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Ford Fusion vs Mazda MAZDA3

For 2005–2021 models, the Mazda MAZDA3 has 17.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 69.3 for the Ford Fusion. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.

Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.

Ford Fusion

69.3 complaints per 10,000 sold

4.1× the Mazda MAZDA3’s rate

Complaints
22,212
Sold
3,207,373
Recall campaigns
46
Open NHTSA investigations
1

Most complaints: 2008 and 2010–2012. Fewest: 2005 and 2019–2021. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 75,000 mi

  2. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 52,000 mi

  3. Electric power steering motor and module

    Typically around 91,500 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  4. Power steering pump, rack and lines

    Typically around 90,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  5. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 67,927 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Ford Fusion →

Mazda MAZDA3

17.0 complaints per 10,000 sold

75% fewer than the Ford Fusion

Complaints
2,611
Sold
1,537,599
Recall campaigns
22
Open NHTSA investigations
1

Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2005. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 58,000 mi

  2. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 65,915 mi

  3. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 51,250 mi

  4. Power steering pump, rack and lines

    Typically around 52,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  5. TPMS sensors and warnings

    Typically around 52,558 mi · repair $230–$430

Estimate costs for a specific Mazda MAZDA3 →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Ford Fusion or the Mazda MAZDA3?

For 2005–2021 models, the Mazda MAZDA3 has 17.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Fusion has 69.3, counting the same model years for both.

What is the most common problem on the Ford Fusion?

The most-reported problem on the Ford Fusion is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 75,000 miles.

What is the most common problem on the Mazda MAZDA3?

The most-reported problem on the Mazda MAZDA3 is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 58,000 miles.

Which Ford Fusion and Mazda MAZDA3 years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Fusion: 2008 and 2010–2012; Mazda MAZDA3: 2008 and 2010.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.