NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mazda CX-3 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The model received five-star NHTSA crash protection ratings across both frontal and side impact categories. This performance was further bolstered by a full score in avoidance technology, together presenting a strong safety profile.
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD received a 5-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.6% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring for this nameplate. The Safety Index rose from 90/100 in the 2019 model year to 94/100 here, a four-point gain that keeps the vehicle firmly in the Exceptional band but pushes it noticeably higher within that tier. The gain is traceable in the index breakdown: crash protection contributed 66 of a possible 70 points, avoidance tech delivered a perfect 10 out of 10 reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component scored 18.25 out of 20. That near-perfect avoidance-tech score is a defining characteristic of this specific model year and distinguishes it from earlier CX-3 generations where such systems were not universally standard. The single recall on record targets the rearview camera display, a meaningful safety function tied to back-over prevention, and shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN. The complaint record is minimal at one reported allegation, though that single report does allege a crash and an injury in the Air Bags category, which warrants attention even at low volume.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mazda CX-3 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. It secured perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash test categories. The rollover assessment indicated a 4 out of 5-star rating, with a measured rollover risk of 14 percent. The vehicle's dynamic tip test resulted in No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14206
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 carries one recall campaign. It involves the rearview camera sensing system: Mazda North American Operations recalled certain 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles because the rearview camera image may not display correctly, affecting back-over prevention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA records one owner complaint for the 2020 Mazda CX-3, an unverified allegation involving the Air Bags component. The report includes an alleged crash and one alleged injury. These are unverified consumer allegations submitted to NHTSA, not established facts.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
Any shopper considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the rearview camera recall has been remedied. An open recall on a safety-critical display system is a concrete item to resolve before purchase, regardless of the vehicle's otherwise strong index score.
- The Safety Index rose four points from 2019 to 2020, from 90/100 to 94/100, driven in part by a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech score reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year.
- NHTSA's NCAP awarded the 2020 CX-3 AWD SUV 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, and 5 stars side, with rollover rated at 4 stars and a 14 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic result.
- The one recall on record for this model year targets the rearview camera image display across 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles, a back-over prevention system. Buyers should verify by VIN whether the remedy has been completed.
- Only one owner complaint appears in NHTSA records for this model year, an unverified allegation in the Air Bags category that includes a reported crash and one reported injury. Low complaint volume is notable but a single allegation in a safety-critical category should not be dismissed without review.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mazda CX-3 places
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mazda CX-3 safety questions
Was the 2020 Mazda CX-3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mazda CX-3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2020 Mazda CX-3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Mazda CX-3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Cadillac XT6 | 92/100 | 5 of 5 | 4 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14206), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-3 2020.
- 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 2 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.