NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Ratings
The 2024 Mazda Mazda3 scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Mazda3 achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 96 out of 100. This places it among the strongest safety profiles in its segment for the current model year, supported by a perfect sweep of NHTSA crash-test ratings and standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims.
The 2024 Mazda Mazda3 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to NHTSA NCAP data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 ranks 16 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 | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 16 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Mazda Mazda3?
A 2-point gain over the 2023 model year's 94/100 elevates the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 to a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Its crash-protection sub-score reached a ceiling at 70/70, and avoidance technology scored a full 10/10. The defect record component, at 15.75/20, prevented a near-perfect index, a deduction directly attributable to the year's three recall campaigns. Two of these recalls address software faults in safety-critical sensing systems: the forward-sensing camera linked to lane departure and the multi-camera back-over prevention system. The third recall targets air bag restraint control module software. This pattern is notable; all three campaigns involve software rather than mechanical hardware. Furthermore, two of these systems appear in owner complaint data, with Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure collectively accounting for 4 of the 10 reported allegations. The 2024 model year thus presents a clear tension: exceptional crash-test performance paired with a cluster of software-driven safety-system recalls that a prospective buyer must resolve via VIN before taking ownership.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Mazda Mazda3 achieved a rare perfect record in its federal safety testing. Across overall, frontal, side, and rollover assessments, the Mazda3 earned 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its rollover risk was determined to be 10%, with a dynamic tip result of No Tip, further reinforcing its structural integrity. This comprehensive performance is reflected in a crash-protection score of 70/70, indicating no weak or unrated categories in its evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19373
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2024 Mazda Mazda3. The first involves the air bag restraint control module software, where the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor unit may malfunction. The second targets the forward-sensing camera tied to lane departure systems. The third addresses a software error affecting the rearview, front, and surround cameras used for back-over prevention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but all three campaigns warrant VIN verification.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V357000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.
Reported 2025-05-29
LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V649000
Risk: Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6824H.
Reported 2024-09-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V718000
Risk: A camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the view monitor control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6223J.
Reported 2023-10-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Mazda Mazda3?
Ten owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2024 Mazda Mazda3, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (4 reports), followed by Forward Collision Avoidance, Structure, and Lane Departure (2 reports each). Two complaints allege crash involvement and one alleges injury.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2024 Mazda Mazda3 enters the used market with a notable recall record. Three campaigns have been issued, addressing critical safety systems: air bag software, the lane departure warning camera, and the back-over prevention camera. Before any purchase, it is imperative to verify that all three recalls have been remedied. An outstanding recall on any of these safety-sensing components represents a verifiable, unmitigated risk.
- The 2024 Mazda Mazda3 gained 2 index points over the 2023 model year, moving from 94/100 to 96/100, with the crash-protection sub-score reaching a perfect 70/70.
- All three of this model year's recall campaigns involve software faults in safety-critical systems: air bag restraint control module software, forward-sensing camera for lane departure, and multi-camera software for back-over prevention.
- Owner complaint data for this model year includes 4 alleged Electrical System issues and 4 combined allegations tied to Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure, the same systems covered by two of the three recalls.
- The rollover risk for the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 is 10% with a dynamic tip result of No Tip, contributing to its 5-star rollover rating in NHTSA testing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 places
The 2024 Mazda Mazda3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Mazda Mazda3 safety questions
Was the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Mazda Mazda3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 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 2024 Mazda Mazda3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Mazda Mazda3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Mazda Mazda3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Mazda Mazda3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Mazda Mazda3. 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 Mazda3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19373), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda3 2024.
- 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 16 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
- 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.