2018 Mazda 3

The 2018 Mazda 3 is a compact car appreciated for its sporty handling, stylish design, and upscale interior for its class. It came with two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-liter inline-4 generating 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 often praise the Mazda 3 for its engaging driving experience and fuel efficiency, but some common complaints include road noise and a somewhat small rear seat.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4

• No Issues Found

2.5L Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can lead to potential engine damage if not monitored and addressed.
  • Solution: While some cases might be attributed to driving habits, others could indicate issues with piston rings or valve stem seals. A compression test and leak-down test can help diagnose the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, the fix could involve replacing piston rings and/or valve stem seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ (depending on the severity and repair needed)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Jerky Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or jerky shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can be more noticeable during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealer may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, a transmission fluid flush and replacement might be necessary. In rare situations, the valve body might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (fluid flush), $800-$1,500 (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mazda Connect infotainment system can sometimes freeze, become unresponsive, or randomly reboot. This affects navigation, audio, and other connected services.
  • Solution: Start with a system reset by holding down the volume, mute, and navigation buttons for a few seconds. Updating the infotainment software to the latest version can also resolve some issues. In some cases, the CMU (Connectivity Master Unit) module might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (system reset) - $800+ (CMU replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms or failure to detect vehicles in the blind spot.
  • Solution: Check the sensors in the rear bumper for dirt or obstructions. Have the system diagnosed by a dealer, which may require sensor replacement or recalibration.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on sensor replacement and recalibration)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cracked Windshield
  • Description/Symptoms: Windshield is prone to cracking from small rocks hitting it.
  • Solution: Have the windshield repaired or replaced
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling from Dashboard or Door Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises originating from the dashboard or door panels, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating the source of the rattle can be challenging. Dealerships and auto body shops may use specialized tools to pinpoint the exact location. Once identified, solutions range from tightening loose screws or clips to adding foam padding to dampen vibrations.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on the complexity of the fix)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mazda 3 is a generally reliable vehicle, but some owners have reported issues with oil consumption in the 2.5L engine, rough shifting in the automatic transmission, and occasional infotainment system malfunctions. Rattling noises within the cabin are also a common complaint. While some issues are minor and easily addressed, others like excessive oil consumption can lead to more costly repairs if left unchecked. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing. The severity of these issues is mild to moderate, with repair costs ranging from a few dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the issue.