2021 Mazda CX-3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 23, 2026 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other CX-3 years
Not enough data 5th of 7 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda CX-3. That ranks 5th out of 7 CX-3 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (3 complaints, 75%). There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Mazda CX-3
2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport Nav+ 4X4 facelift 2.0 Rear Taken in Leamington Spa. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 Mazda CX-3 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering3
Electrical System1
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Service Brakes1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering375%———
Electrical System125%———
Forward Collision Avoidance125%———
Service Brakes125%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2024, with 3 complaints
2024: 3202432026: 120261

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Mazda CX-3 recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraJul 14, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V487000 · 236,100 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The instrument cluster in my 2021 Mazda CX-3 failed at approximately 50,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle displayed multiple warning lights, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), traction control, and front camera/safety system warnings. These safety…

Service Brakes · received Jul 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752506

All of the issues listed in Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 06-001/20, however this bulletin does not cover my model. Inspected by dealer, possible solution intended to be relubrication of the worm gear/worm shaft in the steering assembly. Issue presented itself in the last year and is most…

Steering · received Oct 28, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11622299

The Mazda CX-30 2021 I purchased from Mastria Mazda in Raynham, Massachusetts has a steering problem that is a significant safety concern. The steering wheel has resistance that can most notably be felt at highway speeds (around 65 mph). When making small corrections to the steering wheel to stay…

Steering · received May 11, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11588265

Having the exact same issue as was outlined and allegedly repaired in the prior service bulletin 06-001/20. Obviously this bulletin only applies to vehicles up to model year 2020. I have checked the model number on the steering motor to determine that it is the "updated" design. Obviously, the…

Steering · received Mar 9, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11576356

Other Mazda CX-3 years

← 2020 CX-3

YearComplaintsRecalls
202141
2020 CX-311
2019 CX-3272
2018 CX-3101
2017 CX-3211
2016 CX-3483
2014 CX-330

See all Mazda CX-3 problems by year, every Mazda model, or the Mazda VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-3?

Owners most often report steering, electrical system, forward collision avoidance problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Mazda CX-3?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Mazda CX-3 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other CX-3 model years, the 2021 has too little data to compare, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.