The redesigned 2019 Mazda3 arrived with a new look, new powertrains, and – for the first time ever – available all-wheel drive (AWD).
If you’re shopping for a used Mazda3 from this generation, search for the GX grade if you’re after a basic affordable package, the GS if you’re after a high-value blend of features and tech, and the GT if you’re looking to spoil yourself a little with something loaded with features.
Notable content includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, heated leather memory seating, a sunroof, and more. The newly available AWD system could be fitted to both the sedan and hatchback body styles, and featured the latest advancements of the day to better control torque distribution and reduce mechanical loss by as much as 60 per cent versus previous AWD systems.
Look for 2.0L and 2.5L four-cylinder engines, as well as transmission choices that include manual or automatic with both engines. It’s noteworthy that AWD-equipped models were automatic only. Note that fuel economy differences are (mostly) minimal between the two engines.
What Owners Like
Owners commonly report satisfaction with the upscale interior appointments, smooth engine and transmission performance, good fuel economy, sharp handling, comfortable front seats, and a solid overall quality feel throughout.
What Owners Dislike
Common gripes include a dated infotainment system, sometimes-clumsy adaptive cruise control (ACC), elevated road noise in some situations, engine noise in others, and limited rear seat space. On the latter, be sure to carefully check the rear seating arrangements in the Mazda3 you’re considering to make sure it suits your needs.
Navigating Model Years
Model year 2019 was the first year for the fourth and current generation Mazda3. In 2020, no notable changes affected the model or model range.
For 2021, a turbocharged version of the 2.5L engine joined the option list. It made 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular-grade gas, though feeding it 93-octane bumped those figures to 250 and 320, respectively.
Door Seal Alert
Numerous owners have reported issues relating to the door and hatch seals on their Mazda3s, including seals that are improperly installed, improperly fit, or likely to rip, tear, or crack. According to some owners in various parts of the world, door seal problems like this may be the result of door seals that partially melt in hot weather, sticking to the vehicle and tearing when a door is opened.
Weather seals damaged in this way can invite water leakage and excess wind noise, and are more likely to result in doors that freeze shut in cold weather. In turn, this can cause collateral damage to other parts like power window components and door handles.
Many owners have had door seals replaced with upgraded parts by dealerships, often under warranty. Protect yourself from problems by applying a light coating of weather seal lube to all of the door and hatchback seals in the Mazda3 you buy, and inspecting each carefully for signs of damage before you buy – especially if highway wind noise levels seem unexpectedly high.
Engine Oil Loss Problems
If you’re opting for a model with the turbo motor, plan to check and monitor oil levels very regularly – especially if you’re considering a 2021 or 2022 unit. Some owners have reported rapid oil loss from the turbo engine, up to and including illumination of a check engine light (CEL) and/or the trouble code “DTC P250F:00.” A technician can check for this code during a pre-purchase diagnostic scan.
According to the owner’s community (and a class-action lawsuit), these can be symptoms of a bad batch of engines manufactured with improper exhaust valve seals. Owners say they’ve had luck having dealers repair affected engines by replacing exhaust valve seals under warranty.
Only certain vehicles with the turbo engine were affected, typically at low mileage. The vehicle you’re considering may already have had repairs performed, too. For more information, contact your dealer service department. To avoid this potential issue altogether, stick with a non-turbo engine in your Mazda3.
Airbag Light
Check your Mazda3 carefully for an illuminated airbag light before you buy. If you notice one, be sure to have it diagnosed before agreeing to purchase. A safety recall related to the airbag and seatbelt monitoring system may be at play here too: Mazda recalled nearly 11,000 2019 model-year Mazda3s in Canada to check for an improperly functioning seatbelt and airbag status indicator, which could misinform the driver about the status of the airbags or seat belts in the car.
Recalls like this are issued to address latent safety defects, and dealerships perform recall work free of charge. You can find a full list of Mazda3 recalls here. Use this link to check which (if any) recalls apply to the Mazda3 you’re considering, and to contact Mazda Canada and register as the new owner of the vehicle, which ensures future recall notices make their way to you in a timely fashion.
Pre-Winter Check-up
Though reports are somewhat sporadic, test-driving shoppers should plan to confirm that the cooling system and associated HVAC components of their Mazda3 are in healthy working order. Confirm adequate heater and defroster performance on your test drive, and especially if purchasing ahead of the winter travel season, consider having a professional check, flush, and refill the cooling system and change the cabin air filter for best results.
If you notice poor performance from the climate control system or defroster, a clogged cabin air filter, plugged heater core, or coolant leak may be to blame. If in doubt, get it checked out.
Safety Ratings
IIHS: Top Safety Pick (2019)
NHTSA: 5/5 Stars (2019)
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