Back over prevention: camera
Remedy pending
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.
Research · Compact Cars
2017 Mazda CX-3Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 21 owner complaints for the 2017 Mazda CX-3. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (8) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 29–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
29–31mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2023
Owner complaints
21
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
21 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2017 – Mar 2025
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Engine3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Electrical system2
- Visibility/wiper1
- Steering1
- Back over prevention1
- Exterior lighting1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
8 reports
“The engine on my 2017 CX-3 died while travelling on the interstate at 70mph just before the low fuel light would normally turn on. I pulled to the side of the interstate freaked out at what just happened. I was within a mile of an exit with a gas station and the car started when fuel was added. It's the exact same low pressure fuel pump failure symptom that later CX-3's are being recalled for. I took it to a Mazda dealer and he only recommended that I keep the tank over half full. I've been hoping the recall would be expanded to include my VIN number but there doesn't appear to be enough complaints yet to do this. I've been filling up at 1/4 tank and haven't had an issue again after driving another 40,000+ miles. This model has disappointing range even without this issue.”
Engine
3 reports1 crash
“On November 4, 2022 I was driving in the middle lane of I 87 north of Saratoga Springs. The car stalled and died. I was able to get to the break down lane. After sitting for 5 - 10 minutes, completely frazzled, I tried the ignition and the car started. The gas gauge said I had approximately ¼ tank left. I filled the car up and made it the rest of the way home. This had happened once before on a local road and we had the car towed. The thought was that maybe the car had run out of gas although the gas gauge did not so indicate. When I took the vehicle to the mazda dealer after considerable research, they indicated there were recalls on Denso fuel pump impellers for the model of my car in 2018 and following but not for my 2017 model. The date of that service was 1/17/23. There were no codes still in place that would identify the problem. I am certain that this is the problem. I only drive the car locally now and i keep the gas tank at least ½ full.”
Vehicle speed control
2 reports1 crash
“LED speedometer in dash showing incorrect speed or unreadable. Advised of chip malfunction.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 34 | 31 | $1,950 | 288 |
| CX-3 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,050 | 308 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 13.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 13.6%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2017 CX-3 questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Mazda CX-3 have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2017 Mazda CX-3 problems?
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (8), engine (3), vehicle speed control (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Mazda CX-3 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Mazda CX-3 at 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2017 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Mazda CX-3 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026