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2019 Mazda CX-3 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump and camera. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rearview camera wiring recall unrepaired.” Mazda's Skyactiv engines use unusually high compression ratios (13:1 to 16:1) and require strict adherence to oil intervals — extending oil life on a Skyactiv engine accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Mazda's published Schedule 1 (severe) covers most US driving conditions.

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2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #21V875000 · Dec 11, 2021

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #23V487000 · Jul 14, 2023

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Mazda CX-3.

Reported to NHTSA

Rearview camera wiring recall unrepaired

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2024-07

“A recall notice dated July 14, 2023 stated improper design of rearview camera wiring harness fastener. The fastener may become damaged from vibrations during normal vehicle use and/or while closing the lift gate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605215
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11583229

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel stiffness and resistance

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2023-03

“Steering wheel gives resistance to movement, both left and right. This creates a safety hazard from oversteering”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513720
“Steering Issue: Vehicle from purchase date had stiff steering. Figured this was just a new vehicle and it would get loose as it ages. As of one year later and 14K miles it has gotten worse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447702

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield develops stress crack without impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2022-12

“FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM TOP OF CAR NOTHING HIT IT LOOKS LIKE STRESS CRACK. MAZDA SAYS NO AND NO PROBLEMS WITH THERE WINDOWS. 5 WEEKS LATER AND NO ONE CAN GET ME WINDSHIELD BECAUSE 400 BACKORDERD AND MAZDA HAS HOLD ON THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142684
“In early November 2022, a stress crack appeared on the left side of the front windshield. The crack was about 20 inches long, about halfway down the windshield, and impaired my view of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499183

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Key fob disconnects and prevents starting

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2021-08

“KEY FOB DISCONNECTS WHILE DRIVING. LOCK/UNLOCK DOES NOT WORK. CAR DOES NOT START WHEN KEYFOB IS IN VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW, THE DEALERSHIP HAS CHANGED MY KEYFOBS, FLASHED THE MEMORY, AND REPLACED THE BATTERIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230376
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX3. The contact stated while turning off the vehicle, the engine did shut-off however, the interior electrical components of the vehicle such as the radio and the doors would not automatically lock intermittently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430127

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump recall unrepaired

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2023-03

“I was told I have a recall on my fuel pump it can die at any time! Then they tell you they have no solution for fixing it so you're taking your life in your own hands going out of town having a car break down on you!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11468563
“The front crash warning light goes on and off intermittently even when alone on the highway. This happens about once a month. The second issue is more serious. My car showed 40 miles of gas left in the tank, and ran out of gas”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512641

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Premature battery failure at low mileage

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2020-07

“BATTERY HAS DIED TWICE FOR NO REASON. LOCKS NEED TO BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY. I HAVE TO TURN ON CAR TO OPEN OTHER DOORS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340083
“I PURCHASED MY 2019 CX 3 NOVEMBER 2018. APRIL 17 2019 WITH 1840 MILES I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. I WAS TOLD I DIDN'T DRIVE THE CARE ENOUGH! I DRIVE MY CAR EVERY DAY BUT IT IS LOCAL DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11315769

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2 (highway-only): 7,500 miles. Turbo engines: 5,000 miles regardless of schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles; every 5,000 on AWD models, where the front-biased coupling wears tires unevenly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Skyactiv-G direct injection is sensitive to airflow restriction — inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace ATF every 60,000 miles severe / 100,000 normal. Use Mazda FZ ATF — substitutes cause harsh 1-2 shifts and torque converter shudder.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 60,000 miles on Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L; 45,000 miles on the 2.5L Turbo.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

FL-22 Long-Life Coolant

Every 60,000 mi

Mazda FL-22 (yellow): first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000. Do not substitute — silicate-free formula prevents water pump damage on Skyactiv engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. On most models it sits behind the glove box.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2 crashes 1990–2024

How the 2 occupant deaths break down

2

driver deaths

0

passenger deaths

2

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2021 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Mazda CX-3 reflects Mazda's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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