Model year
2021 Mazda CX-3
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 4 complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are STEERING (3), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (1). NHTSA rated 2 variants 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 29–31 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,150–$2,300, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2016 48 complaints
- 2017 21 complaints
- 2018 10 complaints
- 2019 27 complaints
- 2020 1 complaints
- 2021 4 complaints
Recalls
23V487000 · Jul 14, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
Complaints
4 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, 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
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.136 | NHTSA photo |
| SUV FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.138 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 2WD · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 34 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
| CX-3 4WD · 2L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 32 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
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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 CX-3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.