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2021 Mazda Mazda3 inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this Mazda3

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Engine owner reports: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Power Train owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Tires:Valve recall: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: SSPC5 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - 2019-2021 MAZDA3 AND 2020-2021 CX-30 - CONTROL UNITS REPROGRAMMING Concern 1: Mazda3 and CX-30 – Battery concern On the subject vehicles, the CCU (climate control unit) and BCM (body control module) may not go into sleep mode even after the ignit

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat installed inside of the suspected coolant control valve on certain 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 20

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: SSPD8 - Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00 - WARRANTY EXTENSION For certain 2018-2025MY CX-5, 2019-2023MY Mazda3, 2019-2022MY CX-3, 2018-2021MY Mazda6, 2020-2023MY CX-30 that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve, the warranty coverage for specific repair of

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 Mazda6, 2020-2023 CX-30 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues,

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Engine owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.

Warning signs: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.

Warning signs: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Tires:Valve recall

Official record for model year 2021.

Warning signs: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2021.

Warning signs: SSPC5 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - 2019-2021 MAZDA3 AND 2020-2021 CX-30 - CONTROL UNITS REPROGRAMMING Concern 1: Mazda3 and CX-30 – Battery concern On the subject vehicles, the CCU (climate control unit) and BCM (body control module) may not go into sleep mode even after the ignit

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.

Warning signs: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.

Warning signs: Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat installed inside of the suspected coolant control valve on certain 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 20

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.

Warning signs: SSPD8 - Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00 - WARRANTY EXTENSION For certain 2018-2025MY CX-5, 2019-2023MY Mazda3, 2019-2022MY CX-3, 2018-2021MY Mazda6, 2020-2023MY CX-30 that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve, the warranty coverage for specific repair of

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.

Warning signs: Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 Mazda6, 2020-2023 CX-30 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues,

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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 control. The dealer did confirm the problem and it was fixed under an extended warranty. There was no warning just all of a sudden a loud bang and all the wheels locked up. I have a copy of the video inspection done at the dealer if there's anyway to send that. I can get a copy of the repair invoice if needed”
NHTSAcomplaintJan 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve. A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“SSPC5 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - 2019-2021 MAZDA3 AND 2020-2021 CX-30 - CONTROL UNITS REPROGRAMMING Concern 1: Mazda3 and CX-30 – Battery concern On the subject vehicles, the CCU (climate control unit) and BCM (body control module) may not go into sleep mode even after the ignition is switched OFF or may take time to go into sleep mode. An electric current may continue to flow, allowing the battery to discharge and run out if the vehicle is left unused for a certain time. Causal factor: Inappropriate control program of CCU and BCM. Update to BCM will also update the IC, DOOR_ESU_D, DOOR_ESU_P, ESU modules. Concern 2: Mazda3 and CX-30 - MRCC concern: On the subject vehicles, the responsiveness when driving following a preceding car using the MRCC (Mazda Radar Cruise Control) system is designed to high response. Some drivers may feel the acceleration and deceleration jerk when using MRCC somewhat uncomfortable. The product update has been incorporated into mass-production Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles, and acceleration and deceleration has been made more natural by changing controls to be closer to human expectation. The similar update will be made on the subject vehicles produced prior to the product update under this SSP. * MRCC: Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) uses a millimeter wave radar to judge the relative speed and distance to the car ahead and automatically controls vehicle speed. Working within a set speed range, MRCC automatically adjusts and maintains a safe following distance from the car in front. Concern 3: CX-30 - Theft-Deterrent System concern On the subject vehicles, the theft-deterrent system may not recognize correctly the open/close state of power liftgate, which may allow the theft-deterrent system to activate wrongly when the liftgate is opened by pressing the power liftgate switch. Causal factor: Inappropriate control program of BCM and LFU. Update to BCM will also update the IC, DOOR_ESU_D, DOOR_ESU_P, ESU modules. ”
NHTSAtsbJun 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open. Additionally, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: -Engine takes longer to warm up. -Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. -Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. -Poor heater performance, especially at idle. This warranty extension program applies only to the replacement of fail-safe thermostat of the vehicle exhibiting the concerns mentioned above. If the check engine light illumination is determined to be unrelated to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open, the inspection and repair are not covered under this program.”
NHTSAtsbNov 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat installed inside of the suspected coolant control valve on certain 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 Mazda6 and 2020-2023 CX-30 vehicles. The warranty coverage for an applicable repair has been extended to 15 years (180 months) /150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first, from the original warranty start date. If you are a recipient of this notice, your vehicle is included in this warranty extension program. What is the problem? On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open. Additionally, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: -Engine takes longer to warm up. -Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. -Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. -Poor heater performance, especially at idle. This warranty extension program applies only to the replacement of fail-safe thermostat of the vehicle exhibiting the concerns mentioned above. If the check engine light illumination is determined to be unrelated to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open, the inspection and repair are not covered under this program.”
NHTSAtsbDec 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“SSPD8 - Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00 - WARRANTY EXTENSION For certain 2018-2025MY CX-5, 2019-2023MY Mazda3, 2019-2022MY CX-3, 2018-2021MY Mazda6, 2020-2023MY CX-30 that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve, the warranty coverage for specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat is extended to: 15 years (180 months) or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first, from the original warranty start date. CONDITION OF CONCERN: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) stored in memory and one or more of the following symptoms may occur: - Engine takes longer to warm up. - Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. - Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. - Poor heater performance, especially at idle. Mazda Motor Corporation has made a significant repair change to TSB 01-003/25 which also impacts Warranty Extension Special Service Program (SSPD8). Repair Procedure Update: Effective December 8th all repairs applicable to TSB 01-003/25 or SSPD8 must follow the new repair procedure. The repair now replaces the thermostat with a dummy plug for the coolant control valve (CCV) along with a required software update for the PCM. Prior Repairs: Any repairs previously completed with the replacement of the thermostat or coolant control valve assembly does not require a re-repair unless there is a verified failure following the diagnosis in the TSB. It is expected that there will be no further repairs made for this concern once the plug and software update has been completed. Therefore, a return visit for symptoms related to the TSB or SSP must contact the Technical Hotline for assistance. VITALLY IMPORTANT!: There must be a “Software Update” record for the PCM when using MDARS or IDS. • MDARS - If there is no Software Update entry in MDARS or the Collect Diagnostic Information (ODR Update) is not completed (or both), the vehicle will not be considered repaired and the warranty claim will be rejected. • IDS – Vehicles programed with IDS must Collect Diagnostic Data, and that data must be attached to the warranty claim. If the data is not attached to the claim, the vehicle will not be considered repaired and the warranty claim will be rejected, denied or debited. Failure to complete the above will require the vehicle to return to the dealership and be re-repaired at the dealer’s expense with great inconvenience to the Mazda customer. Failure to perform the software update could also potentially damage the engine which would not be covered by warranty and would expose your dealership to the cost of repairs. ”
NHTSAtsbDec 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 Mazda6, 2020-2023 CX-30 Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, Mazda Motor Corporation has made a change regarding related parts to TSB 01-001/26 which also impacts Warranty Extension Special Service Program (SSPD8). Parts Ordering and Warranty Claims: Effective March 5, 2026 only the related parts kit PYY2-15-SAY can be ordered and claimed for any repair. The two separate parts PYFB-15-169 and PE13-15-296 can no longer be claimed with repaired dates of March 5, 2026 and later. There is no change to the main part, the Plug PYY3-15-SA1. We have updated the TSB 01-001/26 and SSPD8 Repair Procedure and Parts & Warranty Information on Mazda Global Service Support (MGSS) to reflect this change. ”
NHTSAtsbMar 2026Open source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

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