NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 achieved a perfect score in every NHTSA crash-test category, a strong indicator of its protective capabilities. This comprehensive performance in federal testing contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The model year also benefits from a clean recall record. By all federal metrics, its safety profile is robust.
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 ranks 26 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 26 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 achieved a perfect five-star sweep across all four NHTSA crash-test dimensions: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. This represents the strongest possible federal crash-test outcome, reinforced by a 10 percent rollover risk and a confirmed no-tip result in dynamic testing. Crash protection remains at a perfect 70/70 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and avoidance technology earns a full 10/10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Despite these strengths, the 2023 model scores 94/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, an Exceptional rating, but a five-point retreat from the 2022 model year's 99/100. This decline is entirely traceable to the defect record sub-score, which stands at 14 out of a possible 20 points. The index dip is not driven by crash performance or missing safety technology, but rather reflects the 12 unverified consumer complaints now on file, pulling the defect record component below the prior year's cleaner standing. None of these complaints have produced a recall campaign, so no remedy obligation currently attaches to this vehicle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 achieved a perfect score in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This includes frontal crash, side crash, and rollover evaluations. The rollover risk is rated at 10 percent, with no dynamic tip observed during testing. All four rated dimensions reached the maximum possible score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17234
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open safety defect investigations requiring a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check at NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be issued at any time after initial sale.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has logged 12 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Power Train, Electrical System, and Unknown Or Other, each cited three times, followed by Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Engine, each cited twice. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Mazda Mazda3?
No recall campaigns are currently on file for the 2023 Mazda Mazda3. While this is a positive indicator, new campaigns may be filed. Prospective owners should always verify the vehicle's VIN with NHTSA's free recall lookup tool and confirm with a Mazda dealer that no remedy is pending before purchase.
- The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 holds a perfect crash-test score of five stars in all four NHTSA categories, including a 10 percent rollover risk and a no-tip result in dynamic rollover testing.
- The Safety Index dropped five points from the 2022 model year, from 99 to 94, driven by a defect record sub-score of 14/20 tied to 12 unverified owner complaints, not by any change in crash-test or avoidance-tech performance.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, meaning no open safety remedy currently applies, though used-market buyers should verify VIN status directly through NHTSA before purchase.
- Unverified complaints cluster around Power Train, Electrical System, and Unknown Or Other at three reports each, with Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Engine each cited twice; none have triggered a federal recall action.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 places
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Mazda Mazda3 safety questions
Was the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Mazda Mazda3, 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 2023 Mazda Mazda3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Mazda Mazda3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Mazda Mazda3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Mazda Mazda3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mazda3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17234), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda3 2023.
- 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 26 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.