Used SUV Guide: 2016-2022 Mazda CX-3

Article content

When Mazda introduced the new CX-3 ahead of its 2016 model-year debut, it launched the compact crossover into the fastest-growing segment in the North American auto industry. 

Article content

Delivering the fuel economy of a small car alongside the elevated ride height, available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) traction and interior flexibility sought by an increasing number of shoppers at the time, the CX-3 sought to bring Mazda’s presence into this rapidly-expanding segment. Key competitors included the Hyundai Kona, Nissan Juke, Subaru Crosstrek, and Honda HR-V.

At launch, Canadian models ran a 2-litre four-cylinder SKYACTIV engine, featuring high compression, direct injection, and advanced intake and exhaust system components to help ensure maximum fuel efficiency and pleasing performance.

Standard feature content included push-button start, an automatic six-speed, a seven-inch touch-screen display and a reverse camera display. Heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic lights, a power moonroof, LED headlamps, a BOSE audio system and automatic climate control were available on higher grade models, too.

Article content

With a combination of capable wintertime performance, high levels of maneuverability and a nicely-finished and upscale cabin, the CX-3 found plenty of shoppers after a fuel-efficient way to take in a taste of the motoring high life, while delivering the traction and flexibility that were becoming increasingly sought after in the segment. 

Though fuel economy of 6.9 to 8.8 L/100 km was sufficiently thrifty for most shoppers, the 148-horsepower engine delivered average performance relative to other competitors.

Follow the links below for additional features, news, review and specifications on the Mazda CX-3, and read on for five tips to help make sure you find the best used model possible for your dollar.

Article content

Article content

Transmission trouble

Some owners have reported trouble with the six-speed automatic transmission in their CX-3, up to and including the need for transmission replacement, usually at low mileage and under warranty. Most have not.

According to the owner’s community, a CX-3 that fails to ‘creep’ ahead when the brakes are released (especially on an incline), or that seems to slip and lag instead of accelerating the moment the throttle is pressed, may be suffering from transmission trouble. In extreme cases, this problem may result in 20 to 40 seconds of revving before the vehicle begins to move.

On your test drive, be sure to stop and accelerate from a low speed, multiple times, including on inclined surfaces. The vehicle should begin moving smoothly the moment the throttle is pressed. Next, place the vehicle in reverse gear and hold it in place with the brakes for about 30 seconds. While continuing to hold the brakes, shift into drive, release the brakes, and apply some throttle. If the vehicle fails to move forward smoothly and immediately, proceed with caution.

Article content

Take any sign of slippage, hesitation or failure of the vehicle to respond as expected as a good reason to move to another vehicle, or to have a technician investigate before you buy.

Ensuring the vehicle you’re considering has all software updates applied, and that all transmission servicing is up to date and has been performed in a dealer setting is a good idea too. 

• Test the transmission on an incline
• Vehicle should move smoothly and immediately when throttle is applied
• Slippage, hesitation and non-responsive throttle are signs of trouble

Steering problems

Some owners have reported a notchy or inconsistent feel from the steering in their CX-3, alongside unexpected resistance and noise when steering in either direction. Most have not. If this problem is present in the CX-3 you’re considering, the steering may feel lumpy, or as if it’s occasionally ‘catching’. A healthy steering system in a Mazda CX-3 can steer fully from one side to the other with consistent effort and no unwanted sounds. If that’s not the case with the unit you’re considering, have a technician investigate.

The culprit seems to be a defective steering shaft, with some owners reporting multiple replacements before the problem is remedied. Mazda also released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this problem, identifying an improperly-manufactured steering shaft. 

Article content

On your test drive, quiet the cabin and listen closely for signs of steering related noise, and pay close attention to the feel of the steering, confirming it’s smooth and quiet at all times. Note that inconsistent steering feel can also be the result of problems with tire inflation pressure, alignment, and suspension component wear.

• Steering that feels notchy or sounds noisy can be a sign of trouble
• Carefully assess the sound and feel of the steering in any CX-3 you’re considering
• Dealers can access a TSB for a quick diagnosis and repair

Cold climate heating

Some owners in cold climates have complained that the heater in their CX-3 performs poorly in extreme cold when it comes time to heat the cabin at engine startup. Many have not. This issue seems to relate to an unusually long time required to heat the cabin while the vehicle is parked and idling, possibly after being remote started.

Article content

This complaint doesn’t come with a proven fix, and seems to be characteristic of normal operation from the engine.

Still, for maximum heater performance and minimal warm-up time in the cold, shoppers can consider installing and using a block heater, confirming that their cabin air filter is fresh and not clogged, the vehicle’s coolant level is satisfactory, and the thermostat is working properly. Further, keeping exterior air vents on the lower windshield cowl clear of snow and ice may help, too.

Though idling the engine for long periods may not generate sufficient cabin heat on the coldest days, there’s a great way to heat your cabin up fast: just get in, and start driving.

• A block heater and fresh cabin air filter can improve warm-up performance
• A bad thermostat can prevent quick cabin warm-up
• For the fastest cabin heat, just get in and drive

Article content

Trouble code check

Trouble codes are stored within a vehicle’s engine computer if its sensor network detects a problem with the engine, transmission, or other vehicle components. Sometimes, trouble codes cause a Check Engine Light (CEL) to illuminate. Other times, they don’t.

Even if no CEL is illuminated on your test drive, the computer in the CX-3 you’re considering may have one or more stored trouble codes. These can be revealed by a diagnostic scan ahead of your purchase, ideally by a trained technician in a dealer setting.

Some owners have reported engines that randomly stall, struggle, shut off, or hesitate and misfire when heavy or full throttle is applied. Many have not. Other owners have reported engines that struggle to start up, or that idle roughly.

Article content

If you notice any of these symptoms on your test drive, be sure to have a diagnostic scan performed before you buy. If that scan reveals trouble codes, especially codes p0171, p0123 and p0222, the engine may not be getting enough fuel. This could be the result of a faulty fuel pump (covered by a safety recall), or a sensor-related issue.

To see which (if any) recalls apply to the CX-3 you’re considering, click here.

• Trouble codes can reveal hidden problems
• Mazda recalled thousands of models for faulty fuel pumps
• Hesitation, stalling and rough idle are possible trouble signs

Leaky shocks

Some CX-3 owners have reported the need to replace rear shock absorbers as the result of a visible fluid leak. In North American models, this problem seems to affect model-year 2016 CX-3 units exclusively. If you’re considering one, visually inspect the rear shock absorbers for signs of a visible fluid leak on their exterior. If you’re not sure how, have a technician check for you during a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI).

If the CX-3 you’re considering is suffering from this problem, visible oil seepage may be present on one or both rear shocks. If you notice any, have a professional investigate, assuming that the shock absorbers need replacement. 

Article content

Though the mass production process of the rear shock absorbers was changed to remedy this problem, numerous 2016 model-year units may still have leaky shock absorbers, which can result in degraded handling, accelerated wear, and safety concerns. Thankfully, this problem is relatively easy to spot during a visual inspection — so be on the lookout.

Final thought

These tips are designed to help test driving shoppers more easily identify problems reported by some owners. A careful and attentive test drive that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Mazda CX-3.