Mazda · Mazda3 · 2021
2021 Mazda Mazda3
1
Recall
49
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 has 1 recall and 49 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (16 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 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 engine with 16 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 Mazda3 currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 49 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 engine (16), unknown or other (4), air bags (4).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Mazda Mazda3
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 49
- 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
10.1% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V101000February 22, 2021
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
49 totalSUSPENSION
Oct 25, 2025
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.
ENGINE
Apr 21, 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.
ENGINE
Feb 14, 2025
The thermostat malfunctioned on this vehicle, resulting in the thermostat remaining open and providing excess coolant to the engine, which in turn damaged internal components of the engine (compromises safety), decreased fuel economy, increased emissions (compromised safety), and...
Preview excerpt
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRASHFeb 5, 2025
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 coll...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Feb 2, 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 contro...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Jan 31, 2025
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 ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Dec 16, 2024
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...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Nov 26, 2024
Radiators are failing 3 years after the warranty period. Its leading to coolant lost and perhaps overheating the engine.
ENGINE
Sep 20, 2024
Low oil light - car is burning oil and only has 11,400 miles. Approx 3/4 to 1 quart missing...
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Sep 6, 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 emergenc...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 49 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 Mazda3 Years
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More 2021 Mazda Models
2021 Mazda CX-5Another 2021 Mazda option for same-year comparison.132c2021 Mazda CX-30Another 2021 Mazda option for same-year comparison.2r94c2021 Mazda CX-9Another 2021 Mazda option for same-year comparison.1r33c2021 Mazda Mazda6Another 2021 Mazda option for same-year comparison.17c2021 Mazda CX-3Another 2021 Mazda option for same-year comparison.1r3c2021 Mazda MX-5 MiataAnother 2021 Mazda option for same-year comparison.1r1c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has received 49 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 are engine (16 reports), unknown or other (4 reports), air bags (4 reports).
Does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3. 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.