Model year guide

2021 Mazda CX-3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Mazda CX-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 159 on record.

2021 Mazda CX-3 — representative photo
Representative photo

2021 Mazda CX-3 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints4
Overall safety5 / 5 ★

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Mazda CX-3 recalls 1

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #23V487000 · manufacturer #6023G · 14/07/2023

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.

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…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Mazda CX-3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2021 Mazda CX-3 safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 13.6% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Dimensions & weight

Length
168.1 in
Width
69.7 in
Height
60.6 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
2,796–2,987 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
59.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 278

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 278.

DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket device…

Bulletin SA-041-26a · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2). This is caused by a gap between th…

Bulletin 01-010-26 · Engine · Aug 2026

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proc…

Bulletin SA-041-26 · Electrical System, Engine · Jun 2026

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 09-012/21 12/13/21, 06/10/21 and 04/27/21 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience all of following symptoms: The door lock/unlock operation will not work u…

Bulletin 09-019-26 · Electrical System, Engine · Jun 2026

This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. SA-027/26 04/16/26 DESCRIPTION The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing…

Bulletin SA-027-26a · Electrical System · Jun 2026

DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) u…

Bulletin SA-031-26 · Structure · Apr 2026

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems.…

Bulletin SA-029-26 · Power Train, Service Brakes, Engine · Apr 2026

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manif…

Bulletin SA-026-26 · Engine · Apr 2026

This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. SA-007/25 10/22/25, 06/02/25 and 02/03/25 DESCRIPTION The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, inc…

Bulletin SA-027-26 · Electrical System · Apr 2026

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-003/22 03/02/22 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about a tapping or knocking noise coming from the rear seat after fuel fill. The concern wi…

Bulletin SA-023-26 · Fuel/propulsion System · Apr 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CX-3 FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2021 Mazda CX-3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the rearview camera connector could cause distortion or flickering of the rearview camera image. Note: This recall only affects hatchback (5-door) models. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a cras…

Transport Canada #2023391 · Jul 2023

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2021 Mazda CX-3 vehicles on record

Other Mazda CX-3 model years

2021 Mazda CX-3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Mazda CX-3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

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

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, electrical system, service brakes.

What is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Mazda CX-3 an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.