This page covers 2 recalls, 31 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2020 Mazda3, the clearest pattern in owner complaints centers on the forward sensing camera system. Across a large share of the 31 filed complaints, owners report the camera triggering malfunction warnings, often displayed both on the instrument cluster and through the companion app, which can disable automatic emergency braking and related driver assistance features. Owners describe this happening without any obvious physical damage to the camera or lens. Outside of that dominant pattern, complaints are sparse: a couple of owners mention steering or suspension concerns, including one report of rear springs fracturing at low mileage. A single complaint describes a tire developing an internal belt separation without apparent road hazard damage. The forward sensing camera issue stands out as the one recurring theme with meaningful volume in this model year's complaint set.
31
Total Complaints
By System
The 2020 Mazda3 has two recalls, both tied to braking safety: the automatic emergency braking system can falsely detect an obstacle and bring the car to a sudden, unexpected stop, raising the risk of a rear-end crash.
On the conventional brake side, the front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, which can allow the calipers to work loose over time. A loose caliper can reduce stopping power or begin to interfere with wheel rotation, making the vehicle harder to control.
At a glance
What can fail
Front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during manufacturing, allowing the calipers to potentially loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten front brake caliper bolts as needed. Missing bolts result in caliper replacement. All repairs are free.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Smart Brake System may falsely detect an obstacle while driving and activate automatic emergency braking, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Smart Brake System software. Some vehicles will also receive instrument cluster software updates or replacement and a replacement owner's manual.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
