2021 Mazda CX-3: common problems and reliability

One of the better CX-3 years.

The best Mazda CX-3 year (few owner reports). All CX-3 years

4 owner complaints, most about steering. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2021 CX-3?

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 4 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are steering and electrical system.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

4
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Mazda CX-3 vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other CX-3 years only. How we score it

Is 2021 a good year for the CX-3?

Across the 6 CX-3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2020) to 48 (2016). With 4 complaints, the 2021 CX-3 sits below the model's median of 21.

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

steering
3
electrical system
1
service brakes
1
forward collision avoidance
1

Recalls affecting the 2021 CX-3

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 23V487000

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.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.

Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-3. See the full CX-3 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used CX-3 listings typically run $13,774–$17,099 across 2016 to 2021 model years.

Other CX-3 model years

Compare every CX-3 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the CX-3 against its rivals

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