NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Mazda CX-3 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 26 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. This strong score is largely attributable to its robust performance in crash testing. While the vehicle's defect record is notably clean, two open recall campaigns warrant verification prior to acquisition.
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 ranks 8 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.6% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 26 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 8 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Mazda CX-3?
The 2019 Mazda CX-3's strong crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 derives from its near-perfect NHTSA star ratings. This performance underpins an overall Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing the model in the Exceptional band. However, the avoidance-technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 represents a clear deficiency. Neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning systems are standard equipment for this model year; their inclusion depends on optional packages. Electronic stability control is standard. The defect-record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 reflects two recall campaigns: one for the fuel pump and another for the rearview camera. Neither issue warranted a do-not-drive advisory. The 26 owner complaints reported for this seven-year-old vehicle are a modest number, though nine of these specifically address electrical system issues.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Mazda CX-3 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 AWD achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both the frontal and side crash tests conducted by NHTSA. Its overall safety rating is 5 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 14 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13006
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Mazda CX-3. The first targets the fuel pump, affecting the 2019 CX-3 among several Mazda models, a component failure that can stall the engine. The second addresses the rearview camera image, which may fail to display properly, reducing back-over protection. Neither campaign has been flagged as a do-not-drive order, but both warrant VIN verification.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V487000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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 Augus
Reported 2023-07-14
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V875000
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Reported 2021-11-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Mazda CX-3?
Twenty-six unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Mazda CX-3. Alleged problem areas lead with the Electrical System at 9 reports, followed by Steering at 5 and Fuel or Propulsion System at 2. One alleged crash has been reported. All figures are unverified consumer allegations.
26 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Mazda CX-3?
Buyers of the 2019 Mazda CX-3 should confirm that two critical recall campaigns, addressing the fuel pump and rearview camera systems, have been remedied. Unresolved safety recalls transfer with ownership, and it is the buyer's responsibility to verify completion.
- The 2019 Mazda CX-3 AWD received a perfect 5-star NHTSA overall rating this model year, with the only sub-5 score being a 4-star rollover rating and a 14 percent rollover-risk figure.
- Two specific recall campaigns were issued covering this model year: one for a fuel-pump defect that can cause engine stall, and one for a rearview-camera display failure that compromises back-over detection.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on the 2019 CX-3, meaning the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 may not reflect the actual configuration of every used unit available.
- Twenty-six unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with the Electrical System category drawing the most alleged reports at 9, and the most recent complaint filed as recently as mid-2025.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Mazda CX-3 places
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Mazda CX-3 safety questions
Was the 2019 Mazda CX-3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Mazda CX-3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Mazda CX-3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Mazda CX-3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Mazda CX-3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Mazda CX-3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Mazda CX-3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 26 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Mazda CX-3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-3 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13006), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-3 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 8 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.