2019 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Report
2019 MAZDA3 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Mazda Mazda3. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (72) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 with 23 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 before buying across this generation. |
Mazda Mazda3 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Mazda Mazda3 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 31 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Mazda Mazda3 | 106 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 | 49 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Mazda Mazda3 | 82 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Mazda Mazda3 | 23 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Mazda Mazda3 | 101 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2019 Mazda Mazda3 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Mazda Mazda3, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Mazda onlyPower Train
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Mazda onlyUnknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Mazda onlyEngine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Mazda onlyStructure
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Mazda onlyFuel/Propulsion System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Mazda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3
Reliability Score
The 2019 Mazda Mazda3 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag System Curtain airbags may malfunction. Ensure they are inspected during service. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Driver Side Door Handle Driver side door handle failure can impede entry/exit. Check for recalls. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Seat Assembly Headrest Front seat assembly headrest issues. Ensure proper installation and inspection. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Coolant System Known issues with the engine coolant system. Monitor for signs of failure. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Mazda Mazda3:
Airbag system issues, including curtain airbags malfunctioning.
Driver side door handle failure can impede entry/exit.
Front seat assembly headrest issues.
Engine coolant system known for failing.
Recall Details for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 t...
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles equipped with auto dimming mirrors are not affected by this recall.
Consequence: Rearward visibility will be reduced without the rearview mirror, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the interior rearview mirror assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3919G.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into place.
Consequence: Loose head restraints may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install spacers at the bottom of the lock release buttons on both front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3819F.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
Consequence: A wheel separating from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the front and rear wheel lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3519F.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicators for both the front passenger seat and/or rear seats may erroneously turn off although the front passenger and/or rear seat belts are unfastened.
Consequence: Incorrect indicator warning lights may lead the driver and/or passengers to be unaware of deactivated air bags or unfastened seat belts, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag/seat belt status indicator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3319E.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Mazda Mazda3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag system, specifically the curtain airbags and related airbag control components, malfunctioned by deploying spontaneously without any collision or impact. The vehicle and deployed airbags are still available and can be inspected upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of other...
Driver side door handle failed. Cannot enter or exit through driver side door. If something were to happen that we need to get out in an emergency situation we cannot exit through the driver side door. No damage occurred. Just stopped working
To whom it may concern, I was on a back road late in the evening not far from home [XXX] and a small deer ran into the road. I needed to brake to avoid hitting the deer. After breaking, a Brake System Malfunction warning message and i-ACTIVESENSE System Malfunction warning illuminated on my dashboard. I brought the car to a Mazda dealership the next morning. The technician determined that the br...
The seat belt stopped retracting and no longer works, it was reported directly to the Mazda agency, but the warranty was not valid. The dealer said that the tensioners no longer work and the seat belt needs to be replaced.
For the seat belt it does not retract back and there was no issue before. It suddenly stopped working and all of the seatbelt is out. This is a safety issue for anyone sitting in the front passenger seat. For the unknown part the button in the trunk to pull the back passenger seats down suddenly stopped working and no issues before then. I’m more concerned with the seat belt because this is a ...
A few weeks ago the following error message popped up on my dashboard: “Airbag Malfunction. Have vehicle inspected”. This message came and went intermittently whenever I had a passenger in the vehicle. I scheduled and appointment at my local Mazda dealership service center and in the meantime looked up the issue and found that it was extremely common and caused by a design flaw where the wire ha...
This began on 10.19.24 and as of 11.03.24 is ongoing and not repaired. On 10/19/24, while I was at a red light, the RPMs on my vehicle went up and down repeatedly. After I arrived at my destination, which was about a half mile away, and put the car in park, the RPMs repeatedly went up and down between 1,000 and 2,000 RPMs and the check engine light came on, and a message displayed saying malfuncti...
The car has had a lot of issues. The inside driver side glass for the display dash fogged up and had to be replaced. The first replacement didn’t fix it and I had to threaten legal action to get Mazda to replace the glass a second time before it finally resolved the issue. The car (which is washed and waxed weekly), got rust on it in year 3. Mazda repaired it and promised it would not return. 14 ...
I had an oil change back in April of 2024. I have been driving the last couple of days and after about 15 minutes my low oil light comes. this car has 58.800 miles on it. I stopped at a oil express to see if I was low on oil but they said I was at full. I also checked to see if they saw anything leaking but they also said they didn't see anything. if the gasket is bad 58,000 that is telling me it'...
I noticed oil was leaking and my engine was steaming after driving. My mechanic found a crack in a cylinder after watching YouTube and finding out Mazda has this issue.
Shown engine light on dashboard and Car was struggling to run while pressing the gas, took to the mazda dealership and they told low pressure and high pressure fuel pump needs to be replaced.
The engine coolant system/electronic coolant control valve is known for failing on the N/A Skyactiv-G engine. When it fails, it fails stuck open. There is a TSB out for this problem (01-011/21). This results in the engine coolant never making it to operating temperature, and poor heater performance during cold weather. When I took it to a dealer, they stated that the check engine light must come ...
Cylinder head is leaking oil due to known defect by Mazda. The rocker arm rubs the cylinder and causes the wall the thin and oil to leak through. Oil sprays on exhaust and other moving parts causing a safety concern due to possible oil combustion. This is in relation to TSB SA-031/21. Only alert is the low engine oil light due to the leak. At this point, oil has already covered a majority of ...
Cracked cylinder head causing oil leak. Confirmed by Mazda Dealership. Vehicle has always had routine maintenance and remote start used to warm engine prior to driving. No warning lights appeared to alert driver prior to noticing issue- took it in because driver could smell burning oil which is a fire risk to safety of occupants while using vehicle. This type of issue is a manufacturer flaw and sh...
The vehicle's battery has gone dead on several occasions since replacing the OEM battery. The OEM battery which was approximately 3 years old, also had gone dead, prompting its replacement. The battery has gone dead within 1-2 days of not using the car. Charging the battery by running it is only a temporary fix as the car needs to be constantly driven in order to charge the battery, which is not u...
Vehicle will over heat and then show warning messages that auto light system malfunction and engine will shut off randomly.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the vehicle network malfunction, vehicle inspection”, the check engine warning light and all the safety features were disabled, and the windshield wipers turned on independently. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The contact mentioned that the gear shifter fail...
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after pulling over to the shoulder the vehicle would not immediately restart. The contact stated that approximately five minutes later, the vehicle restarted without pressing the start button. The contact stated that the message "Network Ma...
Faulty Fuel pump by factory
Check engine light appeared then I had a dead battery. I purchased a new one and the check engine light went away for a while until now. Then I found a letter online that I never received of a recall for california vehicles that were manufactured during specific dates. Mine is listed as one but it does not have an active recall.
Showing 20 of 72 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Mazda Mazda3
Has the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 have?
The 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 72 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 involve air bags (5 complaints), power train (5 complaints), unknown or other (4 complaints). Other affected components include engine, structure, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 out of 72 total complaints (4.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 72 complaints, 6 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 are: 1. AIR BAGS (5 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), 4. ENGINE (4 complaints), 5. STRUCTURE (4 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
Inspect your vehicle regularly for any issues, especially the airbag system, driver side door handle, front seat assembly headrest, and engine coolant system. The 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 72 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 72 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbag System and Driver Side Door Handle.
What are the known issues with the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3?
Known issues with the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 include: Airbag System, Driver Side Door Handle, Front Seat Assembly Headrest, Engine Coolant System. These are based on patterns found across 72 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are the airbags in my 2019 Mazda3 safe?
Curtain airbags may malfunction. Ensure they are inspected during service.
What should I do if my driver side door handle fails?
Check for recalls and contact Mazda for assistance.
Why is my front seat headrest causing issues?
Ensure proper installation and inspection. Issues may arise from improper installation.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Inspect your vehicle regularly for any issues, especially the airbag system, driver side door handle, front seat assembly headrest, and engine coolant system.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Mazda Mazda3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Mazda Mazda3. The data includes 72 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16