Last updated: 2026-03-04
2021 Mazda 3 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Mazda 3 scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 95 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2021 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (BP).
Recalls
3
Complaints
95
Complaint Rate
22.7
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$433
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
10%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (BP).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation 3 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Fourth generation (BP)
Should You Buy the 2021 Mazda 3?
The 2021 Mazda 3 scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (BP).
Its complaint rate (22.7 per 10k sold) is above the Sedan segment average of 12.3. The most common reports involve engine (36).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (36). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Mazda 3, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2019 Mazda 3 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $93 cheaper to maintain than avg compact cars
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (10%)
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- ENGINE: Owners of the 2021 Mazda 3 frequently report issues related to excessive engine... (36 complaints)
Compare 2021 Mazda 3 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ENGINE (36)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)
- SERVICE BRAKES (7)
- POWER TRAIN (7)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
- STEERING (4)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- SEATS (2)
- WHEELS (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2021 Mazda 3 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
22.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
9
Fires
0
Injuries
13
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Mazda 3 Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Mazda 3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
Consequence
If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power liftgate control module software and inspect the serial number of the power liftgate drive unit, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4621B.
TIRES
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Consequence
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
Consequence
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.
2021 Mazda 3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Mazda 3 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$433
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2021 Mazda 3
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil level and looking for low oil warnings
- Test battery and electrical system for drainage issues, especially if doors are unlocked
- Inspect transmission for signs of malfunction or error codes
- Verify rear brake wear and ensure brakes are not excessively worn
- Test vehicle speed control for unintended acceleration or delayed throttle response
- Check for any warning lights related to steering or power steering issues
- Ensure forward collision avoidance system does not engage unexpectedly
Check Any 2021 Mazda 3's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 3 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Mazda 3 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2021 Mazda 3 Common Problems by Component
95 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
36 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda 3 frequently report issues related to excessive engine oil consumption. Common symptoms include the low engine oil warning light activating, often with no visible leaks, and the need to add oil more frequently than usual. These issues typically arise between 3,000 to 8,000 miles after an oil change. Some owners mention that dealerships acknowledge the problem but provide limited solutions, primarily topping off the oil. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with this issue, but concerns about potential engine damage and safety are noted. This information may be relevant for used car buyers considering this model.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Mazda 3, notably involving battery drainage and starting problems. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle may not start without a jump, and battery replacement does not resolve the issue. Multiple owners describe incidents where the battery drains overnight, especially if the doors are not locked, and some mention that the problem recurs despite dealer visits. Several reports indicate these issues occur at relatively low mileages, often around 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Safety implications arise as some owners experience stalling while driving, which could pose a risk if the vehicle loses power unexpectedly.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda 3 frequently report issues with windshield distortion, describing symptoms such as wavy or warped glass that leads to eye strain, headaches, and difficulty focusing, particularly on the driver's side. Complaints indicate that these issues are noticeable soon after purchase, often within the first few thousand miles, and persist even after windshield replacement. Some owners mention that Mazda considers this distortion "normal," especially near the pillars, which has led to frustration with resolution efforts. Additionally, there are reports of spontaneous cracks and sunroof glass incidents, with one owner describing a sudden explosion-like sound resulting in a sunroof bowing outward. These visibility issues can impair driving safety by affecting distance perception and causing fatigue.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda 3 frequently report issues related to unintended acceleration and brake failure. Several complaints describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by abnormal engine sounds, and in some cases leading to crashes. Another common issue involves the rear brakes wearing out prematurely, with replacements needed within approximately 1.5 years of purchase. These problems often occur at mileages around 22,000 to 31,000. Safety implications are significant, with three reported crashes and one injury, highlighting the potential risk of loss of control. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering this model.
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
7 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda 3 frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving transmission failures and oil consumption. Common symptoms include engine malfunction lights, rough running, and unpredictable acceleration or deceleration. Some owners mention problems emerging as early as three months after purchase or within approximately 16,500 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted in situations where the vehicle loses acceleration control, posing risks during highway driving. Additionally, electrical issues like battery drainage and random electrical system malfunctions are noted, though less frequently. These patterns suggest potential reliability challenges for prospective buyers to consider.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with oil consumption in the 2021 Mazda 3, particularly in vehicles equipped with a turbo engine. Complaints often describe the low oil light activating after relatively few miles following an oil change, with some instances occurring as early as 1,800 miles. Another common issue involves safety and driver support systems being partially disabled, with warnings about camera malfunction and high beam control appearing on the dashboard. Additionally, some owners mention a persistent low battery voltage warning, triggered by minor actions like leaving a door open. These problems typically arise within the first 10,000 miles of ownership. While no crashes or fires are reported, these issues could potentially lead to engine damage or decreased functionality of safety features, which may be critical for used car buyers to consider.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda 3 report issues with vehicle speed control, including unintended acceleration and problems with adaptive cruise control. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating independently, sometimes resulting in crashes, with one incident leading to injuries. These issues occur at various mileage points, with one case at approximately 1,000 miles and another at 47,000 miles. Symptoms include vehicles lunging forward, delayed throttle response, and unexpected increases in RPM when adaptive cruise control is engaged. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners report steering issues with the 2021 Mazda 3, frequently mentioning malfunctions that trigger multiple warning messages, including power steering alerts. Several complaints describe a binding sensation in the steering wheel, particularly noticeable at highway speeds, which can lead to overcorrections. Some owners reference a technical service bulletin (06-001/20) for previous models, suggesting similar problems persist in the 2021 model despite supposed updates. The issues often occur at higher speeds, posing potential safety risks due to unexpected steering behavior. These patterns suggest buyers should be aware of possible steering irregularities when considering this vehicle.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda 3 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, with complaints frequently mentioning unexpected emergency braking. Two reports describe the system engaging without any obstruction in front of the vehicle, leading to sudden stops. One incident resulted in a crash with injuries, occurring at approximately 14,000 miles, when the driver was unable to deactivate cruise control in time. Safety implications include the risk of rear-end collisions due to sudden braking. Buyers should be aware that these issues can occur even at relatively low mileages and may involve the forward collision system engaging inappropriately.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda 3 report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Specifically, complaints frequently mention that airbags on the passenger side fail to deploy in collisions, even when the impact occurs on that side. One report describes a scenario where side airbags on the driver's side deployed, but not on the passenger side, leading to injuries. Another complaint notes that frontal airbags did not deploy in a crash, resulting in severe injuries. These incidents occur at varying mileage, with one noted at 13,450 miles. The failure of airbags to deploy in these scenarios poses significant safety risks, particularly in accidents with high impact.
When Do 2021 Mazda 3 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mazda 3 Years
Best Mazda 3 Years to Buy
The best Mazda 3 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2018 (79/100) and 2024 (78/100).
Mazda 3 Years to Avoid
The worst Mazda 3 year is 2021 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to engine (36) issues.
2021(this page)
3 recalls · 95 complaints
Mazda 3 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda 3 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 77/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 79/100 | Good |
Mazda 3 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Mazda 3 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda 3?
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda 3 have?
Is the 2021 Mazda 3 expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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