Front impact
Although the Mazda 3 scored enough points overall to qualify for five-stars, its performance in frontal impact did not meet Euro NCAP's criterion for that rating. Structures in the dashboard presented a potential risk of injury to the femurs of the driver and passenger. The score for the passenger's left knee, femur and pelvis was the worst for that body region and was used in the calculation of the overall score.

Child occupant
A passenger airbag deactivation switch can be bought as an option from Mazda dealers. Euro NCAP has not assessed the switch or the information presented to the driver regarding the status of the passenger airbag. Without the switch, a rearward-facing child restraint should not be used in the front passenger's seat. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats was not prominently marked.

Pedestrian
The bumper scored no points for the protection it offered to the lower legs of pedestrians.