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2021 Mazda Mazda3
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age — inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
49 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (37% of complaints, typically reported near 5k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Mazda Mazda3, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Driver assistance (7) · Electrical system (6)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
37%18 complaints · typically near 5k mi · 4 in the last 2 years
“Spontaneous loss of power while driving on highway. Check engine light came on. Speed limited by car. Continues to vibrate especially at idle from cold start. Code P03…”
Driver assistance
14%7 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“During a night drive, travelling approx. 40mph, car warning system audio blared a warning and suddenly braked causing car to skid (was raining) and causing driver to a…”
Electrical system
12%6 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“The driver window, upon attempted to be let up, will start to go up then go all the way down, ignoring the function to go up. This is a safety concern, as harsh temper…”
Brakes
8%4 complaints
“During a night drive, travelling approx. 40mph, car warning system audio blared a warning and suddenly braked causing car to skid (was raining) and causing driver to a…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Tires · 21V101000
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.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Mazda3 model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.