Reliability research -- seeking more Mazda3s

[P5w3kids]

The reliability information provided by CR and JD Power is not nearly as helpful as it could be. So in 2005 I started collecting my own reliability data at TrueDelta.com. Thanks to the help of this forum and its members, we've been providing absolute repair rates--not just dots--for the Mazda3 for some time now. We've been updatiing results four times a year, to closely track cars as they age.

Current number of owners signed up to participate for the Mazda3:
2004 - 63
2005 - 86
2006 - 111
2007 - 138
2008 - 117
2008.5,
2009 - 75
2010 - 40

Mazda3 owner participation has been excellent, but more remain needed.

Participants report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will enjoy free access to all of the results posted on my site. My feeling is that people who want this information should do their part to make it possible.

You can find more info and sign up here:

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

This forum has been helping out by running my site's banner in the regular rotation. Thanks, Antoine.

[RPI-Speed3]

Wanted to point out there is no option for Mazdaspeed vehicles in the list when enrolling in the panel. I would like to start reporting on the Mazdaspeed3 I just bought. I am filling in info for my RX-8. Thanks

[P5w3kids]

You'll later be asked a few more questions about the car, including whether the engine is turbocharged. I'll know that all Mazda3s with turbos are really MS3s. I keep the number of models as low as possible to make the database easier to maintain.

I don't ask about mods at this point, but likely will in the future. I won't be asking for specifics, just whether a car falls within specific guidelines. Those that don't won't be included in the analysis for powertrain and/or suspension reliability, but will be included for the rest of the car. To get overall reliability I'll be adding powertrain reliability + suspension reliability + rest of car reliability.

In your list, the only thing that would fall outside the guidelines are the suspension mods, as your car clearly cannot be used to gauge how long the stock struts/shocks/bushings/etc. hold up.

[Bakrauf]

Joined

[wingnut12]

Do you want the cost of maintaining the vehicle (ie. oil changes), or just other things that have gone wrong?

EDIT: Joined btw.

[P5w3kids]

Only repairs beyond routine maintenance. I want to keep the amount of effort low so as many people as possible will participate, and oil changes are far more frequent than repairs.

[P5w3kids]

Always looking for more Mazda3s, especially 2004s and 2007s. Currently 34 2007s are enrolled.

In comparison, 80 2007 Nissan Versas are enrolled. At that level I'll be able to provide more accurate results.

Details:

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Latest results posted today. Results for 2004 and 2007 are asterisked because too few owners responded, but results for 2005 and 2006 are "official."

For all four model years, the Mazda3 averages 0.3 or 0.4 successful repair trips per year. Very consistent. This is a low repair rate.

Those of you who helped make these results possible, thanks. If you're not currently helping out, please consider joining the panel. The more responses there are, the more accurate the results will be.

Current results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/results0307.php)

Next results in August.

[P5w3kids]

Total enrolled now over 200, thanks guys.

Will have official results for 2005 through 2007 in August, and asterisked results (for insufficient sample) for the 2004.

The link from the OP, to save some scrolling:

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[fourthmeal]

snip

[P5w3kids]

Thanks.

The latest results were recently posted, and discussed in a separate thread here. Next set next month.

More participants will help make future results more precise. For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Up to 18 2008s. A couple dozen more and we'll have initial results in February.

Auto reliability research -- need more Mazda3s! (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[shockdoctor]

Joined. MS3 is an option. Cool.

[P5w3kids]

When you first respond to the survey, you'll be asked to respond to a second survey on bodystyle and powertrain. For the MS3, be sure to indicate that the engine is turbocharged and a "special performance version." This is how I'll separate MS3s from regular Mazda3s, if this proves necessary.

[P5w3kids]

For the 2008, 25 owners have signed up so far.

However, only 21 of these have responded to the survey, for a total of 35 months of data. I only show a result at all if there are at least 45 months of data, and asterisk this result unless there are at least 75 months of data.

At this point, there's virtually no chance of a result without an asterisk. I think most people simply took delivery too recently.

But there could well be an asterisked result. Just need at least 14 more months of data (and the more, the better).

A follow-up email with links to the survey goes out tomorrow. If you've already signed up, please respond to it. If you haven't yet signed up, please consider doing so.

Details and link to the enrollment form here:

Auto reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

There will be an asterisked result for the 2008 Mazda3 after all, along with updated results for 2004-2007. Thanks, guys.

I've updated the counts in the OP. As always, more pariticipants would enable us to provide better information, especially with the 2004 and 2008.

For the details, and to sign up to help:

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Updated results in May, with a preview for participants in a couple of weeks.

I updated the counts in the OP. The 2007 is just three cars short of being the first Mazda to 100. Can also use more participants for the other years, especially the 2004.

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Results in a few days. No surprises for the Mazda3.

Updated counts in the OP. the 2007 passed 100 -- thanks, guys.

Additional participants always helpful.

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Those results were posted. As I hinted, the Mazda3 continues to have a consistently low repair rate, for all years.

We've had great participation, but additional participants would still be very helpful, especially for the 2004, 2008, and 2008.5.

For the full set of results, and sign up to help (if you haven't already):

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/latest_results.php)

[P5w3kids]

Next update in August.

393 Mazda3's signed up so far--which is excellent for a model that was new in 2004. Thanks, guys.

Additional participants always helpful--especially need more of the revised 2008.5.

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[speed1585]

ok added my 05 3s and 03 MSP

[P5w3kids]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Topped 400 recently, and 600 if the Proteges (including my own P5) are included. So compact Mazdas are among the best represented models. Let's keep it up!

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Latest results of the survey recently posted. As in earlier results, all years of the Mazda3 have a better than average repair record (though the 2006 is just a bit better than the average this time).

Additional participants always helpful.

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/latest_results.php)

[P5w3kids]

New set of results soon. Over 450 owners signed up so far. A great start, but with more participants we could provide more detailed results.

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

It's been three months, so the results for the Mazda3 have been updated again.

Repair rates, in terms of successful repair trips per 100 vehicles per year:

2004: 70, up from earlier, now about average

2005: 29, better than average

2006: 47, better than average; based on results for 2005 and 2007, actual repair rate might be a bit lower

2007: 19, better than average

2008: 25, better than average

2008.5: 105, much worse than average, thanks to an updated audio system that often needs to be replaced because of a bass issue

Additional participants would be very helpful for all years. The more there are, the better the information we can provide.

For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/latest_results.php)

[RENE063]

Just signed up. However, nowhere in the sign up did it ask if I had a repair performed prior to signing up. In my case, I have. Around 20K miles, had to take it in for the window motor assembly coming loose, all that was needed was the nuts to be tightened down, so nothing major. Looking forward to providing you with mileage only.

[jmazda3]

I just bought a 2005 mazda3. The engine light came on for two days. I checked the fuel cap and it was ok. Need some advice. Thanks

[P5w3kids]

Just signed up. However, nowhere in the sign up did it ask if I had a repair performed prior to signing up. In my case, I have. Around 20K miles, had to take it in for the window motor assembly coming loose, all that was needed was the nuts to be tightened down, so nothing major. Looking forward to providing you with mileage only.

Previous repairs can be posted to the site (but not included in the analysis) using a second survey:

http://www.truedelta.com/repair_histories.php

[P5w3kids]

TrueDelta has released updated Car Reliability Survey results for the Mazda3. All model years are covered, including the 2008.5/2009.

Most model years remain better than the average. However, repair rates have been creeping up for the older model years, and the 2004 and 2006 are now on the borderline between "average" and "better than average."

The 2008.5/2009 was "worse than average" three months ago, but has improved to average. A single common problem with the revised audio system has been the source of the unexpectedly high repair rate. As long as no other common problems pop up, the repair rate for this year will continue to improve.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November, so additional participants would certainly be helpful.

TrueDelta now has a separate results page for each model. The one of the Mazda3:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

556 Mazda3 owners signed up so far. A great start, thanks guys. Of course, more is always better with sample sizes, and we especially need more 2004s and 2009s.

Auto reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-2009: 68, about average, common problem with the audio system

2008: 47, about average, might have some 2008.5s with the troublesome audio system in this sample

2007: 33, better than average

2006: 43, better than average

2005: 48, better than average

2004: 79, about average, and worse than earlier--less reliable once the warranty ends?

A big thanks to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

620 Mazda3s now signed up. A great start. The more people participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone. Updated results this month.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-2009: 70, about average, common problem with the audio system

2008: 55, about average, might have some 2008.5s with the troublesome audio system in this sample

2007: 29, better than average

2006: 32, better than average

2005: 55, about average

2004: 75, about average

Results now posted separately for the MS3. Slightly higher repair frequency for the 2007, about the same otherwise.

A big thanks to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170&email=Guest)

[2004-MS3]

enrolled

[Ohgeez]

Enrolled

[P5w3kids]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate this. 659 Mazda3 owners now signed up. We'll be updating results again next month.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-2009: 65, about average, common problem with the audio system

2008: 57, about average, might have some 2008.5s with the troublesome audio system in this sample

2007: 19, better than average

2006: 39, better than average

2005: 55, better than average

2004: 70, about average

We've also introduced two new statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

The percentage with no repairs is about 71 for the 2005, 72 for the 2006, 83 for the 2007, and 74 for the 2008, while the percentage of lemons is about 4 for the 2005, 3 for the 2006, less than one for the 2007, and 6 for the 2008. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

A big thanks, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

Now 744 signed up. An excellent start, but more would be even better. Especially since we're now posting results separately for the MS3.

Not yet signed up? Details here:

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 6, better than average

2008.5-2009: 58, about average, common problem with the audio system

2008: 46, about average, might have some 2008.5s with the troublesome audio system in this sample

2007: 22, better than average

2006: 40, better than average

2005: 44, better than average

2004: 73, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

The percentage with no repairs is about 68 for the 2005, 73 for the 2006, 77 for the 2007, 75 for the 2008, and 76 for the 2009, while the percentage of lemons is about 4 for the 2005, 3 for the 2006, less than one for the 2007, 6 for the 2008, and 4 for the 2009. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

A big thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

Just enhanced the related repair history survey so that it can (optionally) be used as a personal car maintenance record.

As always, more participants would be helpful. Updated Car Reliability Survey results in May, with a preview for participants next month.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Updated results in about two weeks.

Great participation by Mazda3 ownes, with over 800 now signed up, but more would be even better.

To help provide the best possible information on your year:

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 to include owner experiences through March 31, 2010. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010 Mazda3: 15, better than average

2010 MS3: 40, about average, very small sample size

2008.5-
2009 Mazda3: 39, about average, common problem with the audio system

2008.5-
2009 MS3: 53, about average, small sample size, see note above

2008 Mazda3: 49, about average, might have some 2008.5s with the troublesome audio system in this sample

2008 MS3: 55, about average, again see note above

2007 Mazda3: 21, better than average

2007 MS3: 73, about average--only in its first model year is the MS3 significantly more troublesome than the regular Mazda3

2006: 43, better than average

2005: 40, better than average

2004: 67, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

The percentage with no repairs is about 81 for the 2005, 73 for the 2006, 79 for the 2007, 69 for the 2008, and 83 for the 2009, while the percentage of lemons is about 4 for the 2005, 3 for the 2006, less than one for the 2007, 8 for the 2008, and 3 for the 2009. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

A big thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 to include owner experiences through June 30, 2010.

Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the more recent months until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010 Mazda3: 23, better than average

2010 MS3: 25, better than average, small sample size

2008.5-
2009 Mazda3: 34, better than average

2008.5-
2009 MS3: 51, about average, small sample size

2008 Mazda3: 40, better than average

2008 MS3: 65, about average

2007 Mazda3: 17, better than average

2007 MS3: 63, about average

2006: 46, better than average

2005: 28, better than average

2004: 69, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

The percentage with no repairs is about 85 for the 2005, 69 for the 2006, 87 for the 2007, 77 for the 2008, 72 for the 2009, and 73 for the 2010, while the percentage of lemons is about 6 for the 2008.5-2009 and less than one for the other years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

[P5w3kids]

Starting this month we have a new question to measure, as objectively as possible, the severity of a problem. Many people have been asking for reliability stats that weight problems by how severe they are, and once we have enough responses with the revised survey we'll start providing this.

Also, updated reliability stats this month.

As always, the more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010 Mazda3: 26, better than average

2010 MS3: 33, better than average

2008.5-
2009 Mazda3: 27, better than average

2008.5-
2009 MS3: 31, better than average

2008 Mazda3: 42, better than average

2008 MS3: 65, about average

2007 Mazda3: 25, better than average

2007 MS3: 48, better than average

2006: 34, better than average

2005: 22, better than average

2004: 77, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

The percentage with no repairs is about 88 for the 2005, 79 for the 2006, 82 for the 2007, 68 for the 2008, 76 for the 2009, and 74 for the 2010, while the percentage of lemons is less than one for all years.

We don't have these stats for the MS3 yet because they require a larger sample size.

Mazda3 Lemon-odds and Nada-odds (http://www.truedelta.com/lemon-odds.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

Thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of this year.
Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-
2009 Mazda3: 45, about average

2008.5-
2009 MS3: 45, about average

2008 Mazda3: 47, about average

2008 MS3: 53, about average

2007 Mazda3: 21, better than average

2007 MS3: 45, better than average

2006: 34, better than average

2005: 32, better than average

2004: 102, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

These stats require more data. We received enough responses for the following years, the regular Mazda3 in all cases:

2009: 68, 3

2008: 66, < 1

2007: 85, < 1

2006: 75, < 1

Mazda3 Lemon-odds and Nada-odds (http://www.truedelta.com/lemon-odds.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated our car reliability stats for the Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 to include owner experiences through March 31, 2011.
Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-
2009 Mazda3: 44, about average

2008.5-
2009 MS3: 42, about average

2008 Mazda3: 59, about average

2008 MS3: 55, about average

2007 Mazda3: 20, better than average

2007 MS3: 57, about average

2006: 42, better than average

2005: 40, better than average

2004: 98, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

These stats require more data. We received enough responses for the following years, the regular Mazda3 in all cases:

2009: 70, 4

2008: 61, 3

2007: 83, < 1

2006: 67, 3

2005: 67, 4

Mazda3 Lemon-odds and Nada-odds (http://www.truedelta.com/lemon-odds.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 to include owner experiences through June 30, 2011.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-
2009 Mazda3: 41, about average

2008.5-
2009 MS3: 43, about average

2008 Mazda3: 56, about average

2008 MS3: 41, better than average

2007 Mazda3: 21, better than average

2007 MS3: 55, about average

2006: 41, better than average

2005: 53, better than average

2004: 100, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.
These stats require more data. We received enough responses for the following years, the regular Mazda3 in all cases:

2009: 67, 4

2008: 65, 3

2007: 82, 2

2006: 66, < 1

2005: 53, 4

Mazda3 Lemon-odds and Nada-odds (http://www.truedelta.com/lemon-odds.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated our reliability stats for the Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 (on our redesigned site) to include owner experiences through September 30, 2011.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-
2009 Mazda3: 52, about average

2008.5-
2009 MS3: 59, about average

2008 Mazda3: 53, about average

2008 MS3: 30, better than average

2007 Mazda3: 30, better than average

2007 MS3: 63, about average

2006: 47, better than average

2005: 69, about average

2004: 79, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

These stats require more data. We received enough responses for the following years, the regular Mazda3 in all cases:


2009: 63, 4

2008: 63, 3

2007: 83, 2

2006: 63, < 1

2005: 42, < 1

Mazda3 Lemon-odds and Nada-odds (http://www.truedelta.com/lemon-odds.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)

Thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates later this month and in May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=170)