2023 Mazda 3 Sedan Safety and Reliability

Safety is the Mazda 3's forte. In the NHTSA review of the 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan, it scored five stars in every category and a full five-star overall safety rating; so far, the limited tests performed on the 2023 model mirror these results. Thanks to its impressive lineup of standard safety features, the 2023 model also received a Top Safety Pick award in the IIHS review, with a Good grading for the top two trims' adaptive LED headlights but just an Acceptable rating for the standard LED headlights.

The 3 is handsomely equipped across the range, but only mid-range models from the Select get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist as standard. That's over and above the standard safety features - all models get smart brake support, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, driver-attention alert, tire-pressure monitoring, and automatic high beams. The top two trims get adaptive LED headlights and traffic-sign recognition, and only the Turbo Premium Plus gets a surround-view camera, traffic-jam assist, and automatic reverse braking. Eight airbags are standard, including knee airbags for the front occupants, as is ABS, and traction and stability control.

The Mazda 3's J.D. Power score for quality and reliability is only average at 77 out of 100. According to the NHTSA, the Mazda 3 was recalled six times in 2019 and twice in 2020, but only once as a 2021 model at the time of our review. The 2021 recall affected just 599 units that may have a leaking air valve on the tires and also affected the CX-30. Both the 2022 and 2023 Mazda 3s have been recall-free so far.

The Mazda 3 is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.