2021 MAZDA CX-3

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified3ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
โœ“Good Reliability

This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the MAZDA brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Crash/Accident
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.1)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary:
Critical Component: Crash/Accident

Safety & Reliability Score

92/100
Excellent

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.15
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3

Model Year2021
MakeMAZDA
ModelCX-3
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar24
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (33% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 3 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸกMedium
1(33%)
๐ŸŸขLow
2(67%)
โœ…Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 23V487000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
โœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

3 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 CX-3.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Crash/Accident33%
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING

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 present while driving at high speeds, above 45 miles an hour.

Oct 28, 2024Resolved
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
STEERING

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 in the lane the steering binds and then releases with further force ultimately resulting in overcorrections. The steering binds and then releases and is not fluid as any car should be. An apt analogy would be opening a new water bottle, when you twist the cap, you get resistance along the plastic perforations and with further force the cap releases and turns quickly. This is the best way I can describe the issue. This car is dangerous at highway speeds. An environment where a crash could be catastrophic. This issue needs to result in a recall immediately.

May 11, 2024Resolved
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING

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 issue has not been addressed properly by Mazda.

Mar 9, 2024Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 MAZDA CX-3?

Yes, the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA.

Is the 2021 MAZDA CX-3 safe to drive?

The 2021 MAZDA CX-3 has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 MAZDA CX-3 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local MAZDA dealer.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

โžก๏ธStable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:23V487000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your MAZDA dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your MAZDA dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.
โš–๏ธ

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2021 Toyota Camry
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2021 Honda CR-V
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2021 Ford F-150
View Analysisโ†’

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.