2021 Mazda MAZDA3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (42% of complaints); the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2025
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2025
“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of an unknown Class Action Lawsuit Number however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“Radiators are failing 3 years after the warranty period. Its leading to coolant lost and perhaps overheating the engine.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2024
“At red light, close behind car in front of the mazda. After light turns green, start driving the mazda after car in front moves forward. Although the car in front is moving forward at a higher rate of speed, increasing the distance between it and the mazda, the automatic emergency brake kicks on and stops the vehicle abruptly. Luckily the cars behind the mazda reacted in time and did not rear end it.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Sep 2024
“Brakes are underpowered especially when hot. Drove 20-30 minutes in traffic and when decelerating from 60 mph highway in turn lane to turn into neighborhood the brakes felt very soft . Car only has 28k miles on it and pads have plenty of life left. Have seen similar complaints on online forums.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2024
“The driver window, upon attempted to be let up, will start to go up then go all the way down, ignoring the function to go up. This is a safety concern, as harsh temperatures and foreign objects are able to enter the vehicle cabin at any time, including driving. The problem has been reproduced by a dealer, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There are no warning indicators for this issue beyond witness the failure occur in real time.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2024
“A bolt head underneath the car snapped for the steering mechanism. The problem was indicated by a clanking noise I heard for many 1000s of miles. It's been as long as I remember, but I had no idea what it really meant. It's 2.7 years old with 30,653 miles right now. There were no warnings. The wheel could have come off at any moment I was driving it. The bolt was likely over-torqued or had a manufacturing defect causing it to snap. I have pictures for when the car was propped up at a technician. One side is completely non rusted. The other side is showing rust ONLY from where the bolt was covering, so rust is an unlikely cause.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact MAZDA3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3. The most complained-about area is engine (42% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 1,700 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning tires:valve. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.