2021 Mazda 3: common problems and reliability
An average 3 year.
52 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2021 3?The 2021 Mazda 3 has 52 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and forward collision avoidance.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Mazda 3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 3 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the 3?
Across the 21 3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2023) to 686 (2010). With 52 complaints, the 2021 3 sits below the model's median of 117.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 3
tires:valve
Campaign 21V101000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment, heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 3. See the full 3 owner picture and every model year.
Other 3 model years
Compare every 3 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 3 against its rivals
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