Model year
2021 Mazda 3
NHTSA does not list the EPA model name 3 for 2021. Under the matched name MAZDA3, NHTSA lists 1 recall and 54 complaints (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints for MAZDA3 are ENGINE (19), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7). NHTSA rated 4 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 26–31 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,150–$2,600, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2004 145 complaints
- 2005 97 complaints
- 2006 166 complaints
- 2007 222 complaints
- 2008 303 complaints
- 2009 115 complaints
- 2010 686 complaints
- 2011 132 complaints
- 2012 226 complaints
- 2013 117 complaints
- 2014 138 complaints
- 2015 130 complaints
- 2016 104 complaints
- 2017 84 complaints
- 2018 110 complaints
- 2019 74 complaints
- 2020 32 complaints
- 2021 54 complaints
- 2022 24 complaints
- 2023 12 complaints
- 2024 12 complaints
- 2025 8 complaints
- 2026 1 complaints
Matched NHTSA names
The EPA model name is not itself a name in the NHTSA file for 2021. The counts in the answer are the sum of the names below. Overlap between those names is not removed.
| NHTSA name | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA3 | 1 | 54 | 0 |
Recalls for MAZDA3
21V101000 · Feb 22, 2021
TIRES:VALVE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Complaints for MAZDA3
54 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 2, fire flag on 2, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations for MAZDA3
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.101 | NHTSA photo |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.101 | NHTSA photo |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.101 | — |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · possibility 0.101 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4-Door 2WD · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 36 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
| 3 4-Door 2WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 35 | 30 | — | — | $2,250 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 33 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD · 2.5L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 33 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 34 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 31 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| 3 4-Door 2WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 35 | 30 | — | — | $2,250 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 33 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 32 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 31 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2021 Mazda 3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.