2014 Mazda 3 Sport

The 2014 Mazda 3 Sport is a compact car that offered a blend of sporty handling, fuel efficiency, and modern design. The 2014 Mazda 3 came standard with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine was also available, outputting 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Mazda 3’s responsive steering, comfortable interior, and fuel economy. Common complaints include road noise, the infotainment system’s complexity, and the availability of advanced safety features being limited to higher trim levels.

Engine

2.0L Skyactiv-G

• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, especially at idle or during acceleration. Noise coming from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed engine mount(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Control Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, difficulty starting, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the purge control valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Skyactiv-G

• Purge Control Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, difficulty starting, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the purge control valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Actuator Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattle upon startup, especially when cold. Check engine light. Reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacing the VVT actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting gears, hard or jerky shifts, especially between certain gears.
  • Solution: Possible causes include low transmission fluid, faulty solenoids, or wear within the transmission. Fluid flush may resolve minor issues, but solenoid replacement or a transmission rebuild/replacement might be necessary for more severe problems.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at certain speeds, especially under light acceleration. Stall when coming to a stop.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leakage/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps. Noise coming from the rear suspension. Visible fluid leaks on the shock absorbers.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly reboots.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the infotainment module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update if available) - $800+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. Difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing parasitic draw, replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Wheel Arches
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the inside of the rear wheel arches, often starting near the seam.
  • Solution: Rust repair (sanding, filling, and repainting) or panel replacement, depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling from Dashboard/Trim Pieces
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling or buzzing noises coming from the dashboard or other interior trim pieces, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating and securing the loose trim pieces. May require adding foam padding or other materials to dampen the vibrations.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mazda 3 Sport is a generally reliable car, but owners should be aware of potential issues such as engine mount failures, transmission problems (especially with the automatic), and electrical glitches. Rust can also be a concern in areas with harsh winters. The severity and cost of repairs vary depending on the issue, but some repairs like transmission work can be quite expensive. While the 2.0L Skyactiv-G Engine is prone to issues with the engine mounts, the 2.5L engine is more prone to issues with the VVT. Overall the engine is reliable, but the transmission can be a pain point.