Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 3 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda CX 3 and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The CX-3 has 111 complaints over 7 years (15.9/year) and 9 crash-related, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) and 181 crash-related. The Camry's higher volume may reflect sales, but its issues include more severe crashes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 3 or Toyota Camry 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 backup camera problems. The low complaint count suggests fewer overall issues, but the stalling and electrical faults are serious when they occur.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems. The high volume means more reported problems, but it's also a very popular car, so rates per vehicle may be lower.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 111 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 163 |
| 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
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION10
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING10
Owners report the car won't shut off, making noises and beeping, which drains the battery. Another complaint describes unintended throttle opening while braking, causing the car to jump a curb. These electrical issues can leave you stranded or cause loss of control.
Fuel pump failures cause the engine to stall at highway speeds, as reported by owners who had to coast to the shoulder. This is a serious safety risk because it can happen without warning.
The rearview camera and driver assistance systems may fail or restart continuously, especially in cold weather, making it hard to see behind you. A recall was issued but parts may not be available, so check if the fix was done.
Some owners report the same unintended acceleration incident under 'unknown,' and others note driver assistance systems restarting for 15 minutes in cold weather, disabling navigation and voice commands. These glitches can be frustrating and distracting.
“I have had this happen multiple times. I try to turn off the car and it will not shut off. It makes noises and beeps, but you can do nothing to turn off the car. This makes the battery die. The first time I freaked out and called Mazda headquarters. They got…”
“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.…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, requiring replacement, and sudden unintended acceleration. One owner said the car accelerated uncontrollably and crashed. These are severe safety concerns.
Sudden acceleration is also reported under engine, with one owner experiencing it three times before a crash. Another reports a coolant valve issue that should be recalled but isn't for their VIN. Engine problems can be costly and dangerous.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills. One had to take evasive action to avoid a crash. Brake failure is a critical safety issue.
AC condenser damage from rocks and persistent mildew odors are common. While not safety-critical, these are annoying and can be expensive to fix.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 3 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-3 has far fewer complaints per year (about 16) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214). However, the Camry's higher volume may reflect its much larger sales. In practice, the CX-3 may have fewer reported problems, but the Camry's issues include more crashes and injuries.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX-3 has 111 complaints over 7 years; the Toyota Camry has 2,143 over 10 years, but the Camry sells in much higher numbers.
- Mazda CX-3 complaints often involve electrical shutdown and fuel pump stalling; Camry complaints include transmission grinding, brake failure, and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries; the CX-3 has 9 crash-related and 3 injuries.
- Both have recalls: CX-3 for backup camera and fuel pump; Camry for air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Check for fuel pump recall completion and listen for stalling or hesitation during test drive.
- Test all electrical functions, especially ignition shut-off and backup camera, and ensure recalls are done.
- Listen for transmission grinding or whining during acceleration and test brakes on a hill for firm pedal.
- Check for sudden acceleration by lightly pressing gas and ensuring smooth response; also inspect AC for odors or damage.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are repaired by checking NHTSA's VIN lookup.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds, braking on hills, and parking maneuvers.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel pump (CX-3) or transmission (Camry) for early signs of failure.
- Check backup camera and driver assistance features (CX-3) or AC system (Camry) for proper operation.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if known issues have been addressed.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 4 | 155 |
| 2020 | 1 | 270 |
| 2019 | 27 | 393 |
| 2018 | 10 | 736 |
| 2017 | 21 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 3 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 3 total complaints
- 111
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mazda CX 3 total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda CX 3 avg complaints/year
- 15.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 3
- Mazda CX 3 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN