Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Mazda CX-3 VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for 2016–2021 cover that year.
Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.
Mazda sold the CX-3 in the US for model years 2016–2021. Across those years NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recall campaigns and 111 owner complaints. The 2016 has the most complaints of any model year (48). EPA rates it at 29–31 mpg combined. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.
One generation in the data, 2016–2021: 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 111 owner complaints.
Mentions in 111 NHTSA complaints.
JM1DKBC7?G0······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2016 Mazda CX-3, built in Hiroshima, JapanNHTSA has 4 campaigns on file for CX-3 model years 2016–2021, and the 2016 shows up in more of them than any other year (3), ahead of the 2019 (2). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.
Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.
Transport Canada recalls for these model years were checked against this list; each one matches an NHTSA campaign shown here. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.
Between them, the 2016 and 2019 hold 75 of the 111 complaints, or 68%. Tap any bar or generation.
Mentions in 111 complaints, 2016–2021.
The 2016 is the outlier. On its own it has 48 of the ’s 111 complaints (43%), more than any other CX-3 model year, and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (26 mentions), then fuel system (20).
Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.
Every CX-3 version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.
Crashes 4 · fires 0 · injuries 2
Crashes 2 · fires 0 · injuries 0
Crashes 1 · fires 0 · injuries 0
Crashes 1 · fires 0 · injuries 0
Crashes 1 · fires 0 · injuries 1
Crashes 0 · fires 0 · injuries 0
Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.
EPA lists 12 CX-3 versions for model years 2016–2021. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 288 g/mi (2017). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.
29–31 mpg · CO₂ 288–308 g/mi
Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.
Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped
Illustration: VinNumber.net
Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net
The CX-3 subcompact crossover carries its VIN at the lower driver's side windshield. Door jamb sticker and a B-pillar label between the front and rear passenger doors are secondary locations. CX-3 was discontinued for the North American market after 2021, verify the model year carefully on any CX-3 listed as new-old-stock versus used inventory.
The 2016 leads with 48, ahead of the 2019 (27) and 2017 (21). Those first two alone make up 68% of the 111 CX-3 complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.
NHTSA’s recall records show 4 vehicle campaigns for model years 2016–2021, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns.
It varies. EPA rates the 2016–2021 CX-3 at 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive (fueleconomy.gov).
NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 CX-3 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.