Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda CX-3, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering3
- Electrical system1
- Service brakes1
- Forward collision avoidance1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Mazda CX-3 failed the safety check 0.92% of the time — 3% less often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 20,138 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
12,881 new Mazda CX-3 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Germany (4,353), Spain (2,192), Austria (1,031).
- Average mass
- 1,261 kg
- Average CO₂
- 146 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 89 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 100%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
2,739 Mazda CX-3 cars first registered in Europe in 2021 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol versions use 6.8 l/100 km on the road against 6.4 in the WLTP test (+6%).
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2,739 | 6.8 | 6.4 | +6% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
912 first registered in 2021 are on Dutch roads; 36% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €30,450.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde191
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht68
- Remschijf ernstig gecorrodeerd57
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld51
- Band beschadigd32
- Band onvoldoende profiel26
- Remonderdelen te veel gecorrodeerd15
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm14
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In Finland
79 of these cars first registered in 2021 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 50,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
718 2021 cars are on the New Zealand register; 4% arrived as used imports, 95% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 13.6 % |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.8 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 7.7–8.1 L/100 km (about 29–31 mpg US), CO₂ 179–189 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.3 | 6.9 | 7.7 |
| CX-3 (SIL) · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.8 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| CX-3 4WD · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.6 | 7.4 | 8.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2021 Mazda CX-3.
| 2023391 14 Jul 2023 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the rearview camera connector could cause distortion or flickering of the rearview camera image. Note: This recal… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mazda told its dealers about the 2021 Mazda CX-3: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011141 | Some customers may report concerns with interior upholstery surface stains particularly on high contact areas (e.g.: seats, steering wheel, door panels, shifter...etc.). This may be caused by skin oils or chemicals such as hand lotions. |
| 11011137 | On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open. Additionally, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: -Engine takes longer to warm up. -Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. -Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. -Poor heater performance, especially at idle. This warranty extension program applies only to the replacement of fail-safe thermostat of the vehicle exhibiting the concerns mentioned above. If the check engine l |
| 11011133 | Some customers may experience a check engine light ON with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) and one or more of the following symptoms: Engine takes longer to warm up. Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. Poor heater performance, especially at idle. |
| 11009665 | Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat in the coolant control valve on certain CX-5, Mazda3, CX-3, Mazda6 and CX-30 vehicles that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve. The warranty coverage for a specific repair of fail-safe thermostat has been extended to 15 years (180 months) /150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first, from the original warranty start date. Concern Outline: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with DTC |
| 11009664 | Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat in the coolant control valve on certain CX-5, Mazda3, CX-3, Mazda6 and CX-30 vehicles that are equipped with the suspected coolant control valve. The warranty coverage for a specific repair of fail-safe thermostat has been extended to 15 years (180 months) /150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first, from the original warranty start date. Concern Outline: On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with DTC |
| 11009654 | The SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ. Only use ATF-FZ to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in the SKYACTIV-DRIVE series AT. It is a low viscosity formula with less friction for better fuel economy. NOTE: ATF-FZ is colored blue for easy identification. |
| 11009644 | Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern. |
| 11008577 | Some customers may complain about scratches on the instrument cluster lens. |
| 11007029 | For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all PCM terminals used in SKYACTIV vehicles and compare suspect terminal drag with a known good terminal. To measure the voltage/resistance avoiding any terminal damage. |
| 11007022 | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. |
| 11007019 | If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. |
| 11007018 | Interior parts made of resin have antistatic coating to prevent dust from sticking on the surfaces, and depending on the conditions of use, the antistatic components may crystallize slightly, giving an appearance of white stains on the surface. To remove the stains, wipe the stained surface with a towel soaked with water mixed with a small portion of a neutral detergent. If the white stains reappear again, simply wipe them again in the same way. |
| 11007013 | Auxiliary key blank cutting procedure. There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method |
| 11007010 | Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a fluid or oil leak and use the following examples as a guide to determine if it is severe enough to require a repair, or just to clean the area and monitor it at the next service. |
| 11007009 | Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern. |
| 11006998 | Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns. |
| 11006987 | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mi |
| 11006981 | Some customers may experience a check engine light ON with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) and one or more of the following symptoms: Engine takes longer to warm up. Engine temperature gauge fluctuates. Low coolant temperature indicator (blue) light stays on longer or turns on while driving. Poor heater performance, especially at idle. |
| 11006917 | Some customers may complain that their liftgate does not open. This can mean a range of things, from the liftgate not unlatching to the power liftgate (PLG) not opening automatically. If you confirm that the customer's concern is that the liftgate does not unlatch correctly, follow the repair information below. |
| 11006899 | Some customers may notice water entry into the front combination lights (as shown below). This is due to poor sealing where rain or other water can enter inside the light. To eliminate this concern, the shape of the front combination light has been changed to improve sealing ability. |
| 11005671 | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. |
| 11005551 | At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface. NOTE: This repair is not a permanent fix, it is meant to make new seats look their best when the vehicle is first presented to the customer. Wrinkles may not be completely removed after the repair is completed. Leather is a natural material and may develop some wrinkles due to aging and wear during normal useage. |
| 11003398 | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. |
| 11003397 | Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains or discoloration. |
| 11003396 | Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)