Home · 2021 · Mazda
2021 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
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 19, 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.
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →#59 of 403Among the 2021 models with a matured record, the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback ranks #59, scoring higher than 80% of them. See the 2021 ranking →
Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 10%
No open NHTSA defect investigations on file.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback, 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…”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
We can place 1 of this model's commonly reported problem areas against a mileage. Nothing is stored.
Read all 49 owner complaints in their own words → · just the 4 crash/fire/injury reports →
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.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking the seller of this Mazda before you buy, drawn from its public record:
- NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback. Can you run this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm each one shows "Remedy Completed"?
- Owners of this model report engine problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 5k miles). Has this car shown any engine symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Owners of this model report driver assistance problems more than anything else. Has this car shown any driver assistance symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
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 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 HATCHBACK beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Mazda3 Hatchback model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback 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.