Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 3 vs FORD F 150
How the Mazda CX 3 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda CX 3 vs FORD F 150: The CX-3 has 111 complaints over 7 years (15.9/year) and 9 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150's higher volume and power train issues make it riskier. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 3 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 3
The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 111 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 16 per year. Owners report electrical glitches, fuel pump failures that can cause stalling, and engine issues, but the overall pattern suggests fewer chronic problems than larger trucks. However, the complaints that do exist include serious safety concerns like unintended acceleration and stalling at speed, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 1,100 per year. The dominant issue is the power train, especially transmission problems and the infamous lead frame connector, which can cause sudden downshifts or limp mode. Electrical and lighting issues are also common, and there are 151 recalls, indicating a long history of safety-related defects. This is a high-maintenance vehicle with many reported failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 3 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 111 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.9 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda CX 3
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
- 04ENGINE10
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION10
Owners report unintended acceleration when braking, such as the throttle opening wide while parking, and instrument cluster failures that trigger multiple warning lights. These electrical glitches can be dangerous and are hard to diagnose, as some dealers find nothing wrong.
Complaints describe the engine stalling and dying while driving at highway speeds, often restarting after a few minutes. This can leave you stranded and is a serious safety risk, especially if it happens in traffic.
Some owners report the engine stalling and dying, similar to fuel system issues, and abnormal noises. These problems can lead to costly repairs and unpredictable breakdowns.
The rearview camera and driver assistance systems may fail or continuously restart in cold weather, making it hard to see behind you when reversing. This is a safety concern, especially in parking lots.
“WHILE I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND BRAKING THE THROTTLE OPENED WIDE AND I JUMPED THE CURB. I REAPPLIED THE BRAKES HARD AND THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AFTER SKIDDING 4 FEET. (TIRE MARKS MEASURED). I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG.…”
“The instrument cluster in my 2021 Mazda CX-3 failed at approximately 50,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle displayed multiple warning lights, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), traction control, and front camera/saf…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission problems, including sudden limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These issues are recurring and often require expensive repairs.
Owners report lead frame issues that affect the transmission and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins are frequent and can be dangerous.
Many complaints involve exterior lighting failures, which can reduce visibility and increase crash risk. This is a common problem that may require frequent bulb or assembly replacements.
Engine-related complaints include stalling, rough running, and other issues that can lead to costly repairs. The high number of engine recalls suggests a pattern of defects.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda CX 3 — 9 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safe…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safe…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safe…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 3 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-3 has far fewer issues per year (about 16 complaints/year) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100 complaints/year). In practice, this means the CX-3 is likely to spend less time in the shop and have fewer serious safety defects, while the F-150 demands more attention and carries higher repair risks.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Mazda CX-3 averages 16 complaints/year; Ford F-150 averages 1,162 complaints/year, a massive difference.
- Dominant issues: CX-3 problems are spread across electrical, fuel, and engine; F-150 is heavily concentrated in power train (transmission) and electrical systems.
- Safety defects: F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints; CX-3 has 9 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints.
- Specific failures: CX-3 owners report stalling and unintended acceleration; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or throttle issues, especially during test drive at low speeds.
- Inspect the instrument cluster for warning lights and ensure all driver assistance features (rear camera, sensors) work in cold weather.
- Test drive extensively to check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode; scan for stored codes like P0722.
- Inspect rear window defroster operation and look for any signs of electrical shorts or previous window replacement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Mazda CX-3 for fuel pump and electrical issues, including a scan for pending codes.
- For the Ford F-150, specifically test the transmission and check for lead frame replacement history.
- Verify that all safety systems (backup camera, sensors) function correctly on both vehicles.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the F-150.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mazda CX 3 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 4 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 1 | 44 |
| 2019 | 27 | 52 |
| 2018 | 10 | 79 |
| 2017 | 21 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda CX 3 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Mazda CX 3 inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 3 vs FORD F 150
- Mazda CX 3 total complaints
- 111
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mazda CX 3 total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mazda CX 3 avg complaints/year
- 15.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 3
- Mazda CX 3 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN