2021 Mazda Mazda3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 Mazda3 years
The 2021 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 47 and ranks 9th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other years. NHTSA lists 49 complaints, 1 recall, 2 crashes, 2 fires and no deaths for this year.
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2021 Mazda Mazda3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine20 (41%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (14%)
- Other7 (14%)
- Electrical System6 (12%)
- Airbags4 (8%)
- Brakes4 (8%)
- Lane Departure3 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (6%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle catching fire while parked and stationary, requiring fire department response.
- Some report a front tire going flat while driving at various speeds, causing the vehicle to veer toward the shoulder.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a rear-end collision, with the dashboard showing an "airbag malfunction" warning.
- Owners describe an airbag system malfunction warning that flashes on and off repeatedly during drives.
- The blind spot warning system reportedly detects vehicles inconsistently at the same driving speed.
- The smart brake system reportedly triggers unnecessary hard braking during normal driving, with no way to disable it.
2021 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V101000Feb 22, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires599 vehicles
Tires:valve
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Risk: 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 is 4721B.
2021 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mazda3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2021 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 47 and ranks 9th out of 16 model years, which earns it a "Good" verdict compared to other Mazda3 years.
- What problems does the 2021 Mazda3 have?
- The top problem area is the engine, accounting for 20 of 49 complaints (41%). Owners also reported issues with collision avoidance/cameras, electrical system, airbags, and brakes.
- Does the 2021 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2021 Mazda3, campaign 21V101000, covering tire air valves that could suddenly leak air. Mazda replaced all four tire valves free of charge, and this is not a do-not-drive recall.
- Are there fires or crashes reported for the 2021 Mazda3?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury reported for the 2021 Mazda3, with no deaths recorded.
- How does the 2021 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- The 2021 model's complaint index of 47 is lower than years like 2010 (100), 2011 (87), and 2012 (93), but higher than 2020 (0) and 2022 (7), placing it in the middle of the Mazda3 lineup.