · 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol (120-150 hp)
A stylish, sporty subcompact crossover built on the Mazda2 platform with Mazda's famously fun-to-drive character. Reliability is very good overall with a 4.5/5 rating. The 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol engine is robust and avoids the DPF issues that plague the diesel variant. Main concerns: automatic transmission failures (manual is far more reliable), air conditioning evaporator leaks on 2016 models, infotainment system freezing in cold weather, and some rust on wheel arches and tailgate. Timing chain (not belt) is maintenance-free but listen for cold start rattle indicating tensioner wear. Avoid the 2016 model year if possible - the most complaints.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€750 - €1,250/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€550-850
Risk buffer
€200-400
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Automatic transmission failure€3,000 - €5,500
Complete gearbox failures at 20,000-40,000 km, mostly on 2015-2017 models · more· less
The automatic transmission is "the only serious issue" reported with the CX-3. Multiple owners have experienced complete transmission failure requiring full replacement at very low mileage (11,000-24,000 km). Symptoms include sudden loss of drive, slipping out of gear, and the engine just revving. Mazda issued a technical bulletin in 2017 for faulty cases causing misaligned bearings. A service manager acknowledged "this is not the first time he has heard of this happening." Manual transmission CX-3s are significantly more reliable and have minimal reported issues. Full transmission replacement costs €3,000-5,500 depending on dealer vs independent shop.
Air conditioning evaporator leak€1,300 - €1,600
Manufacturing defect in 2016 models causes AC freon leaks within first 3 years · more· less
Many 2016 CX-3 owners have experienced AC system failures. The 2016 models had a manufacturing defect in the evaporator or condenser that caused AC freon leaks within the first 3 years. Dealers have been replacing systems under warranty. AC evaporator replacement is expensive (€1,300-1,600 average) because the evaporator must be accessed through the passenger footwell or by removing the dashboard - very labor-intensive. AC condenser replacement is less expensive (€300-600) as it's more accessible near the radiator. If buying a 2016 CX-3, verify AC works perfectly and check service history for AC system replacement.
Infotainment system freezing/failure€500 - €1,500
Screen goes blank, system restarts in cold weather below -25°C · more· less
Mazda acknowledged quality control issues with "a possible batch of infotainment units for certain production dates." Common problems include blank screens, damaged display backlights requiring screen replacement, and system boot loops. Some units are "essentially bricked" and require complete computer module replacement. Cold weather exacerbates issues - owners report multiple restarts during commutes when temperatures drop below -25°C. Quick reset: press volume, back, and NAV buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. For terminal problems, Mazda has replaced entire units under warranty. Replacement CMU (computer module) costs €500-800, complete system replacement up to €1,500.
Wheel arch and tailgate corrosion€400 - €1,600
Rust around rear camera and wheel arches, even on 2017-2019 models · more· less
The CX-3 shares the Mazda2 platform and inherits similar rust susceptibility. Common areas: rear wheel arches (paint bubbling from galvanic corrosion), tailgate around the rear camera (even on post-2017 models despite Mazda claiming fix), and roof exterior (rust pushing through from under paint). One 2018 CX-3 had unacceptable underbody rust with less than 7,000 miles. Mazda offers a 7-year rust warranty which covers repairs if caught early - some owners successfully claimed warranty for roof and hatch rust. Repair cost approximately €400-600 per wheel arch, €800-1,200 for tailgate depending on extent. Preventive treatment recommended for high-risk areas.
Timing chain tensioner wear€1,000 - €2,200
Cold start rattle for 1-30 seconds, typically at 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The EA211-based Skyactiv-G engine has improved over earlier versions but timing chain issues can occur. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. Note: there's also a normal "Accelerated Warmup" rattle that increases idle speed and retards ignition timing for about 20 seconds after cold start - this is by design and not a problem. VW has updated tensioner parts. Replacement costs €1,000-2,200 depending on shop. Timing chain is lifetime component with no scheduled replacement interval.
Shock absorber oil leaks€500 - €600
Front shocks leak oil, bouncy unstable ride over bumps · more· less
Some CX-3 owners report leaking shocks soon after purchase. One owner had a leaking front left shock replaced under warranty. When shock absorbers wear out, they won't properly dampen road bumps - you'll experience a bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps or rough roads. The CX-3 might feel like it sways or rolls as you turn. Additional symptoms include uneven tire wear. There's a TSB for creaking noise from front shocks requiring plastic insulators on coil springs. Shock absorbers last 80,000-160,000 km and are always replaced in pairs. Replacement cost €500-600 per axle (pair).
Carbon buildup on intake valves€140 - €600
Direct injection causes carbon deposits, but less severe than other brands · more· less
Like all direct-injection engines, the Skyactiv-G is prone to intake valve carbon buildup. However, Mazda engineered the valves to run hotter to minimize deposits, and modern Skyactiv engines have much more effective oil traps in the PCV system. As a result, carbon buildup is "very rare to be a problem" on Mazda engines compared to other GDI brands. If cleaning is needed, walnut blasting costs €140-200 at specialists, while dealers may quote €600 for chemical flush services. Frequent PCV valve cleaning and using premium fuel helps prevent buildup. Most CX-3s won't need this service unless experiencing rough idle or power loss.
Oil pump low pressure€800 - €1,400
Check engine light with DTC P0015/P0524, oil pump fails to develop maximum pressure · more· less
Some Skyactiv-G engines develop low oil pressure problems triggering check engine light with codes P0015 (camshaft position timing) and/or P0524 (oil pressure too low). There's a TSB for 2.0L engines requiring new oil pump, oil control valve and strainer. Several cases required oil pump replacement which for some reason did not develop maximum pressure. When this occurs, Mazda recommends replacing the oil pump and oil strainer, and cleaning the oil pan. This is uncommon but serious if it occurs. Replacement cost €800-1,400 including parts and labor.
Very reliable for a small crossover, especially with manual transmission
The CX-3 has a 4.5/5 reliability rating, ranking 2nd out of 7 subcompact SUVs. Average annual repair cost is just €345. Owners bring their CX-3s in for unscheduled repairs just 0.2 times per year (vs 0.4 average for all vehicles), and only 7% of repairs are severe (vs 12% average). The 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol engine is robust with proper maintenance. Manual transmission is significantly more reliable than the automatic. Avoid the 2016 model year which has the most complaints. Overall an excellent used buy if you choose manual transmission and inspect for the known issues.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (12 months/20,000 km Europe).
Tires
Check tread depth, age, uneven wear patterns. CX-3 uses 215/50R18 or 215/60R16 depending on trim.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle beyond normal 20-second warmup.
Body condition
Check wheel arches, tailgate camera area, and roof for rust. CX-3 has some corrosion issues.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds and bumpy roads to test suspension and transmission.
Specific for this vehicle
Test automatic transmission thoroughly (if equipped)
Drive for 15+ minutes. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, slipping, or clunking. Any transmission issues are a deal-breaker.
Verify air conditioning works perfectly
Critical on 2016 models - manufacturing defect caused evaporator leaks. Test AC on coldest setting for 10+ minutes.
Check wheel arches and tailgate for rust
Look for paint bubbling on rear wheel arches. Check around rear camera for rust. Even newer models affected.
Test infotainment system completely
Screen should not freeze, restart, or go blank. Test all functions. Check if navigation works without issues.
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start
Start engine completely cold. Normal warmup rattle lasts ~20 seconds. Longer rattle indicates tensioner wear.
Check for shock absorber oil leaks
Look at shock bodies for any signs of oil. Test drive over bumpy road - should not feel bouncy or unstable.
Verify all recalls completed
Check with Mazda dealer using VIN. Four recalls issued including ECU software that could cause engine failure.
Avoid 2016 model year if possible
2016 has the most reported complaints (64 total) including engine, electrical, and AC issues. 2017+ improved significantly.
Coolant control valve thermostat (Special Service Program)Extended warranty coverage
The CX-3 has been recalled four times. 248 technical service bulletins have been issued across all model years. Contact Mazda with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The ECU software and automatic transmission TSBs are particularly important.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/60,000 km)Expired on most CX-3s
Powertrain warranty (5 years/100,000 km)Expired on 2015-2018 models
Rust warranty (7 years)Active on 2017+ models
Most used CX-3s are outside their factory warranty. The rust warranty lasts 7 years and is transferable to new owners - important given the corrosion issues. Extended warranties may be available through Mazda dealers or third parties. Always verify exact warranty status with Mazda using the VIN before purchase.
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.