2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2021 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

Most common 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

Problem areas named in the 54 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine	19
Forward Collision Avoidance	8
Electrical System	7
Unknown Or Other	7
Lane Departure	5
Service Brakes	5
Air Bags	4
Power Train	4
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Wheels	2

What owners report

2026-10-13, Electrical System
While driving to work, the dashboard displayed “Charging system malfunction, pull over.” The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle has electric power steering, so a loss of charging power while driving could reduce steering assist and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This happened three days after a Mazda dealer replaced the front passenger-side lower control arm. That part had failed at 111,777 miles, causing clunking under braking and making the car unsafe to drive (previously reported to NHTSA). This is the second safety-related failure on this vehicle in two weeks. The vehicle is again off the road pending dealer diagnosis. Reported to Mazda Customer Experience, case #005038

2026-10-08, Suspension
Vehicle: 2021 Mazda Mazda3 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 111,777 Date the problem started: [date you first heard the clunk] Location: [town], [XXX] Crash / fire / injury / death: No Was the vehicle moving? Yes Component: Suspension: Front (Lower Control Arm) Description: The front passenger-side lower control arm on my 2021 Mazda3 failed at 111,777 miles. The car began clunking loudly when braking and while driving. My mechanic inspected the car on a lift, identified the lower control arm as the source, and told me the car was not safe to drive. He suspects a failed or defective part. A bolt hole near the rear control arm mount was also found empty, with rust on the threads. The lower co

2026-09-28, Power Train
Making sharp right turn out of parking lot under hard acceleration, car suddenly made terrible grinding sound that shook the whole car. Continued driving, within another quarter mile the whole car started shaking again with loud noise. Had car towed to Mazda where they discovered that the rear differential had failed. Rear differential replaced under warranty. Noticed faint high pitched sound coming from rear in months leading up to incident. Had differential and transfer case fluid changed less than 1000 miles and 1 month before incident making me wonder if fluid was underfilled/wrong fluid used or the diff was just bad.

2026-09-28, Engine
Low engine oil message appeared on dash. Had car towed to Mazda. Had valve stem seals replaced under warranty.

2026-09-28, Service Brakes
Car made grinding sound with notable vibration when starting to move after shifting into drive. Felt like brakes weren't releasing. Had car towed to dealership where they diagnosed that the front left brake shim was damaged and making contact with the rotor, had to pay to fix it out of pocket.

2021 Mazda MAZDA3 questions

Does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3: Tire Valves May Suddenly Leak Air, Risking Loss of Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (19), Forward Collision Avoidance (8), Electrical System (7).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.