Model-year record

2021 Mazda CX-3
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
3
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
28
EPA estimate
Known issues
Steering issues account for the largest share of owner complaints (100% of 3 reports).
Share of all 3 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11622299, ODI 11588265, ODI 11576356.
Individual complaint reports(3)
Showing the 3 most recent reportsSteeringOct 2024 · ODI 11622299Details +Close −
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 and is most present while driving at high speeds, above 45 miles an hour.
- Reported
- Oct 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringMay 2024 · ODI 11588265Details +Close −
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 steering wheel to stay in the lane the steering binds and then releases with further force ultimately resulting in overcorrections. The steering binds and then releases and is not fluid as any car should be. An apt analogy would be opening a new water bottle, when you twist the cap, you get resistance along the plastic perforations and with further force the cap releases and turns quickly. This is the best way I can describe the issue. This car is dangerous at highway speeds. An environment where a crash could be catastrophic. This issue needs to result in a recall immediately.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringMar 2024 · ODI 11576356Details +Close −
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. Obviously, the issue has not been addressed properly by Mazda.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Back Over Prevention · 23V487000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 29 | 34 | 31 |
| CX-3 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 32 | 29 |
| CX-30 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| CX-30 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 31 | 26 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 31 | 26 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 30 | 25 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare the year-by-year record
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2021 Mazda CX-3: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
Owners filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-3. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
The most-reported problem area is Steering (100% of complaints).
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Mazda CX-3, covering components such as back over prevention. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Mazda CX-3 between 25 and 31 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.