2021 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Report
2021 MAZDA3 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Mazda Mazda3. 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 | Moderate (49) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 with 10 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 before buying across this generation. |
Mazda Mazda3 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Mazda Mazda3 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Mazda Mazda3 | 23 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 31 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Mazda Mazda3 | 12 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Mazda Mazda3 | 72 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Mazda Mazda3 | 10 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Mazda Mazda3 | 106 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Mazda Mazda3 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Mazda Mazda3, 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.
Engine
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Mazda onlyUnknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Mazda onlyAir Bags
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Mazda onlyPower Train
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Mazda onlyForward Collision Avoidance
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Mazda onlyService Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Mazda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3
Reliability Score
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3
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 Mazda3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags Multiple reports of airbag issues, including malfunction and deployment at inappropriate times. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Power train issues, such as drivetrain locking up, have been reported. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Differential Cracking Several instances of rear differential cracking, leading to drivetrain lockup. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Malfunction Steering wheel jerking to the right during acceleration has been reported. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k 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 Mazda3:
Airbags are a common issue, with 4 reports.
Power train issues, such as drivetrain locking up, have been reported.
Rear differential cracking has been reported.
Steering wheel jerking to the right during acceleration has been reported.
Recall Details for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 ...
At 31,000 miles the control arm lower ball joints are torn on both lower. They must be replaced. This is a safety hazard. This should not be an issue with low mileage on this car.
I was driving when all the sudden there was a loud bang sound. The differential housing cracked. The when awd is demanded the rear diff was was locking up instead of engaging. Luckily we were just on city streets and not on the highway as this rear wheel locking up could cause a crash. Mazda wasn't very helpful with the replacement. Luckily I had a aftermarket warranty but it only paid for a used ...
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.
During the incident, the vehicle exhibited an uncontrollable malfunction—the steering wheel suddenly jerked sharply to the right while accelerating violently, leaving me unable to steer or brake effectively, the car was looking forward. The car ultimately came to a stop upon colliding with a truck parked diagonally in front of me. After impact, I observed that the front tires remained stuck in a t...
The driver window, upon attempted to be let up, will start to go up then go all the way down, ignoring the function to go up. This is a safety concern, as harsh temperatures and foreign objects are able to enter the vehicle cabin at any time, including driving. The problem has been reproduced by a dealer, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There are no warning indicators for...
When this feature is left on in my vehicle, it will detect curves, vehicles, and objects that are not there, and as a result, will attempt to turn my steering wheel (safety concern). I have had to keep this feature turned off to prevent it wrecking the car, because I could be on a straight road, and it will detect a curve that isn’t there and begin turning the wheel, which could result in a fatal ...
The thermostat malfunctioned on this vehicle, resulting in the thermostat remaining open and providing excess coolant to the engine, which in turn damaged internal components of the engine (compromises safety), decreased fuel economy, increased emissions (compromised safety), and decreased the life of the engine within the vehicle. It is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has been ...
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of an unknown Class Action Lawsuit Number however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Radiators are failing 3 years after the warranty period. Its leading to coolant lost and perhaps overheating the engine.
My 2021 Mazda 3 was bought used in August 2023 and is about a year old in my possession. it has been at the Mazda dealership for repairs multiple times since August 2023. it dangerously stalls and hesitates when trying to accelerate from a stop position. When the brake pedal is released and I start to accelerate like merging onto highways,the car rumbles or shakes slightly and then shuts off. I...
Low oil light - car is burning oil and only has 11,400 miles. Approx 3/4 to 1 quart missing...
At red light, close behind car in front of the mazda. After light turns green, start driving the mazda after car in front moves forward. Although the car in front is moving forward at a higher rate of speed, increasing the distance between it and the mazda, the automatic emergency brake kicks on and stops the vehicle abruptly. Luckily the cars behind the mazda reacted in time and did not rear end ...
While driving at a normal speed on a clear, sunny day with no other vehicles close by, I heard a loud crash sound and my car's sunroof unexpectedly shattered. The inside glass panel looks like it's shattered and it caused tiny glass shards to fall inside the vehicle onto my right arm and the surrounding area. I closed the cover to prevent more from falling. This occurred without any prior warning,...
Driving on a remote highway in northern WI and low oil light illuminated, 1000 miles before oil change was due with less than 10k miles on the vehicle. Made it to a gas station and oil was a quart low. Vehicle burns over a quart every oil change interval, since this has been occurring since day 1 it is likely going to cause premature engine failure which would be a safety issue.
Brakes are underpowered especially when hot. Drove 20-30 minutes in traffic and when decelerating from 60 mph highway in turn lane to turn into neighborhood the brakes felt very soft . Car only has 28k miles on it and pads have plenty of life left. Have seen similar complaints on online forums.
For the past 7 months (since July 2023) the passenger rear tire keeps loosing air pressure about every two weeks requiring more air. It always drops to 10 points below the other tires. The tires have been rotated twice so it is not a problem with the tire. I believe there is a recall for the same or similar issue on Mazda 3s just not including my VIN#. I brought my car to good year a few times una...
A bolt head underneath the car snapped for the steering mechanism. The problem was indicated by a clanking noise I heard for many 1000s of miles. It's been as long as I remember, but I had no idea what it really meant. It's 2.7 years old with 30,653 miles right now. There were no warnings. The wheel could have come off at any moment I was driving it. The bolt was likely over-torqued or had a ma...
Part easily break away during washing. Fuel door cover lid panel (BDYT-42-411) broke in automatic car wash.
Received Low Oil Level warning ... checked engine oil and it is under the minimum level on the dip stick. Car has only 11,725 miles
Showing 20 of 49 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mazda Mazda3
Has the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 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 MAZDA3 have?
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 49 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 involve engine (16 complaints), unknown or other (4 complaints), air bags (4 complaints). Other affected components include power train, forward collision avoidance, service brakes,forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 out of 49 total complaints (4.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 out of 49 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 is generally recommended. It has 49 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 MAZDA3?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 are: 1. ENGINE (16 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (4 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), 5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 16 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
Be cautious of airbag and power train issues, as well as rear differential cracking and steering malfunctions. The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 has 49 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 49 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbags and Power Train.
What are the known issues with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3?
Known issues with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA3 include: Airbags, Power Train, Rear Differential Cracking, Steering Malfunction. These are based on patterns found across 49 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any known issues with the airbags in the 2021 Mazda3?
Yes, multiple reports of airbag malfunctions have been documented.
What should I do if I experience drivetrain locking up?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic immediately.
Is there a known issue with the rear differential cracking?
Yes, several instances of rear differential cracking have been reported.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag and power train issues, as well as rear differential cracking and steering malfunctions.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Mazda Mazda3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3. The data includes 49 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 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 5 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