NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback AWD earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. With a perfect crash-test sweep and standard crash-avoidance technology, this model year presents a strong federal safety profile, tempered only slightly by one active recall campaign.
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback AWD received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Hatchback/Wagons from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 ranks 1 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 | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 3 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback AWD moved the NHTSA Safety Index upward from 96/100 in the 2024 model year to 98/100 in this year, a two-point gain that kept it firmly in the Exceptional band. The improvement is reflected in the defect record sub-score of 17.75 out of 20, a figure that benefits from a single-recall profile at this stage. The crash protection sub-score of 70 out of 70 is a perfect result, consistent with the five-star sweep across all NHTSA NCAP categories. The avoidance technology sub-score of 10 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this variant. What distinguishes this specific year is the air bag sensor software recall, which spans the 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX-30 range, meaning the defect record sub-score could shift if additional campaigns emerge. The seven reported complaints, while a modest count, include two alleged crash events and one alleged injury, with Forward Collision Avoidance the most frequently cited component. That detail is worth noting given that avoidance tech is otherwise a full-score contributor to the Index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback AWD achieved a flawless performance in federal safety tests. This model secured the top 5-star rating in every category assessed by NHTSA: overall, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover protection. Its rollover risk stands at 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip. Every dimension of its crash safety profile met the highest federal standards, leaving no weak or untested ratings.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20106
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
One recall affects this model year. Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles for a software issue in the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor unit within the air bag restraint control module, which could affect air bag deployment. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive was noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Mazda Mazda3?
Seven complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components cited in these unverified allegations are Forward Collision Avoidance with 2 reports, followed by Vehicle Speed Control, Seat Belts, Suspension, and Wheels with one report each. These are consumer allegations only and have not been independently verified.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 shows an open recall for its air bag sensor software, a critical safety system. Shoppers should verify this recall has been remedied before purchase.
- The 2025 model year carries one active NHTSA recall targeting the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor software in the restraint control module, a campaign that also covers 2024 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles.
- Every NHTSA NCAP category for this model year reached the maximum 5 stars, including frontal, side, and rollover, with a rollover risk of 10 percent and a no-tip dynamic result.
- The Safety Index rose two points over the 2024 model year, from 96 to 98 out of 100, driven by a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 17.75 out of 20 at this stage.
- Reported complaints include two alleged crash events and one alleged injury, with Forward Collision Avoidance the most cited component in unverified NHTSA consumer allegations for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 places
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Mazda Mazda3 safety questions
Was the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Mazda Mazda3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Mazda Mazda3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Mazda Mazda3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Mazda Mazda3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 Hatchback/Wagon (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota Corolla | 91/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Honda Civic | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20106), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda3 2025.
- 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 1 of 3 in the Hatchback/Wagon class for 2025.
- 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.