2021 Mazda Mazda3 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3. The most-reported areas: Engine (18), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Unknown Or Other (7).
Key takeaways
- 49 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 2 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 1 reported injury.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 37% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 7 | 14% |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 6 | 12% |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 8% |
| Power Train | 3 | 6% |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 4% |
| Wheels | 2 | 4% |
| Structure | 2 | 4% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 4% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train - filed 2026-01-25
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 ...
Suspension - filed 2025-10-27
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.
Power Train - filed 2025-05-27
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 th...
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More for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.