2017 Mazda 3

The 2017 Mazda 3 is a popular compact car known for its sporty handling, attractive styling, and fuel efficiency. It comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. An upgrade option is a 2.5-liter inline-4 producing 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Drivers appreciate the Mazda 3 for its engaging driving dynamics, comfortable interior, and user-friendly infotainment system. However, some common complaints include a somewhat firm ride, road noise at highway speeds, and limited rear passenger space.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4

• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, clunking noises especially during acceleration or deceleration, visible cracks or damage on the engine mount.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed engine mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Inline-4

• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, difficulty starting, rough idling, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts, slipping between gears, difficulty engaging gears, or general hesitation.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and software update can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (flush/update) - $3000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable bounce or instability in the rear of the vehicle, especially when going over bumps. Visible oil residue on the shock absorber body.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mazda Connect infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly reboots while driving. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealer may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $800+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car battery dies prematurely, often requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module, a light left on, or other electrical issues. Repair or replace the offending component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Some owners drill small holes in the housing to allow the moisture to evaporate. Others will replace the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (drilling) - $300+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises from Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling or buzzing noises coming from the dashboard, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating the source of the rattle and adding insulation or padding to secure the loose components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (depending on the complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2017 Mazda 3 is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners may encounter a few common issues. The most frequently reported problems involve the infotainment system and occasional engine-related issues. The engine mount and purge valve issues on the 2.0L and 2.5L engines are fairly common. The rear shock absorbers and automatic transmission are prone to issues that can be costly to repair. Overall, while some of these issues can be inconvenient, they are typically not catastrophic and can be addressed with proper maintenance and repair.