NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mazda3 achieves an Exceptional rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100. This near-perfect score is supported by full credit in crash protection and crash avoidance technology. A minor two-point deduction for its defect record is the only factor preventing a flawless score.
The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 out of 100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 ranks 5 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 98 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 5 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
A near-perfect Safety Index of 98 out of 100 places the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 firmly in the Exceptional band. This high mark is supported by a flawless performance in federal crash testing, with the model achieving 5-star ratings in overall, frontal, side, and rollover categories. The rollover risk is assessed at a low 10 percent. The Mazda3's Safety Index score comprises 70 points for crash protection and 10 points for crash-avoidance technology. The remaining 18 of 20 points in the defect record category reflect the presence of two recall campaigns. One recall addresses unexpected automatic emergency braking activation, a critical issue given that 15 of the 31 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA pertain to the forward collision avoidance system. This direct correlation between a recall and the most frequent owner complaint highlights the importance of verifying recall remedies for used-market purchasers. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 achieved a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This top-tier assessment extended across all evaluated categories: frontal crash protection, side impact protection, and rollover resistance. The Mazda3's rollover performance was particularly strong, registering a 10-percent risk and a "No Tip" outcome in dynamic testing. No individual crash-test category showed a result below the maximum 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14205
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets front brake caliper mounting bolts that may not meet specification, a foundation-braking concern. The second addresses the Smart Brake System, which can falsely detect an obstacle and trigger automatic emergency braking unexpectedly. Neither campaign carried a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the NHTSA record, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER20V346000
Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
Reported 2020-06-12
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING19V907000
Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this r
Reported 2019-12-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
Owners have filed 31 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The dominant category is Forward Collision Avoidance with 15 reported complaints, followed by Steering, Electrical System, and Service Brakes at 3 each. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the submitted reports.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
Shoppers considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Both recall campaigns, particularly the automatic emergency braking and the brake caliper bolt issue, should show completed remedies. Confirm with the seller that dealer service records document the repairs.
- The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 carries two active or historical recall campaigns: one for front brake caliper mounting bolts and one for false obstacle detection triggering the Smart Brake System, both requiring VIN-level remedy verification.
- NHTSA awarded this model year 5 stars in every crash-test category, including overall, frontal, side, and rollover, with a 10-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most-reported complaint component with 15 unverified allegations, a figure that directly overlaps with the Smart Brake System recall subject on this same model year.
- The defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20 is the only category preventing a perfect Safety Index, reflecting the two recalls; all crash-protection and avoidance-tech sub-scores are at their maximum values.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 places
The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mazda Mazda3 safety questions
Was the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 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 Mazda3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mazda3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Audi A4 Allroad | 97/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14205), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda3 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 5 of 105 in the Sedan 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.