2018 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Report
2018 Mazda Mazda3: Strong crash test performance, but significant recalls and infotainment issues raise real-world safety concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3
Reliability Score
The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rearview Camera Malfunction The rearview camera image may flicker, be distorted, or fail to display, increasing crash risk. This is subject to NHTSA recall 23V-487, with many complaints noting a lack of remedy parts. |
High | Common | N/A miles |
| Infotainment 'Ghost Touch' And Cracking Screen The center dashboard screen develops 'spider cracks' and exhibits 'ghost touch' where it registers inputs without being touched, causing distractions and making the rearview camera unusable. While similar issues had a SSP for older models, 2018 owners report it. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
| Windshield Wiper Failure A defective windshield wiper relay can cause wipers to become inoperative, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk. This is covered by a recall. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure The low-pressure fuel pump impeller may fail, leading to engine stall and increased crash risk. This is subject to a recall. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Incorrect Exhaust Valve Spring An incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail, potentially causing an engine stall and increasing crash risk. This is subject to a recall. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Electrical System Failures (Can Network) Intermittent electrical failures on the high-speed CAN network can cause multiple safety-critical systems (powertrain, ABS, lane departure, collision-avoidance) to fail while driving. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Mazda Mazda3:
A significant number of complaints (16) fall into this category, often related to general electrical issues or infotainment system malfunctions not explicitly categorized.
16 complaints directly cite electrical system issues, including intermittent failures on the CAN network affecting multiple safety systems.
14 complaints relate to visibility issues, primarily windshield wiper failures, which are also subject to a recall.
13 complaints are for back over prevention, specifically rearview camera malfunctions, which are under recall and frequently reported as un-remedied.
5 complaints are related to service brakes, though specific patterns are not detailed in the provided data.
4 complaints are for the engine, including issues like high-pressure fuel pump failure and exhaust valve spring problems, both of which are recall-related.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Mazda Mazda3
Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 received excellent 5-star overall crash test ratings, indicating strong occupant protection. However, it has 106 complaints, including 6 crashes, 5 injuries, and 1 death, and is subject to 4 safety recalls for issues like rearview camera, fuel pump, windshield wipers, and exhaust valve springs. While crash protection is high, real-world reliability and unresolved recall issues present safety concerns.
What are common problems with the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (16 complaints) and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (16 complaints), often related to infotainment 'ghost touch' and general electrical malfunctions. 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (14 complaints) and 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' (13 complaints), primarily rearview camera issues, are also very common and are subject to recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?
Yes, the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 has 4 active safety recalls. These include recalls for the rearview camera (NHTSA 23V-487), fuel pump, windshield wipers, and an incorrect exhaust valve spring. Many complaints indicate that the rearview camera recall (23V-487) has an un-remedied status or lack of available parts.
How does the infotainment system affect safety?
The infotainment system in the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 is a significant safety concern due to widespread reports of 'ghost touch' and screen cracking. These issues can cause random functions to activate, distract the driver, and render the rearview camera unusable, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. While similar issues had a Special Service Plan for older models, 2018 owners are experiencing these problems.
What should I do if my 2018 Mazda Mazda3 has a rearview camera issue?
If your 2018 Mazda Mazda3 has a flickering or distorted rearview camera, it is covered by NHTSA recall 23V-487. You should contact your Mazda dealership. However, be aware that many complaints indicate a lack of available remedy parts for this recall, leading to prolonged safety risks.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant recalls and common infotainment system issues that can impact safety and reliability. Verify all recall remedies have been performed and thoroughly test the infotainment system and rearview camera before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Mazda Mazda3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The data includes 106 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.