Most Common 2020 Mazda CX-3 Problems at 60,000 Miles
At 60,000 miles, 2020 Mazda CX-3 owners face worn brake pads and rotors, tired suspension bushings or links, and overdue transmission fluid service most often. Minor valve cover oil seepage, weak batteries, fading AC, and front wheel bearing noise also pop up.
Brake pads wear out between 40,000 and 60,000 miles. Thin or warped rotors cause brake vibration. Suspension parts like control arm bushings, sway bar links, and strut mounts crack or loosen. This leads to clunks over bumps and uneven tire wear. The 6-speed automatic transmission runs smoother after a fluid change at 60,000 miles. It prevents harsh shifts. Light oil leaks at the valve cover gasket smell like oil and wet the cover edge. Spark plugs need replacement soon after 60,000 miles for smooth idle and better MPG. Batteries last 3 to 5 years before they weaken. AC blows warm if refrigerant leaks or the compressor wears. Front wheel bearings hum louder as speed increases.
Costs and Warning Signs
| Issue | Warning Signs | Typical Cost | Check Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Squeal, pulsation, long stops | Pads/rotors per axle: $350 to $650. Fluid: $90 to $150 | Every 10,000 miles after 50,000 |
| Suspension bushings/links | Clunks, wandering, uneven tires | $300 to $900 parts/labor. Alignment: $120 to $160 | Yearly visual check |
| Transmission fluid | Harsh shifts, shudder | Drain/fill: $120 to $250. Full exchange: $220 to $350 | At 60,000 miles |
| Valve cover gasket | Oil smell, wet cover | $200 to $450 | Each oil change |
| Spark plugs | Rough idle, misfires, low MPG | $120 to $250 | 60,000 to 75,000 miles |
| AC performance | Warm air, short cycles | Recharge: $150 to $250. Compressor: $700 to $1,100 | Before summer |
| Wheel bearings | Hum or grind with speed | $250 to $400 per side. Both: $500 to $700 | As needed |
| Battery/charging | Slow crank, dim lights | Battery: $150 to $250. Alternator: $350 to $600 | Yearly after year 3 |
Steps to Avoid Big Repairs
- Check brakes and suspension at every tire rotation. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
- Change transmission fluid at 60,000 miles. Do it sooner in traffic or hot areas.
- Look for oil leaks at the valve cover during oil changes. Fix small ones fast.
- Test battery and charging yearly after year 3. Swap a weak one before winter.
- Listen for noises. Speed-based hum means wheel bearings.
- Run AC monthly. Fix leaks early to save the compressor.
Sidekick tracks mileage and reminds you of 60,000-mile services to keep costs low.