2021 Mazda CX-3 reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2021 Mazda CX-3 holds 4 complaints after 6 years, a rate of 0 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most CX-3 years here — under the median of the other years, which is 1. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Camera.

2016 Mazda CX-3 — Photo by Vauxford, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Complaints

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (3 of 4), then Electrical system (1) and Forward collision avoidance (1).

Next to 2020 and 2022

The 2020 CX-3 has 1 complaint, 0 per year, and the 2022 has 0 complaints, 0 per year. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2022.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2021 Mazda CX-3. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (1)

Recall back-over prevention, sensing system, camera 2023-07-14 · NHTSA campaign 23V487000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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.

Complaints by component (4 total)

Steering

Electrical system

Forward collision avoidance

Service brakes

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"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…"
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance · filed 2026-07-23
"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…"
Steering · filed 2024-10-28
"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…"
Steering · filed 2024-05-11
"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 · filed 2024-03-09

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars
2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Annual fuel cost
CX-3 two-wheel drive	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	29	34	31 MPG	$2100
CX-3 four-wheel drive	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Four-wheel drive	27	32	29 MPG	$2250

Specs and fitment

1st generation (DK), 2016–2021

Body styles SUV

Oil 0W-20 , 4.4 qt capacity

Tire size 215/60R16, 215/50R18 (trim dependent)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 23V-487 covers certain 2016-2021 Mazda CX-3 vehicles, and also certain Mazda3 models: the rearview camera image may flicker or distort and not display properly. Dealers inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary and install a wiring-harness fastening seal. The campaign's published unit count is shared with the listed Mazda3 years. Recall 16V-203 covers certain 2016 CX-3 vehicles: lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may need inspection and correction so the strut remains secured.

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See every Mazda CX-3 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

What are common problems with a 2021 Mazda CX-3?

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (3 of 4), then Electrical system (1) and Forward collision avoidance (1).

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 more reliable than the years next to it?

Has the 2021 Mazda CX-3 been recalled?

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 1 recall on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mazda CX-3?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-3 with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2021 Mazda CX-3 get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is 30 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Mazda CX-3 use?

U.S. specs commonly list 0W-20 with about 4.4 qt including filter on the SKYACTIV-G engine.

What tire sizes fit the Mazda CX-3?

OE fitment is 215/60R16 or 215/50R18 depending on trim; confirm on the placard.

What NHTSA recalls mention the Mazda CX-3?

Recall 23V-487 covers certain 2016-2021 CX-3 models for rearview camera image issues (shared with Mazda3), and 16V-203 covers certain 2016 CX-3 front strut mounting hardware.