IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 Mazda CX-3 (DK)

Facelifted CX-3 reached UK dealers on 31 August 2018 in SE Nav+, SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+ trims, swapping the 1.5 diesel for a 115PS 1.8 Skyactiv-D and adding an electronic parking brake before UK orders closed post-2019.

What changed for 2018

  • •1.8-litre Skyactiv-D (S8-DPTS, 115PS) Euro 6d-Temp diesel replaced the 1.5D in 2WD manual Sport Nav+ form, without requiring AdBlue
  • •2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrols (121PS 2WD and 150PS AWD) gained edge-cut pistons and high-pressure injectors from the KF-series CX-5
  • •Electronic parking brake replaced the manual lever, freeing console room for a padded centre armrest, storage cubby and relocated rotary dial
  • •Revised coil springs, dampers and front anti-roll bar paired with thicker door insulation, upgraded seat foam and simplified '+' UK grades

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Binding rear brake calipers or uneven inner-pad wear on the electronic parking brake assembly after salted UK winter use
  • !Pitted and corroded rear brake discs on low-mileage urban petrol cars, alongside kerbed 215/50 R18 tyres on Sport Nav+ alloys
  • !EGR carbon fouling and DPF warning lamps triggering MOT-failing engine management lights on town-driven 1.8 Skyactiv-D cars
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Known Issues
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Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

AC Condenser Corrosion

ModerateCooling System

The AC condenser is very prone to stone chip damage and corrosion, leading to a loss of refrigerant.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£500
Warning Signs:

AC stops blowing cold air

What to Inspect:
  • Check for oily residue or dark patches on the condenser behind the front grille
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Safety Sensor Misting

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The camera/sensor unit behind the rearview mirror can mist up in cold or damp weather, disabling safety systems.

Est. Repair Cost: £0
Warning Signs:

"Smart City Brake Support Disabled" message, Auto-wipers stop working

What to Inspect:
  • Usually clears once the cabin warms up; check for signs of excessive moisture in the cabin
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Seat Bolster Collapse

MinorInterior & Trim

The foam in the outer seat bolsters can break down or sag prematurely, even on low-mileage cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£300
Warning Signs:

Creased leather/fabric, Lack of support from the seat side

What to Inspect:
  • Visually inspect and feel the driver's seat outer bolsters
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2018 Mazda CX-3 (DK)

  • Verify genuine post-August 2018 facelift specification via the electronic parking brake switch, front armrest and '+' trim suffix
  • Test whether the MZD-Connect USB hub has had the official Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade fitted, as early '+' cars lacked it
  • Inspect Soul Red Crystal paintwork along the bonnet and bumper for deep stone chips and check diamond-cut 18-inch alloys for white-worm
2016–20172019–2020
Check a 2018 Mazda CX-3 (DK) by Registration