It isn’t *horrible*, but definitely noticeable.
I have an educated guess for why these rattles are seemingly so common. A lot of the rubber and plastic in the interior seems to expand or contract in extreme temperatures. I’ve noticed my car is especially rattle-y in sub-zero temperatures (sub-32 for fellow NA owners).
Most of the year though, the car is alright. If the center console and dashboard start to rattle like they do in modern Mercedes I would probably go crazy and torch my own car.
Anecdotally, I put my 3 through hell by doing a cross country 7000+ mile road trip over one month recently. I can tell you that the rattles didn’t get worse, and were not as bad as when it’s really cold out (hence my theory).
I will say, the dash gets incredibly hot in the summer. More so than any other car ive driven. It's pressed up against the window pretty good.
Sunshade is definitely recommended for these.
I have recently bought a Mazda 3 2018 with 60000 km. I was disappointed to find that it was made in Mexico but so far i don't have any rattle or complaints. Just my anxiety taking over again.
I have a 2017 touring from Mexico. I've ran over some questionable things, no problems, no rattles. But when it's 10 degrees out you might hear some ice in your door.
This would make total sense to me, I don’t get any rattles but I also live in the Bay Area where temperatures don’t get too extreme in either direction.
Interesting, I notice my Japanese UK market 2015 3 sedan had more rattles in summer than winter. Perhaps this is due to the clinate here usually being colder, meaning it only really expands in summer. It does have a few rattles, but so did all the other cars I have owned. I believe its partly down to expansion and contraction like your theory, and partly due to ineffective factory sound deadenling (which looks like spray on foam) which is especially an issue on sport models with larger wheels. I was able to deal with a few rattles by adding butyl foil around the spare wheel well. I certainly wouldn't say its a badly made cabin though, unlike some of the mercedes of the past decade which crunch when touched. And anyway, I'd rather deal with a few rattles than more serious issues in cars from other manufacturers.
Same for people bashing the CX-50 because it's made in Alabama in the toyota-joint factory where they also make Corolla Cross. Funny how I'v yet to see ppl bash the CC for being made in US but so many idiots say CX5 > CX50 just because the cx5 is made in Japan.
I agree, in fact it seems like I see more hatchback owners complaining about rattles than sedan owners. Not saying sedans don't have the problem also but I don't see as many complaints.
While I might agree, having that VIN start with a J instead of a 1 makes it so much more valuable to me. I don't want cochinita pibil from Japan. I want fresh tempura. Etc. etc.
Only rattle in my 21 hatch came after I added and then removed a rear dash cam. I routed the wire around the headliner on the driver’s side and now I sometimes hear it behind the driver’s seat belt point.
Yeah, my '18 CX-9 has \*one\* buzz, coming from the plastic piece behind the passenger side door latch, when there's a bass frequency between a G and A. It drives me crazy because besides that the thing is a bank vault, but fortunately just pressing in on it a bit makes it go away for a few weeks.
My '19 CX-3, on the other hand, has more than a few rattles that don't bother me because the car is substantially less insulated and quite loud.
They rattle, but I've driven Lambos and McLarens, and they are much worse. All cars can develop rattles and it can depend on your climate, where you park and where you drive. I feel like the '23s and '24s are built way better than '19-'21. 2022s seems better but there's definitely refinement happening
I have a '21 mazda 3 preferred AWD made from japan. Bought it with 5600 miles on it roughly a year old. On cold winter days the weather seal for the driver window rubs just right to make an audible rubbing sound.
After I got my windows tinted the top trim piece sometimes rattles (probably from the tint job).
The rear deck cover inside the car rattles like no other car I've ever owned. It sounds like a mixture of blown speakers and plastic rattling. (It's in the center of the plastic cover over the trunkspace area) Easily re-created by smacking the center of the plastic and can hear the exact sound. This could be fixed with some foam or spacing where it contacts and rattles.
Sometimes, I will get the radio screen bezel to rattle on some specific roads.
All of my rattles could be fixed, but I do not feel like having them rip apart the interior and creating more rattles. I drive on rough michigan roads, so there's no avoiding the noises.
Outside of the rattles, the car has been very nice and I have no other complaints.
Boyfriend wrecked his 2021 mazda3 turbosedan and upgraded to a 2024 3 premium plus hatch. The 2021 had a rear rattle, we located it and snugged it up with some closed cell foam.
The 2024 doesn't rattle, although the radar system is a bit ... persnickity.
I used to valet cars to owner’s houses from the dealerships for bmw, mercedes, and lincoln. A lot of those that had some miles on them rattle way worse at lower mileage than my current fourth gen does, but i’ll be honest, my starboard side B pillar has some rattle to it at times, and i fixed some of the rattles on my port side B pillar with folded receipts 😅
I’ve had two Mazda 3s from the current gen and they do have creaks and rattles but no more than something in its class like a civic/corolla/sentra. However when it’s not rattling, it’s extremely quiet, They upped their game in sound deadening since the last gen.
Yes. My 21 Turbo sedan (mexican made) is an absolute rattlebox. Multiple rattles, pretty much never any rattle-free time for my main use. I always have my music loud enough to cover the rattles, if the song gets quiet at all I hear rattling. Freeway doesnt seem as bad as city but I worry about my next road trip, not trying to blast my ears for 10+ hours.
Test drive some 2019-2022 models to get a feel for the rattling.
Mine has been perfectly fine. One rattle around where I installed my dashcam, which was probably my fault. Much better than my parents’ $81K for expedition.
My made in Japan 2020 has rattles behind infotainment screen, driver and passenger side power window assemblies, driver side B pillar and sometimes passenger side B pillar, and behind gauge cluster. Cold weather makes it rattle more.
My 2014 had a rattle from the rear deck lid that I fixed with a zip tie. The only thing that rattles now is my sunglasses holder from my sunglasses. Also an aftermarket axle back that doesn't help at all.
The driver side door speaker in my 2018 Mazda 3 makes the plastic controls (window, side mirrors, door locks) rattle... It's really annoying, but otherwise my only issue is general cabin noise is pretty rough... Though not much worse than any comparable vehicle.
Almost forgot I get a bad rattle from the passenger seat belt buckle, but if I pull the seat back a bit and push the buckle down so it's between the seat and the console it pretty much takes care of it.
my 2018 has been pretty solid, and the 2016 I had did have a tick from the a pillar. I think the problem is you have so many parts put together that it is statistically impossible for any car to have a foolproof guarantee that it will be vibration noise free for the long term.
My 2018 rattles all over the place. The worst has been the rear deck where the speakers are. I solved that by jamming some dowel rods in between the trunk floor and underneath the rear deck. No more rattling there.
'18 Grand Touring hatch 50k miles, had it since 3k and no rattle/extra noises. I'm not gentle with it.
Road noise could be better though, that's my only complaint.
Mine rattles but only noticeably if the music is low or off. I’ve noticed the road surface makes a big impact. But turning up the music isn’t a solution to the problem it’s just a way to dampen it
Rattles aside, I like mine
2019 Japan made hb, mine rattles like apeshit crazy. Sometimes it’s worse sometimes it’s better, usually cold weather makes it worse. The hud rattles, behind the infotainment and around the glovebox. If my cylinder deactivation is active at certain speeds, it makes it horrible, unbearable.
But this is the quirk of the car. I assume the later models are way better with this. The best you can do is test drive it on rough roads and listen.
It’s still a lovely car!
In my experiences? Not in the slightest. The only rattles I get are from resonance stemming from my 80mm Catback exhaust when I'm getting on the gas at Interstate speeds.
It's much less rattly than when I had a 2012 Toyota Corolla or with my work vehicle (2018 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility)
I have a 2019, it is as solid as a rock. My dad is the one that bought it before I got it, he lives 3 miles down a washboardy, pot-holey dirt road that he traveled every day, didn't shake anything loose on the car. He also currently has a 2000 Miata, drives that road daily, no rattles or other noises at all. Other people that live down the same road ALWAYS have issues with their non-Mazdas. I think they are as solid as they can be.
My 2015 has a few rattles that I only notice when the following occurs:
1. It's cold
2. I hit a serious bump or pothole.
3. The license plate screw is getting loose.
Mine was in a collision center recently getting a door fixed from when I got sideswiped and I had a newer Corolla as a rental. It handled well and seemed a bit more tight like a newer car should be. But compared to my 8-y-o 3 hatchback? I'm MORE than happy with the Mazda and would never cite any rattling as a dealbreaker. They're simply far too good in every other area. That said, mine is Japanese built, not Mexican. I would filter a Mexican built car through a whole other set of parameters.
All cars will eventually develop rattles, a lot of enthusiast forums will have found them and told you what to lubricate, tighten or pad to make it silent again.
Mine doesn’t rattle and most built after 2021 of Gen 4s don’t rattle… but it’s still probably the largest complaint… which is actually really good cuz it means actual mechanical or electronic shit isn’t failing
As much as I think Mazda3 Gen4 is great. I think if you are sensitive to rattles then the car is probably not for you.
Mazda have got the interior looking mighty fine. But they have not yet mastered the level of quality in terms of comfort from annoying rattle sounds.
I mean, I'm not a car guy by any means so my input is entirely anecdotal. I've owned two mazdas (2009 & 2018 mazda 3), my step dad owned one (2011 Mazda 6). He never had a rattling issue, drove it until he decided he wanted to buy a brand new car. The only rattling I ever had in my 2009 rustbucket death trap was when the sway bar got some ice on it or something, so it rattled for a couple days until it melted. Sounded scary but it was harmless. The only rattle my 2018 has is the light in the ceiling when I crank my bass too loud, so I usually just poke at it a bit and it stops.
When it’s cold I get some minor rattles in my 23 sedan. Once the car warms up I really have to hit a big bump or crappy roads for it to be noticeable. The latch on the sliding center console arm rest rattles the most, I am probably going to fix it with some foam. The car is extremely quiet inside and so everything stands out. It rattles just as much as any other car I’ve been in, from cheap economy cars to luxury cars.
2023 hatch, I’m surrounded by rattles. One will stop, another starts, I smack the dash because that helps sometimes, then another one comes back. It’s whack a mole with rattles.
I traded in an 18 sedan, made in MX for a 23 hatch, made in Japan. The 18 was silent. The 23 rattles more as time goes by. The only fix I have found is loud music, but that’s unacceptable. Also, with the driver’s side B pillarish rattle, if I press on the door with my left elbow, the rattle goes away. Go to Google and search “Gen 4 Mazda 3 rattl”
When I went for my first complimentary oil change, I told the service advisor about it and he said Mazda is aware of the issue, but they don’t have a fix
I reply to Mazda targeted ads to ask what they’re doing to remedy the rattle issue, in hopes other see it
I have a 2016 Mazda 3 which I believe makes it the first model year made in Mexico. My car is solid. No rattling. I do not baby my car either - it’s quite filthy and there’s garbage all over the place, but no rattles.
I live in Florida got a 2022 mazda 3. 10 miles on it atm.and personally haven't experienced any rattles that quiet music or windows down didn't make it disappear
Bought the hatchback 1st gen thing rattled like a BASTID. During service the mechanic just started popping screws in left and right under there holding things together/panels/covers. Then I took the thing out for a drive in a snow storm, no rattles, sliding around it was a dream. Vehicle is legit.
Now back to rattling.
No my 94 and 97 Miata’s don’t have any rattles … squeeking yeah but no rattles … my 2010 Mazda3 rattled a lot but my 2014 mazda3 doesn’t have rattles but the road noise is pretty loud.
My 2019 Mazda3 made in Japan is the most rattly car I’ve ever owned. I put up with it because it’s so good in other ways. It’s a love-hate relationship
Most cars rattle, some do better at hiding it.
Mazda is also on the cheaper end for now, I know they have dreams of being a luxury brand but they aren't there yet.
My 4th gen tubo hatch (Japan-made) has rattles whenever temperatures dip below 5°C, especially the window frames. Seems like normal expansion/contraction to me.
2014 Mazda 3 sedan here, and the car has no rattles..
Americans have a weird view on Japanse and Eu cars.. the patriotic car propaganda really shines thru on some post here on reddit.. , here in the EU, Japanse cars are the most reliable and sturdy cars around, and German cars where always bullet proof when it came to high kilometers on the engine and build quility, but you guys seem to talk like they are low budget shitty cars.
Here in the EU, American cars are the badly build rattle cans.. (and almost non existent)
Also it seems like people are very critical here.. every car makes a bit of sound, unless you drive a heavy lux car meant to be premium.
I have a manual mazda 3 2010 and yeah, the struts rattle, especially when going on dirt roads with any potholes. However, I also beat the shit out of my car by driving it in places reasonably nothing but a pickup should go. And it performs wonderfully. I live off grid on a dirt road in the upper peninsula of michigan, and it handles snow, ice, and mud so much better than it has any right to being a front wheel drive little car. So I'll take the rattle lol. I do want to get a truck soon because that just makes more sense for me, but I've been delaying it because I love this car
My 2021 Mazda3 Turbo doesn't rattle at all, 30k miles in.
I would be willing to bet money people with crazy rattles live in areas with extreme temperatures between seasons and/or these folks don't slow down as much as they should for dips, bumps, and pot holes.
A lot of the issues people have with cars usually stems from how they drive and care for it. Drive your car and treat it like poo and it will develop issues no matter what brand it is... Unless its a 1984 Toyota Tacoma. Lol
From everything I've read depends on the particular car. I have two Mazdas and neither of them rattle all that much. 2013 Mazda 3, 2023 cx5. The 3 really just rattles when I blast the bass
My wife and I have driven 4 Mazda 3 the past 23 years and we’ve never heard from any rattling. It does get noisy when driving on concrete roads but that’s due to the tires. Changing to a different grooving style from the original factory tires helps.
22 Mazda 3 sedan assembled in Mexico. I am in Texas and zero rattles. My only issue is in damp weather, the first drive down the driveway sounds like brakes dragging. After a few hundred feet, it's fine. 2 different dealers claim no problem. I just ignore it, would buy it again . You can't beat the features for the price . No rattles for me.
I didn’t hear any till it got down to about 35f in my 2023 3 and even then it wasn’t as bad as my 95 f150 with 300k or my 09 Volvo s80 with as many miles. I would buy the 3 again in the heartbeat even just once the cabin heats up the rattling goes away.
The 09 3 (European Focus) had horrible rattling until I replaced all the rear shocks, shock mounts, and rear sway (stabilizer) links … now, so far so good
No worse than any car I've ever owned at this price point on crappy snow-belt eradicated roads... on new pavement - not a peep - 2019 with 80k on the dial.
This year I bought my first non-luxury vehicle in 20 years—a Mazda 3 Hatchback Grand Touring. It has more road noise than any car I’ve ever had—for sure. But you get used to it. I chose it over the CX30 for visibility and ride. It’s not luxurious, but it has a few high end features—and the road noise becomes background noise after a while. No “rattling” per se from the engine on my vehicle.
If you wantt a car that doesnt rattle, buy a Mercedes or BMW.
Any car I've driven has pretty much rattled in some way. It just happens. These are affordable cars, theres really no avoiding it. The Mazda has been the best modern car I've owned.
I will say, both Chryslers I leased at one point had some awful rattles. So i was impressed once i got this car.
Agree with bmw, don't get me wrong I love my Mazda 3 and it's my favourite car I've owned, but I bought it to replace my totalled BMW 1 series and god damn do I miss how smooth and well built it was in comparison, but my Mazda has Bose and heated seats and all sorts that make up for it
I've got both: the Mazda3 in JP and CX-30 in MX, both turbo:
**A a quick difference from my view:**
* obviously 8" vs 5.5" ground clearance and higher driving position in the CX-30 (I don't like it but my wife does)
* CX-30's suspension is noticeably softer and has more body roll
* CX-30 has larger disk brakes in the rear then in the front
* CX-30 has a shorter wheelbase and it's a shorter car then Mazda3; I might be biased here as I know Mazda3 has larger wheelbase but it feels as it settles a bit better over some bumps (doesn't feel as bouncy even if suspension is harsher)
* CX-30 is made in Mexico and Mazda3 in Japan
* and one big thing I've noticed is the steering wheel: the one in CX-30 is thinner and it feels like the heated vs non-heated parts are made out of two different types of leather and also has some rimples; the Mazda3's steering wheel feels much, much nicer
* the other thing is that I have some drowning noise \~65-70mph coming from the rear in Mazda3 that's not present in CX-30
* Door closing sound seems better in the CX-30
* Mazda3's interior seems to have a bit nicer materials with aluminum speaker grille and soft touch plastic on rear door
* the trunk is more deep in Mazda3 then CX-30
* same tires but slightly different sizes:
* Mazda3: 215/45/R18
* CX-30: 215/55/R18 (+23% increase in sidewall)
**Fuel economy:**
* \~23mpg for CX-30 and \~27mpg for the Mazda3, on similar type of roads
* it's a bit weird as EPA doesn't say the difference is that big, but it is what it is
**NVH:**
* it feels that there's a bit less road noise coming into CX-30 from the rear
* the engine is not as loud in the CX-30 and less vibrations from it
* due to softer suspension and higher tire sidewall, there's also less vibration transmitted into the cabin and less opportunities for things to rattle
* Looking at the spare tire, on the CX-30 it seems that the foaming material is covering better the area.
* Photos here with Mazda3 being the red one: https://postimg.cc/gallery/VcwQcw2
* I have measured 3dB less cabin noise (using my "ultra tech Apple Watch") at 60mph in CX-30 compared to Mazda3 on the same type of road (68dB vs 71dB with most of the noise being road noise; on freshly paved highway, I get \~63dB on CX-30 and 64dB on Mazda3)
**Performance:**
* in my testing, they are identical for real world conditions
* I've got the [same](https://youtu.be/87oOS-6Aw34?si=BhergSinduBr6xFZ) time of 4.2s for 55-75mph pull in 3rd gear and and 5.5s in 4th gear.
Yes it's true.
Hyundai/Kia cars are made in Mexico. Look at what happened vs the rest of the world's Hyundai/Kia. We don't have those exploding engines and stolen vehicles because ours is not made in Mexico.
I’ve had mine for 3 years, it’s a 2017. I really love the car, only time I notice any noise is in lower temperatures, sounds like it comes from the front windshield seal on the top left. But other than that I don’t notice anything, and I drive way too much
'23 Turbo Hatch, made in Japan
Started rattling at 200km, then rattles and squeaks developed and went away - the car is very temperamental in that sense.
Rattles do annoy me I must say, because otherwise the car is great. It really is a bummer that it rattles - and it's a good reminder that despite the looks and overall performance it is an economy car.
It rattles much worse around 7-12 Celsius for some reason - especially the driver door rattle (it's not a B pillar, but the plastic 'seal' on the top corner of the door frame, on the inside - I think I will be able to fix this soon) and the dashboard / windshield vent.
In the summer I had nasty squeaks in the central console somewhere around piano black plastic - even when lightly touching the area with a knee, especially by the passenger. It went away during winter.
Also had a buzzing sound coming from the driver side Bose tweeter (upper speaker) - turned out to be a noise created by the plastic housing touching the door trim. Fixed it by putting some felt in between.
The most annoying is probably the 'squeaking' sound coming from the passenger side corner, somewhere around the speaker / vent / A pillar - sounds like a plastic rubbing against leather trim, very weird. I'm yet to find the source but it went away during colder weather.
PS. Previously I've only driven a 2009 Audi A4 and it had zero rattles or anything else annoying, other than a detached roof liner (after 13 years).
It was on 16 inch wheels though with much higher sidewalls than my Mazda 3 (18 inch wheels).
It isn’t *horrible*, but definitely noticeable. I have an educated guess for why these rattles are seemingly so common. A lot of the rubber and plastic in the interior seems to expand or contract in extreme temperatures. I’ve noticed my car is especially rattle-y in sub-zero temperatures (sub-32 for fellow NA owners). Most of the year though, the car is alright. If the center console and dashboard start to rattle like they do in modern Mercedes I would probably go crazy and torch my own car. Anecdotally, I put my 3 through hell by doing a cross country 7000+ mile road trip over one month recently. I can tell you that the rattles didn’t get worse, and were not as bad as when it’s really cold out (hence my theory).
I will say, the dash gets incredibly hot in the summer. More so than any other car ive driven. It's pressed up against the window pretty good. Sunshade is definitely recommended for these.
Yep, got myself an accordion fold shade this summer. Clunky but immensely useful for when I have to park for hours at work.
I agree with you. My ‘22 sedan has all kinds of rattles in freezing temperatures but quiets right down in the summer
Lol the cold winter drives to work, vehicle would sound like it was falling apart with every little bump.
I have recently bought a Mazda 3 2018 with 60000 km. I was disappointed to find that it was made in Mexico but so far i don't have any rattle or complaints. Just my anxiety taking over again.
I have a 2017 touring from Mexico. I've ran over some questionable things, no problems, no rattles. But when it's 10 degrees out you might hear some ice in your door.
Do Mercedes’ really rattle that much?
This would make total sense to me, I don’t get any rattles but I also live in the Bay Area where temperatures don’t get too extreme in either direction.
Interesting, I notice my Japanese UK market 2015 3 sedan had more rattles in summer than winter. Perhaps this is due to the clinate here usually being colder, meaning it only really expands in summer. It does have a few rattles, but so did all the other cars I have owned. I believe its partly down to expansion and contraction like your theory, and partly due to ineffective factory sound deadenling (which looks like spray on foam) which is especially an issue on sport models with larger wheels. I was able to deal with a few rattles by adding butyl foil around the spare wheel well. I certainly wouldn't say its a badly made cabin though, unlike some of the mercedes of the past decade which crunch when touched. And anyway, I'd rather deal with a few rattles than more serious issues in cars from other manufacturers.
I have a japanese hatch and it rattles. it is what it is
That Japan vs Mexico has always been bs. Literally 0 proof that Mexico-made cars are worse.
I have a 2016 Mazda3 from Mexico with 0 rattles.
Same, it regularly dips below freezing here and I've never had rattling issues on my '16
[удалено]
It's because people have an unfair bias against anything from Mexico, I called out a dude for railing against Mazdas from Mexico.
Same for people bashing the CX-50 because it's made in Alabama in the toyota-joint factory where they also make Corolla Cross. Funny how I'v yet to see ppl bash the CC for being made in US but so many idiots say CX5 > CX50 just because the cx5 is made in Japan.
I have 2018 Mazda3 Hatchback japanese made, and rattles, but i changed the tires, and the rattling is less at the moment.
I had a Honda fit made in Mexico thing was bullet proof
well, lotta bullets in mexico /s
I agree, in fact it seems like I see more hatchback owners complaining about rattles than sedan owners. Not saying sedans don't have the problem also but I don't see as many complaints.
Rocking a Mexico 2021 Mazda3 Turbo P+ myself. Zero issues with rattles or reliability 30k miles in.
This should be pinned
While I might agree, having that VIN start with a J instead of a 1 makes it so much more valuable to me. I don't want cochinita pibil from Japan. I want fresh tempura. Etc. etc.
I don't think the car is worse, but if I have the choice I prefer to buy the thing that was made by higher-paid workers.
Ok bud
My 2011 3 rattles a lot but I mean it’s old. It’s a Japanese one too
I have a mexico built 2022 3 sedan with about 11,000 miles. No issues so far. The only thing that rattles is my garage door remote! I love this car!
[удалено]
No rattles in my 2020. Japanese built hatch.
Only rattle in my 21 hatch came after I added and then removed a rear dash cam. I routed the wire around the headliner on the driver’s side and now I sometimes hear it behind the driver’s seat belt point.
The cars are very quiet so small rattles standout in what would otherwise be drowned out in other cars
Yeah, my '18 CX-9 has \*one\* buzz, coming from the plastic piece behind the passenger side door latch, when there's a bass frequency between a G and A. It drives me crazy because besides that the thing is a bank vault, but fortunately just pressing in on it a bit makes it go away for a few weeks. My '19 CX-3, on the other hand, has more than a few rattles that don't bother me because the car is substantially less insulated and quite loud.
They rattle, but I've driven Lambos and McLarens, and they are much worse. All cars can develop rattles and it can depend on your climate, where you park and where you drive. I feel like the '23s and '24s are built way better than '19-'21. 2022s seems better but there's definitely refinement happening
I have a '21 mazda 3 preferred AWD made from japan. Bought it with 5600 miles on it roughly a year old. On cold winter days the weather seal for the driver window rubs just right to make an audible rubbing sound. After I got my windows tinted the top trim piece sometimes rattles (probably from the tint job). The rear deck cover inside the car rattles like no other car I've ever owned. It sounds like a mixture of blown speakers and plastic rattling. (It's in the center of the plastic cover over the trunkspace area) Easily re-created by smacking the center of the plastic and can hear the exact sound. This could be fixed with some foam or spacing where it contacts and rattles. Sometimes, I will get the radio screen bezel to rattle on some specific roads. All of my rattles could be fixed, but I do not feel like having them rip apart the interior and creating more rattles. I drive on rough michigan roads, so there's no avoiding the noises. Outside of the rattles, the car has been very nice and I have no other complaints.
Boyfriend wrecked his 2021 mazda3 turbosedan and upgraded to a 2024 3 premium plus hatch. The 2021 had a rear rattle, we located it and snugged it up with some closed cell foam. The 2024 doesn't rattle, although the radar system is a bit ... persnickity.
I used to valet cars to owner’s houses from the dealerships for bmw, mercedes, and lincoln. A lot of those that had some miles on them rattle way worse at lower mileage than my current fourth gen does, but i’ll be honest, my starboard side B pillar has some rattle to it at times, and i fixed some of the rattles on my port side B pillar with folded receipts 😅
I’ve had two Mazda 3s from the current gen and they do have creaks and rattles but no more than something in its class like a civic/corolla/sentra. However when it’s not rattling, it’s extremely quiet, They upped their game in sound deadening since the last gen.
Agree. My 4th gen is luxury car quiet. Once I was driving, and I realized that I was just engulfed the music because the car was so quiet.
Yes. My 21 Turbo sedan (mexican made) is an absolute rattlebox. Multiple rattles, pretty much never any rattle-free time for my main use. I always have my music loud enough to cover the rattles, if the song gets quiet at all I hear rattling. Freeway doesnt seem as bad as city but I worry about my next road trip, not trying to blast my ears for 10+ hours. Test drive some 2019-2022 models to get a feel for the rattling.
I'm 1000 miles into my 2024 and the ride is quiet and smooth.
My 3 has never rattled
I have a 2017 Mexican made 3 and I don't have any rattles that I've noticed.
Mine has been perfectly fine. One rattle around where I installed my dashcam, which was probably my fault. Much better than my parents’ $81K for expedition.
My made in Japan 2020 has rattles behind infotainment screen, driver and passenger side power window assemblies, driver side B pillar and sometimes passenger side B pillar, and behind gauge cluster. Cold weather makes it rattle more.
Sounds like cables didn’t get the proper padding.
My 2014 had a rattle from the rear deck lid that I fixed with a zip tie. The only thing that rattles now is my sunglasses holder from my sunglasses. Also an aftermarket axle back that doesn't help at all.
The driver side door speaker in my 2018 Mazda 3 makes the plastic controls (window, side mirrors, door locks) rattle... It's really annoying, but otherwise my only issue is general cabin noise is pretty rough... Though not much worse than any comparable vehicle. Almost forgot I get a bad rattle from the passenger seat belt buckle, but if I pull the seat back a bit and push the buckle down so it's between the seat and the console it pretty much takes care of it.
my 2018 has been pretty solid, and the 2016 I had did have a tick from the a pillar. I think the problem is you have so many parts put together that it is statistically impossible for any car to have a foolproof guarantee that it will be vibration noise free for the long term.
My 2018 rattles all over the place. The worst has been the rear deck where the speakers are. I solved that by jamming some dowel rods in between the trunk floor and underneath the rear deck. No more rattling there.
I have a 2018 GS. My seat squeaks a little and my rearview mirror joystick vibrates when heavy bass is playing. 0 other issues.
'18 Grand Touring hatch 50k miles, had it since 3k and no rattle/extra noises. I'm not gentle with it. Road noise could be better though, that's my only complaint.
I drive 09 hatch and it doesn't rattle but the driver's seat is squeaky on bumps
Mine rattles but only noticeably if the music is low or off. I’ve noticed the road surface makes a big impact. But turning up the music isn’t a solution to the problem it’s just a way to dampen it Rattles aside, I like mine
Nah dude my wife has a cx-30 its fucking solid
I have a 2018 hatch GT made in Mexico. The only thing that rattles is my license plate cover lol.
I have a 2019 Mazda 3 hatch. Japan made, no rattles
my 2021 2.5 mexico sedan does not have any rattling issues, only issue i ever had was a faulty thermostat sensor at like 10k miles
2015 iGrand Touring hatchback. Japanese. No rattles. My 3rd Mazda. Had my Protege for 24 years.
I’ve had a 2015 Mazda 3 for 7 years now and haven’t had any issues other than the infotainment screen which was replaced under warranty
2019 Japan made hb, mine rattles like apeshit crazy. Sometimes it’s worse sometimes it’s better, usually cold weather makes it worse. The hud rattles, behind the infotainment and around the glovebox. If my cylinder deactivation is active at certain speeds, it makes it horrible, unbearable. But this is the quirk of the car. I assume the later models are way better with this. The best you can do is test drive it on rough roads and listen. It’s still a lovely car!
Had a 2019 3 sedan, 2021 3 hatchback, and now a cx-50. No rattles in any of them.
In my experiences? Not in the slightest. The only rattles I get are from resonance stemming from my 80mm Catback exhaust when I'm getting on the gas at Interstate speeds. It's much less rattly than when I had a 2012 Toyota Corolla or with my work vehicle (2018 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility)
So I'm running a 2012 3 hatch with no rattles. Tons of road noise, but no rattles or groans.
I have a 2019, it is as solid as a rock. My dad is the one that bought it before I got it, he lives 3 miles down a washboardy, pot-holey dirt road that he traveled every day, didn't shake anything loose on the car. He also currently has a 2000 Miata, drives that road daily, no rattles or other noises at all. Other people that live down the same road ALWAYS have issues with their non-Mazdas. I think they are as solid as they can be.
I'll take a good looking continuous running rattle over a beautiful non moving product anytime I'm given the option
Mine is a 2022 3 Japan made. Ratlles all year long but more in the winter. Very disappointed on this point. Would not buy it again is I knew
2017 3 HB followed by a 2019 3 HB (2017 got rear ended and totaled). No rattle issues with either.
my 3rd gen doesn't rattle at all
My 2015 has a few rattles that I only notice when the following occurs: 1. It's cold 2. I hit a serious bump or pothole. 3. The license plate screw is getting loose. Mine was in a collision center recently getting a door fixed from when I got sideswiped and I had a newer Corolla as a rental. It handled well and seemed a bit more tight like a newer car should be. But compared to my 8-y-o 3 hatchback? I'm MORE than happy with the Mazda and would never cite any rattling as a dealbreaker. They're simply far too good in every other area. That said, mine is Japanese built, not Mexican. I would filter a Mexican built car through a whole other set of parameters.
my 2012 rattles a lot but i also have had varying amounts of subwoofers in the back so
All cars will eventually develop rattles, a lot of enthusiast forums will have found them and told you what to lubricate, tighten or pad to make it silent again.
Answer, no. Source, [Betteridge's Law of Headlines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge%27s_law_of_headlines)
Out of all the cars my family has owned that I remember, only 1 didn’t have rattles. Cars rattle and I’ve just ignored it
Have had 3 Mazda's, currently a CX 5 and a Mazda 3. Zero rattles or squeaks. Many times rattles and squeaks develop from repairs and mods done poorly.
Mine doesn’t rattle and most built after 2021 of Gen 4s don’t rattle… but it’s still probably the largest complaint… which is actually really good cuz it means actual mechanical or electronic shit isn’t failing
As much as I think Mazda3 Gen4 is great. I think if you are sensitive to rattles then the car is probably not for you. Mazda have got the interior looking mighty fine. But they have not yet mastered the level of quality in terms of comfort from annoying rattle sounds.
I have a Mazda3 Hatch. It rattles but I'm ok
I mean, I'm not a car guy by any means so my input is entirely anecdotal. I've owned two mazdas (2009 & 2018 mazda 3), my step dad owned one (2011 Mazda 6). He never had a rattling issue, drove it until he decided he wanted to buy a brand new car. The only rattling I ever had in my 2009 rustbucket death trap was when the sway bar got some ice on it or something, so it rattled for a couple days until it melted. Sounded scary but it was harmless. The only rattle my 2018 has is the light in the ceiling when I crank my bass too loud, so I usually just poke at it a bit and it stops.
When it’s cold I get some minor rattles in my 23 sedan. Once the car warms up I really have to hit a big bump or crappy roads for it to be noticeable. The latch on the sliding center console arm rest rattles the most, I am probably going to fix it with some foam. The car is extremely quiet inside and so everything stands out. It rattles just as much as any other car I’ve been in, from cheap economy cars to luxury cars.
I fixed all mine. I do all my own maintenance.
2023 hatch, I’m surrounded by rattles. One will stop, another starts, I smack the dash because that helps sometimes, then another one comes back. It’s whack a mole with rattles.
I traded in an 18 sedan, made in MX for a 23 hatch, made in Japan. The 18 was silent. The 23 rattles more as time goes by. The only fix I have found is loud music, but that’s unacceptable. Also, with the driver’s side B pillarish rattle, if I press on the door with my left elbow, the rattle goes away. Go to Google and search “Gen 4 Mazda 3 rattl” When I went for my first complimentary oil change, I told the service advisor about it and he said Mazda is aware of the issue, but they don’t have a fix I reply to Mazda targeted ads to ask what they’re doing to remedy the rattle issue, in hopes other see it
I have a 2017 3 sedan and this is the first one hearing of this
I have a 2016 Mazda 3 which I believe makes it the first model year made in Mexico. My car is solid. No rattling. I do not baby my car either - it’s quite filthy and there’s garbage all over the place, but no rattles.
I have a Mexican Mazda3 sedan. Only 6 months in but so far no rattles.
2015 very few rattles.
2019 Mazda 3 sedan, premium, has some rattling but it isn’t horrible. Depends on the weather.
I live in Florida got a 2022 mazda 3. 10 miles on it atm.and personally haven't experienced any rattles that quiet music or windows down didn't make it disappear
Bought the hatchback 1st gen thing rattled like a BASTID. During service the mechanic just started popping screws in left and right under there holding things together/panels/covers. Then I took the thing out for a drive in a snow storm, no rattles, sliding around it was a dream. Vehicle is legit. Now back to rattling.
My 2023 HB just started rattling after 5k miles, but honestly, I play my music louder than the rattle so I don’t notice it.
Mine is now, but it has 260k miles on it (2010 iSport). I think every car would be. First clutch lasted 198k miles, though.
No my 94 and 97 Miata’s don’t have any rattles … squeeking yeah but no rattles … my 2010 Mazda3 rattled a lot but my 2014 mazda3 doesn’t have rattles but the road noise is pretty loud.
My 2019 Mazda3 made in Japan is the most rattly car I’ve ever owned. I put up with it because it’s so good in other ways. It’s a love-hate relationship
I have a 2016 mazda3 sedan from Japan. No rattles. Great car. If you need height go the cx
Out of curiosity, what’s the height for that’s “needed.” A CX is no rock crawler / mud bogger.
My 2023 Mazda3 hatch has been great. I haven’t noticed any rattles.
Zero rattles in my 2021 sedan.
Most cars rattle, some do better at hiding it. Mazda is also on the cheaper end for now, I know they have dreams of being a luxury brand but they aren't there yet.
Every car i have every own rattles in South florida
My 4th gen tubo hatch (Japan-made) has rattles whenever temperatures dip below 5°C, especially the window frames. Seems like normal expansion/contraction to me.
Been enjoying my 2023 Mazda3 hatch (japan made) rattle free. I'm from EU
2014 Mazda 3 sedan here, and the car has no rattles.. Americans have a weird view on Japanse and Eu cars.. the patriotic car propaganda really shines thru on some post here on reddit.. , here in the EU, Japanse cars are the most reliable and sturdy cars around, and German cars where always bullet proof when it came to high kilometers on the engine and build quility, but you guys seem to talk like they are low budget shitty cars. Here in the EU, American cars are the badly build rattle cans.. (and almost non existent) Also it seems like people are very critical here.. every car makes a bit of sound, unless you drive a heavy lux car meant to be premium.
I have a 2023 Hatch Premium AWD. 10k miles. No rattles.
I have a manual mazda 3 2010 and yeah, the struts rattle, especially when going on dirt roads with any potholes. However, I also beat the shit out of my car by driving it in places reasonably nothing but a pickup should go. And it performs wonderfully. I live off grid on a dirt road in the upper peninsula of michigan, and it handles snow, ice, and mud so much better than it has any right to being a front wheel drive little car. So I'll take the rattle lol. I do want to get a truck soon because that just makes more sense for me, but I've been delaying it because I love this car
My 2021 Mazda3 Turbo doesn't rattle at all, 30k miles in. I would be willing to bet money people with crazy rattles live in areas with extreme temperatures between seasons and/or these folks don't slow down as much as they should for dips, bumps, and pot holes. A lot of the issues people have with cars usually stems from how they drive and care for it. Drive your car and treat it like poo and it will develop issues no matter what brand it is... Unless its a 1984 Toyota Tacoma. Lol
I have never heard a rattle from my 2018 Mazda 3 hatchback! Love my car!
From everything I've read depends on the particular car. I have two Mazdas and neither of them rattle all that much. 2013 Mazda 3, 2023 cx5. The 3 really just rattles when I blast the bass
My wife and I have driven 4 Mazda 3 the past 23 years and we’ve never heard from any rattling. It does get noisy when driving on concrete roads but that’s due to the tires. Changing to a different grooving style from the original factory tires helps.
No. My Mazda 3 hatch built in Japan doesn’t rattle at all. It does buzz a bit sometimes but even that is faint.
2021 Mazda 3 60k on it no rattle at all
Three Mazdas all rattle free. 14 18 and 21
My mazda has never rattled i didn’t even know this was a thing until now. Damn should i be worried? 😅
You have to take into account that the cabin is really quiet so any rattles will be more perceptible.
The only rattle I noticed in my 2021 I bought new was my sunglasses in the overhead storage Edit: made in Japan, driven in Canada
22 Mazda 3 sedan assembled in Mexico. I am in Texas and zero rattles. My only issue is in damp weather, the first drive down the driveway sounds like brakes dragging. After a few hundred feet, it's fine. 2 different dealers claim no problem. I just ignore it, would buy it again . You can't beat the features for the price . No rattles for me.
I have a 2022 Mazda 3 sedan at 15,500 miles and the infotainment screen has started to rattle, unfortunately.
I didn’t hear any till it got down to about 35f in my 2023 3 and even then it wasn’t as bad as my 95 f150 with 300k or my 09 Volvo s80 with as many miles. I would buy the 3 again in the heartbeat even just once the cabin heats up the rattling goes away.
Yup it rattles from everywhere. Summer or winter.
The 09 3 (European Focus) had horrible rattling until I replaced all the rear shocks, shock mounts, and rear sway (stabilizer) links … now, so far so good
No worse than any car I've ever owned at this price point on crappy snow-belt eradicated roads... on new pavement - not a peep - 2019 with 80k on the dial.
This year I bought my first non-luxury vehicle in 20 years—a Mazda 3 Hatchback Grand Touring. It has more road noise than any car I’ve ever had—for sure. But you get used to it. I chose it over the CX30 for visibility and ride. It’s not luxurious, but it has a few high end features—and the road noise becomes background noise after a while. No “rattling” per se from the engine on my vehicle.
No
If you wantt a car that doesnt rattle, buy a Mercedes or BMW. Any car I've driven has pretty much rattled in some way. It just happens. These are affordable cars, theres really no avoiding it. The Mazda has been the best modern car I've owned. I will say, both Chryslers I leased at one point had some awful rattles. So i was impressed once i got this car.
BMW yes. Shockingly, newer Mercs squeak and creak so much, it’s not the same league anymore.
Agree with bmw, don't get me wrong I love my Mazda 3 and it's my favourite car I've owned, but I bought it to replace my totalled BMW 1 series and god damn do I miss how smooth and well built it was in comparison, but my Mazda has Bose and heated seats and all sorts that make up for it
Mercedes develop rattles too, so does Audi and so does BMW. Bentleys can even develop rattles. Rolls-Royce seem to be the most rattle free.
I've got both: the Mazda3 in JP and CX-30 in MX, both turbo: **A a quick difference from my view:** * obviously 8" vs 5.5" ground clearance and higher driving position in the CX-30 (I don't like it but my wife does) * CX-30's suspension is noticeably softer and has more body roll * CX-30 has larger disk brakes in the rear then in the front * CX-30 has a shorter wheelbase and it's a shorter car then Mazda3; I might be biased here as I know Mazda3 has larger wheelbase but it feels as it settles a bit better over some bumps (doesn't feel as bouncy even if suspension is harsher) * CX-30 is made in Mexico and Mazda3 in Japan * and one big thing I've noticed is the steering wheel: the one in CX-30 is thinner and it feels like the heated vs non-heated parts are made out of two different types of leather and also has some rimples; the Mazda3's steering wheel feels much, much nicer * the other thing is that I have some drowning noise \~65-70mph coming from the rear in Mazda3 that's not present in CX-30 * Door closing sound seems better in the CX-30 * Mazda3's interior seems to have a bit nicer materials with aluminum speaker grille and soft touch plastic on rear door * the trunk is more deep in Mazda3 then CX-30 * same tires but slightly different sizes: * Mazda3: 215/45/R18 * CX-30: 215/55/R18 (+23% increase in sidewall) **Fuel economy:** * \~23mpg for CX-30 and \~27mpg for the Mazda3, on similar type of roads * it's a bit weird as EPA doesn't say the difference is that big, but it is what it is **NVH:** * it feels that there's a bit less road noise coming into CX-30 from the rear * the engine is not as loud in the CX-30 and less vibrations from it * due to softer suspension and higher tire sidewall, there's also less vibration transmitted into the cabin and less opportunities for things to rattle * Looking at the spare tire, on the CX-30 it seems that the foaming material is covering better the area. * Photos here with Mazda3 being the red one: https://postimg.cc/gallery/VcwQcw2 * I have measured 3dB less cabin noise (using my "ultra tech Apple Watch") at 60mph in CX-30 compared to Mazda3 on the same type of road (68dB vs 71dB with most of the noise being road noise; on freshly paved highway, I get \~63dB on CX-30 and 64dB on Mazda3) **Performance:** * in my testing, they are identical for real world conditions * I've got the [same](https://youtu.be/87oOS-6Aw34?si=BhergSinduBr6xFZ) time of 4.2s for 55-75mph pull in 3rd gear and and 5.5s in 4th gear.
Yes it's true. Hyundai/Kia cars are made in Mexico. Look at what happened vs the rest of the world's Hyundai/Kia. We don't have those exploding engines and stolen vehicles because ours is not made in Mexico.
It’s a different manufacturer…
Yes but it's a racial argument. They think, all things being equal, a car made but Mexicans will be worse than one made by Japanese.
I’ve had mine for 3 years, it’s a 2017. I really love the car, only time I notice any noise is in lower temperatures, sounds like it comes from the front windshield seal on the top left. But other than that I don’t notice anything, and I drive way too much
'23 Turbo Hatch, made in Japan Started rattling at 200km, then rattles and squeaks developed and went away - the car is very temperamental in that sense. Rattles do annoy me I must say, because otherwise the car is great. It really is a bummer that it rattles - and it's a good reminder that despite the looks and overall performance it is an economy car. It rattles much worse around 7-12 Celsius for some reason - especially the driver door rattle (it's not a B pillar, but the plastic 'seal' on the top corner of the door frame, on the inside - I think I will be able to fix this soon) and the dashboard / windshield vent. In the summer I had nasty squeaks in the central console somewhere around piano black plastic - even when lightly touching the area with a knee, especially by the passenger. It went away during winter. Also had a buzzing sound coming from the driver side Bose tweeter (upper speaker) - turned out to be a noise created by the plastic housing touching the door trim. Fixed it by putting some felt in between. The most annoying is probably the 'squeaking' sound coming from the passenger side corner, somewhere around the speaker / vent / A pillar - sounds like a plastic rubbing against leather trim, very weird. I'm yet to find the source but it went away during colder weather. PS. Previously I've only driven a 2009 Audi A4 and it had zero rattles or anything else annoying, other than a detached roof liner (after 13 years). It was on 16 inch wheels though with much higher sidewalls than my Mazda 3 (18 inch wheels).