2018 Mazda 3

2018 Mazda 3

The 2018 Mazda 3 is a compact car available in sedan and hatchback body styles. It is offered with a choice of three engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

The Mazda 3 is praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving dynamics. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of rear seat space and cargo capacity.

Engine

2.0-liter four-cylinder

• Intake valve carbon buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idle, stalling.
  • Solution: Cleaning the intake valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5-liter four-cylinder

• No Issues Found

2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, increased oil consumption, whistling noise from the engine.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $3,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-speed manual

• Clutch problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Six-speed automatic

• Transmission fluid leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Reddish fluid leaking from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacing the transmission fluid seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Six-speed automatic with paddle shifters

• Shifting problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed gear changes, refusal to shift gears.
  • Solution: Reprogramming the transmission control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting overnight.
  • Solution: Replacing the battery or charging it more frequently.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin from the sunroof.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the sunroof seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mazda 3 is a reliable and enjoyable car to drive. However, it has some potential issues that buyers should be aware of, including intake valve carbon buildup on the 2.0-liter engine, turbocharger failure on the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, and dashboard cracking. The cost of these issues can range from as little as $100 to as much as $3,500.