Verdict
2021 Mazda Mazda3: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 49 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 75% of 2021 sedans. Engine leads the reports (33%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
49
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
No data
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 75% of 2021 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (33% of 49 reports), followed by electrical system (10%).
+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 49 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11656416, ODI 11644041, ODI 11631026, ODI 11615747, ODI 11595336.
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.
Tires · 21V101000Details +Close −
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Risk: 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.
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 Mazda3 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
No EPA fuel-economy record is available for this model year. Some trims and older vehicles were not tested or are not in the current EPA feed.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 Mazda Mazda3: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
Owners filed 49 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 — more complaints than 75% of comparable 2021 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (33% of complaints) and electrical system (10%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Mazda Mazda3, covering components such as tires. 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 Mazda3 get?
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 aren't available yet.