Mazda Mazda3 — the 15 years we've written up

Low battery can switch the airbags off — the airbag sensor unit sets an error code (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed

Automatic transmission slips, lurches on the 1–2 shift, or fails outright — replaced under warranty in one case — $0 under the factory powertrain warranty; $3,500–$5,500 for a transmission and torque converter outside it

'Air Bag System Malfunction' warning from the wiring under the front seats — half of this year's complaints — $150–$800

Skyactiv-X engine (SPCCI) availability and servicing — Skyactiv-X repairs cost 30–50% more than equivalent Skyactiv-G work

Smart Brake Support brakes hard for nothing — 47% of this year's record (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed

Smart Brake Support slams on the brakes for an obstacle that is not there (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed

Infotainment screen 'spider cracks', ghost touches, and false collision warnings — $400–$900 for the screen

Ghost-touch infotainment screen — and this year sits outside Mazda's repair programme — $250–$900

Road noise — Not yet priced

Fuel tank can leak — two recalls, and owners still finding rusted or holed tanks — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $900–$1,800 for a replacement tank outside the recall

Fuel tank can leak when full — a smell of gasoline in the cabin (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed

Rear wheel arch and subframe rust (salt states) — $800-$3,000

Manual-transmission clutch worn through early; automatics dropping to a low gear with the AT light on — $900–$1,800 for a clutch on a manual; $300–$800 for a solenoid or shifter assembly; $2,800–$4,500 for a rebuilt automatic

Passenger seat weight sensor fails — airbag light on, passenger airbag switched off — $400–$1,200 for the seat weight sensor and wiring

Engine harness chafes on the starter, blows the main fuse and stalls the car (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed