Model year record

2021 Mazda CX-3 recalls & problems

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (3 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints4filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars

2021 Mazda CX-3 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Back over preventionJul 14, 2023

Sensing system › Camera

Recall 23V487000236,100 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	13.6%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	13.8%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Mazda CX-3 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2021 Mazda CX-3 NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

CX-3 2WD

31mpg combined

City / highway	29 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel

CX-3 4WD

29mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Steering	3	—
Service brakes	1	—
Electrical system	1	—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
The instrument cluster in my 2021 Mazda CX-3 failed at approximately 50,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle displayed multiple warning lights, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), traction control, and front camera/safety system warnings. These safety systems became unavailable due to the instrument cluster failure. An authorized Mazda dealership inspected the vehicle and attempted to reprogram (re-image) the instrument cluster, but the repair was unsuccessful. The dealership confirmed that the instrument cluster had failed internally and must be replaced. The failed component is available for inspection. Mazda Customer Experience has confirmed that…
Jul 2, 2026
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.
Sep 1, 2023
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…
Dec 1, 2023
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.
Jul 12, 2023

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.