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2021 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 has 1 safety recall and 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
56
Crashes / fires
2 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 21V-101: Tires

Reported Feb 22, 2021 · 599 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2021 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine19
Forward Collision Avoidance8
Electrical System7
Unknown or Other7
Power Train6
Lane Departure5
Service Brakes5
Air Bags4
Vehicle Speed Control2
Wheels2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Structure2

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 4
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,509 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 11, 2026
My 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD experienced major drivetrain component failures at approximately 65,800 miles. Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth inspected the vehicle and diagnosed failures involving the rear differential and coupling assembly, transfer case, and driveshaft. The dealership recommended replacing these major drivetrain components, with a total repair estimate of $12,107.35. I am concerned that multiple critical AWD drivetrain components have failed at such relatively low mileage. A failure involving the differential, transfer case, or driveshaft could potentially affect vehicle propulsion…
Power Train · reported Nov 5, 2026
Radiator leaking coolant requiring replacement at 60k miles. Mazda updated the part which means they know it's bad, should be fixed for free for all affected owners.
Electrical System · reported Oct 13, 2026
While driving to work, the dashboard displayed “Charging system malfunction, pull over.” The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle has electric power steering, so a loss of charging power while driving could reduce steering assist and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This happened three days after a Mazda dealer replaced the front passenger-side lower control arm. That part had failed at 111,777 miles, causing clunking under braking and making the car unsafe to drive (previously reported to NHTSA). This is the second safety-related failure on this vehicle in two weeks. The vehicle…
Suspension · reported Oct 8, 2026
Vehicle: 2021 Mazda Mazda3 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 111,777 Date the problem started: [date you first heard the clunk] Location: [town], [XXX] Crash / fire / injury / death: No Was the vehicle moving? Yes Component: Suspension: Front (Lower Control Arm) Description: The front passenger-side lower control arm on my 2021 Mazda3 failed at 111,777 miles. The car began clunking loudly when braking and while driving. My mechanic inspected the car on a lift, identified the lower control arm as the source, and told me the car was not safe to drive. He suspects a failed or defective part. A bolt…
Service Brakes · at 45,946 miles · reported Sep 28, 2026
Car made grinding sound with notable vibration when starting to move after shifting into drive. Felt like brakes weren't releasing. Had car towed to dealership where they diagnosed that the front left brake shim was damaged and making contact with the rotor, had to pay to fix it out of pocket.

Other Mazda Mazda3 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3: 21V-101 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report engine problems most often (19 reports), followed by forward collision avoidance (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,509 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.