NHTSA has received 49 owner complaints about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3, or 8.6 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.20, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #17 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 29% lower; against other Compact cars it is 63% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2021-02-14 and 2026-01-25. Median delay from incident to filing: 5 days.
49Complaints
8.6Complaints per year on the road
0.2Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
1Recalls
8.2%Share involving a crash or fire
2Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2020) drew 4.8 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 5.1 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 25 complaints, 59% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (36.7% of complaints), followed by Electrical (12.2%) and Airbags & seat belts (10.2%). Engine complaints are 1.6 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “oil”, “low engine”, “excess”, “burning” and “consumption”. 4 reports (8.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 20 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the second year (37% of incidents). 2 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for this model year. 6% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.2
vs. other Mazda models0.71
vs. other 2021 models0.23
vs. other Compact cars0.37
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (25)0.41
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.
Electrical · 2025-02-28 · ODI 11645615 · Crash
The vehicle was badly rear ended and the airbags didn't deploy. The dashboard indicated an "airbag malfunction" after the collision happened.
My rear differential case cracked, anytime the four wheel drive system was engaged the entire drivetrain would lock up.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-01-25 · ODI 11713224
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.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2025-10-27 · ODI 11695896
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.
Transmission / powertrain · 2025-05-27 · ODI 11663288
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Risk: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
49 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3, or about 8.6 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 36.7% of complaints.
Does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 still generating complaints?
2 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
How does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 49 owner complaints about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3, or 8.6 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.20, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #17 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 29% lower; against other Compact cars it is 63% lower.