Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Mazda 3

EPA MPG: 30 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2021 3 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2021 Mazda 3 has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"The factory battery wouldnt hold a charge."

Anonymous, OH (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""Doesn't take much to "drain" the battery... system then notifies you about driving the car to recharge battery. Not a major issue, just annoying.""

Anonymous, VT (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Body control module

"System incorrectly indicated multiple issues. In the end the vehicle needed new brakes which was not identified as an issue by the system"

Anonymous, VA (2021 Mazda 3 Turbo 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

""Door-sensing lock/unlock occasionally malfunctions. In wet weather it doesn't work... must use the key fob to open driver's side door. While under warrenty, dealer replaced the door handle and sensors. Still occasionally have problems unlocking the door.""

Anonymous, VT (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Warning lights

"Indicator says my wiper fluid is low when it is full."

Anonymous, FL (2021 Mazda 3 Turbo 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

""First set of brake pads wore out far earlier than they should have, given normal wear and tear.""

Anonymous, ON (2021 Mazda 3 Unsure Unsure)
Rotors

"It started at about 25000 miles as a slight oscillation when using the brakes. It was resolved by replacing the front brake rotors and pads, last fall."

Anonymous A., TX (2021 Mazda 3 S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaking

"The rear brakes started squeaking at about 34000 miles, when using the brakes at very low speed, such as stop and go traffic. It was resolved by replacing the rear brake pads."

Anonymous A., TX (2021 Mazda 3 S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"The car would not start regularly. It went into limp mode on a busy highway! It is the worst car I have owned in the 61 years Ive been driving! It was truly unsafe at any speed."

Anonymous, OH (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Oil leaks

"Oil pan seal leaked, had to be replaced. $500 or so with labor."

Anonymous, NC (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Steady water leaks from around the rear door seals on both driver and passenger sides. Water was not draining to exterior of car, and instead, to the interior of car, where it would pool in the rear passenger footwells."

Anonymous A., CA (2021 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"Interior squeaks or rattles, front and rear? Got em both! It's understood within the community that these were strategic choices in build quality to meet a price point. Mildly irritating. Disappointing first experience with Mazda."

Anonymous A., CA (2021 Mazda 3 Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"1 - Windshield cracked. 2 - Battery suddenly crapped out and the entire car was immovable"

Anonymous, MA (2021 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Other climate system problem

"Recall on thermostat . Taking long for heat to work in car."

Anonymous, NY (2021 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
00
01
02
03
04*
05
06
07
08
09
10*
11
12
13
14*
15
16
17
18
19*
20
21
22
23
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
TIRES
Feb 22, 2021
A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V101000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 599
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle