Mazda · CX-3 · 2021
2021 Mazda CX-3
1
Recall
3
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 1 recall and 3 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: steering (3 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is steering with 3 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Mazda CX-3 currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 3 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are steering (3).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Mazda CX-3
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 3
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
13.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V487000July 14, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Owner Complaints
3 totalSTEERING
Dec 1, 2023
The Mazda CX-30 2021 I purchased from Mastria Mazda in Raynham, Massachusetts has a steering problem that is a significant safety concern. The steering wheel has resistance that can most notably be felt at highway speeds (around 65 mph). When making small corrections to the steer...
Preview excerpt
STEERING
Sep 1, 2023
All of the issues listed in Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 06-001/20, however this bulletin does not cover my model. Inspected by dealer, possible solution intended to be relubrication of the worm gear/worm shaft in the steering assembly. Issue presented itself in the last year...
Preview excerpt
STEERING
Jul 12, 2023
Having the exact same issue as was outlined and allegedly repaired in the prior service bulletin 06-001/20. Obviously this bulletin only applies to vehicles up to model year 2020. I have checked the model number on the steering motor to determine that it is the "updated" design. ...
Preview excerpt
Showing 3 recent complaints from 3 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Mazda models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Mazda CX-3 Years
2020 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r1c2019 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r26c2018 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r9c2017 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r21c2026 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.0c2016 Mazda CX-3Compare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.3r47c
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA has received 3 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-3.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 are steering (3 reports).
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2021 Mazda CX-3. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.