DecodedCars2016 Mazda CX-3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- AWD, FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 29 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 168.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,811–2,952 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,952 lb (AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 35 highway), 17% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 60.6 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 2,952 lb | 60/40 |
| FWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 60.6 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 2,811 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 35 / 31 | +17% | $2,150 | 290 |
| CX-3 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 308 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mazda CX-3.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda CX-3 (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Nissan Leaf | 107 mi | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jul 14, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V487000 · 236,100 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · 580,455 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Risk
- If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Steering · Apr 11, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V203000 · 578 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
- Risk
- If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
Not every 2016 Mazda CX-3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Mazda CX-3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 6 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 5 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →