2013 Mazda 3 MPG
23–32 mpg combined across 8 EPA-rated versions. Best: 3 DI 4-Door (FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 28 city / 39 hwy / 32 combined; lowest: 3 (2.5L 4-cyl, M6) at 23.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 DI 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| 3 DI 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| 3 DI 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | M6 | FWD | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,250 |
| 3 DI 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | M6 | FWD | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,250 |
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | M5 | FWD | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | A5 | FWD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| 3 | 2.5L 4-cyl | A5 | FWD | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,700 |
| 3 | 2.5L 4-cyl | M6 | FWD | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
How it compares
- 2013 Compact Cars: class average 25.9 mpg over 188 versions; best 3 +6.1 (#11).
- 2012: 32 mpg best (no change).
- 2014: 33 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,100–$2,900 a year ($800 difference).
- 2026 model: 30 mpg best (−2).
Safety
117 owner complaints: Exterior Lighting 36, Electrical System 32, Power Train 18, Service Brakes 15. Crashes 7, fires 2, injuries 4.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 36 | 31% |
| Electrical System | 32 | 27% |
| Power Train | 18 | 15% |
| Service Brakes | 15 | 13% |
| Structure | 11 | 9% |
| Engine | 11 | 9% |
| Unknown Or Other | 10 | 9% |
| Steering | 9 | 8% |
Recent owner reports: Exterior Lighting
“There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself. I have just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 with Skyactive Technology and I noticed that when I was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while I braked.”
“When driving at highway speeds and applying brakes, the headlights will pulse bright to dim for the duration of braking. I have seen this problem reported online by several dealers and it has a known software update to fix the problem, but it is not listed under the recalls for this vehicle. A similar problem exists on the 2014 Mazda's and a recall does exist for that vehicle.”
“WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND FLICKER UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. NIGHTTIME VIABILITY IS SUBSTANTIALLY DIMINISHED WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS AND FLICKERING SEAMS TO SEND A SIGNAL TO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. THIS DEFECT OCCURS 100% OF THE TIME WHEN APPLYING THE BEAKS AT NIGHT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 NHTSA campaign (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2016 | Structure › body › hatchback/Liftgate | 16V644000 |