2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
66
Owner Complaints
1
Recall
113
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 has received a total of 66 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with TIRES:VALVE. 113 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mazda Motor Corp. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (18 complaints), Unknown Or Other (7 complaints), and Electrical System (6 complaints).
Recalls for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3
NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3, potentially affecting up to 599 vehicles.
Recall 21V101000 — TIRES:VALVE
| 599 vehicles affected
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Consequence: A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3
66 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Assist | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Warning | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
My rear differential case cracked, anytime the four wheel drive system was engaged the entire drivetrain would lock up. Luckily we were only on side roads so going less than 30 mph if we had been on the highway when this happened we could have been in an accident or lost control. The dealer did confirm the problem and it was fixed under an extended warranty. There was no warning just all of a sudden a loud bang and all the wheels locked up. I have a copy of the video inspection done at the dealer if there's anyway to send that. I can get a copy of the repair invoice if needed
At 31,000 miles the control arm lower ball joints are torn on both lower. They must be replaced. This is a safety hazard. This should not be an issue with low mileage on this car.
I was driving when all the sudden there was a loud bang sound. The differential housing cracked. The when awd is demanded the rear diff was was locking up instead of engaging. Luckily we were just on city streets and not on the highway as this rear wheel locking up could cause a crash. Mazda wasn't very helpful with the replacement. Luckily I had a aftermarket warranty but it only paid for a used replacement, which is also failing. I have read lots of stories of this rear differential failure across all types of Mazda's from this era and really wish they would do the correct thing and resolve the problem.
Spontaneous loss of power while driving on highway. Check engine light came on. Speed limited by car. Continues to vibrate especially at idle from cold start. Code P0304 intermittently popping up.
During the incident, the vehicle exhibited an uncontrollable malfunction—the steering wheel suddenly jerked sharply to the right while accelerating violently, leaving me unable to steer or brake effectively, the car was looking forward. The car ultimately came to a stop upon colliding with a truck parked diagonally in front of me. After impact, I observed that the front tires remained stuck in a turned-right position, with the steering wheel also locked in that position. This was not an isolated event. Multiple reports from Mazda owners describe similar experiences with their vehicles unexpectedly veering to the right and accelerating without driver input. Given these recurring reports and my own experience, I strongly suspect that a manufacturing defect—whether mechanical, electronic, or software-related—may have contributed to this accident.
Safety Rating for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3
Mazda Motor Corp. has issued 113 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SSPD5a — ENGINE
SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - SSPD5 - WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - VALVE STEM SEALS CLASS ACTION In conjunction with a Class Action Settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an extension of the Engine powertrain warranty related to excessive oil consumption. In addition, there is a Reimbursement Program, for...
SSPD5b — ENGINE
SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - SSPD5 - WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - VALVE STEM SEALS CLASS ACTION In conjunction with a Class Action Settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an extension of the Engine powertrain warranty related to excessive oil consumption. In addition, there is a Reimbursement Program, for...
09-028-25 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Some vehicles may exhibit that the glass run channel of the front door interferes with the rear door garnish. Since the front door glass run channel is not fixed to the door strongly enough for the following situations, cycles of door operation may result in interference and lead to damage...
09-017-25 — STRUCTURE:BODY
Some customers may complain that it is difficult to open/close the fuel-filler lid when pressed. This is caused by production variances, where if there is an excess gap (3) between the fuel-filler lid panel (1) and the fuel-filler box hinge (2), the operation stroke may be larger than designed and...
01-002-25 — ENGINE
Some vehicles may exhibit oil seepage or oil leak onto the engine front cover, which becomes more apparent with dust adhesion.
01-005-24c — ENGINE
Some customers may experience a check engine light ON with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) and one or more of the following symptoms: Engine takes longer to warm up. Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. Poor heater performance,...
SA-007-24b — SERVICE BRAKES
This information will give you the necessary knowledge to respond to customers concerns of Smart Brake Support (SBS) unintended braking. By educating the customer on the system operation, it should reduce their anxiety or distrust of the vehicle.
09-042-24 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Some customers may complain that the rear console lid does not slide smoothly. This may be caused by improperly positioned felt pads attached to the rear console lid lock, which may have moved out of position after repetitive use. The exposed adhesive residue may stick to the rail and disrupt...
02-003-24 — SUSPENSION
Some customers may experience a rattle noise coming from the front suspension while driving the vehicle, with no other driveability concerns. The rattle noise may be caused by a decrease in tightening torque of the two (2) front lower control arm bolts (B) shown in the image below.
09-036-24 — SEATS
At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface. NOTE: This repair is not a permanent fix, it is meant to make new seats look their best when the vehicle is first presented to the customer....
Showing 10 of 113 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the MAZDA MAZDA3
- 2016 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 136 complaints
- 2017 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 104 complaints
- 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 137 complaints
- 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 116 complaints
- 2020 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 49 complaints
- 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 (current)
- 2022 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 31 complaints
- 2023 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 19 complaints
- 2024 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 20 complaints
- 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 5 complaints
- 2026 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 0 complaints
Other MAZDA Models
- MAZDA 626 — 3,877 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-5 — 3,005 total complaints
- MAZDA MAZDA6 — 2,906 total complaints
- MAZDA TRIBUTE — 2,830 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-9 — 1,786 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-7 — 1,539 total complaints
- MAZDA PROTEGE — 1,377 total complaints
- MAZDA MPV — 1,156 total complaints