VehicleVerdict

2021 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 sits mid-pack among Mazda3 years: 66 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 140, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

66

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted920 complaints2004: 185 complaints2005: 127 complaints2006: 224 complaints2007: 301 complaints2008: 387 complaints2009: 140 complaints2010: 920 complaints2011: 179 complaints2012: 328 complaints2013: 176 complaints2014: 180 complaints2015: 154 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 105 complaints2018: 139 complaints2019: 117 complaints2020: 50 complaints2021: 66 complaints2022: 31 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 20 complaints2025: 8 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1827%
Driver Assistance1320%
Other711%
Electrical System69%
Brakes46%
Airbags46%
Transmission35%
Body & Structure23%
Speed Control23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Fuel System23%
Suspension12%
Steering12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V101000Tires & WheelsFebruary 22, 2021 · 599 units

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 is 4721B.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 16, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 6, 2024

“For the past 7 months (since July 2023) the passenger rear tire keeps loosing air pressure about every two weeks requiring more air. It always drops to 10 points below the other tires. The tires have been rotated twice so it is not a problem with the tire. I believe there is a recall for the same…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 30, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE POLICE WAS AT THE LOCATION BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 13, 2021 · fire

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 3, 2024

2021 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 66 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Mazda3 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (18 complaints), driver assistance (13 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda3 years to avoid are 2010, 2008, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2011, 2013. The cleanest record among Mazda3 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.