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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-MAZDA-CX-3NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
Mazda
2021 Mazda CX-3 problems
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 1 active recall campaign on file and only 3 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 3 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 3 complaints (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 3 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 CX-3?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2021 CX-3· 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…
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…
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.…
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Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles
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.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 3 owner complaints have been filed for the 2021 Mazda CX-3, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2021 Mazda CX-3 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Mazda CX-3?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2021 Mazda CX-3 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 3 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 3 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda CX-3 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Mazda CX-3?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 3 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Mazda/CX-3.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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