MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Mazda Mazda3

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
12Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE MAZDA MAZDA3

The Mazda3 sedan occupies the compact car segment with a level of polish that punches above its class. Aimed at drivers who want a genuinely engaging, refined daily commuter without stepping into luxury pricing, the 2019 through 2025 Mazda3 blends European-influenced styling with a driver-focused philosophy that sets it apart from more utilitarian compact rivals.

VERDICT

The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Mazda3 sedan as one of the most refined and driver-focused entries in the compact segment, frequently praising its upscale interior feel, responsive handling, and premium-adjacent character. Most professional assessments position it as a step above typical compact-class expectations, though some note that cargo practicality and rear-seat space trail a handful of segment rivals.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17234

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
2reported fire
1reported injuries
1reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 3Electrical System 3Unknown Or Other 3Service Brakes 2Forward Collision Avoidance 2Engine 2

Other Mazda3 years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 17234), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Mazda Mazda3 2023. Class rank 26 of 92 in Sedan 2023. Methodology · Disclosure