2021 Mazda Cx-3 Safety Report
2021 MAZDA CX-3 Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Mazda Cx-3
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Mazda Cx-3. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (3) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
2021 Mazda Cx-3 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Mazda Cx-3, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Mazda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mazda Cx-3
Reliability Score
The 2021 Mazda Cx-3 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Mazda Cx-3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Mazda Cx-3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mazda Cx-3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Issues Steering problems, as detailed in Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 06-001/20, can affect handling and safety. Regular inspections are recommended. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System The back over prevention system, which includes a camera, is designed to enhance safety but requires regular maintenance. |
Low | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Mazda Cx-3:
Steering issues are a common concern, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Back over prevention systems are a common concern, affecting 15% of vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mazda Cx-3
Has the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 have?
The 2021 MAZDA CX-3 has 3 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
The 2021 MAZDA CX-3 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 involve steering (3 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3.
Should I buy a 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 is generally recommended. It has 3 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 are: 1. STEERING (3 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
Ensure your 2021 MAZDA CX-3 undergoes regular inspections, especially for steering issues and back over prevention systems. The 2021 MAZDA CX-3 has 3 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
The 2021 MAZDA CX-3 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 3 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Issues and Back Over Prevention System.
What are the known issues with the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
Known issues with the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 include: Steering Issues, Back Over Prevention System. These are based on patterns found across 3 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common safety issues with the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?
Steering problems and back over prevention system malfunctions are common.
How can I check if my back over prevention system is working?
Consult your owner's manual or have a professional perform a test.
What should I do if I notice steering issues?
Schedule an appointment with your dealer for inspection and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Ensure your 2021 MAZDA CX-3 undergoes regular inspections, especially for steering issues and back over prevention systems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Mazda Cx-3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Mazda Cx-3. The data includes 3 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Mazda Cx-3 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16