2017 Mazda 3 Sport

The 2017 Mazda 3 Sport is a popular compact car known for its sporty handling, stylish design, and fuel efficiency. The Sport trim typically comes with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 engine producing around 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. While the 2.5-liter engine is available on higher trims, the Sport trim came with the 2.0-liter engine. Both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission were available. Owners often praise its driving dynamics, upscale interior for its class, and good fuel economy. Common complaints include a somewhat noisy cabin, particularly on the highway, and the infotainment system can feel dated compared to newer competitors.

Engine

2.0-Liter Skyactiv-G Inline-4

• Erratic Idle/Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of erratic idling, particularly when the engine is cold, which can sometimes lead to stalling. This issue is not consistently reported but appears to be more common in colder climates.
  • Solution: Cleaning the mass airflow sensor (MAF) or throttle body may resolve the issue. In some cases, a software update from the dealer may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can manifest as a noticeable lurch or hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and software update may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension, particularly when going over bumps. This is sometimes attributed to worn sway bar links or bushings.
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar links and/or bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (Mazda Connect) can occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or spontaneously reboot.
  • Solution: Performing a system reset or updating the software to the latest version. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset/update) - $800+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure or unexplained battery drain, especially if the car is not driven frequently.
  • Solution: Replacing the battery with a high-quality AGM battery. Also, ensuring all aftermarket accessories are properly installed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sun Visor Sagging/Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: The sun visors can become loose, sag, or break, especially the pivot point.
  • Solution: Replacing the sun visor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mazda 3 Sport generally has a good reputation for reliability, but like all vehicles, it’s not without its potential issues. The most common complaints revolve around the infotainment system and occasional engine or transmission quirks. Most of these issues are relatively minor and can be resolved with simple repairs or software updates. More significant repairs, like transmission valve body replacement or infotainment unit replacement, can be costly but are not extremely common. Overall, while potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues, the 2017 Mazda 3 Sport remains a solid choice in the compact car segment.