2021 Mazda CX-3: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
4 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 4 complaints (75.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 3 | 75.0% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 25.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 3 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
Steering: 3; Electrical System: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 1; Service Brakes: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2024: 3; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11576356 · 2024-03-09 (March 9, 2024)
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 motor to determine that it is the "updated" design. Obviously, the issue has not been addressed properly by Mazda.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11576356 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11588265 · 2024-05-11 (May 11, 2024)
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 speeds (around 65 mph). When making small corrections to the steering wheel to stay in the lane the steering binds and then releases with further force ultimately resulting in overcorrections. The steering binds and then releases and is not fluid as any car should be. An apt analogy would be opening a new water bottle, when you twist …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11588265 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11622299 · 2024-10-28 (October 28, 2024)
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 the steering assembly. Issue presented itself in the last year and is most present while driving at high speeds, above 45 miles an hour.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11622299 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11752506 · 2026-07-23 (July 23, 2026)
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 (SCBS), traction control, and front camera/safety system warnings. These safety systems became unavailable due to the instrument cluster failure. An authorized Mazda dealership inspected the vehicle and attempted to reprogram (re-image) the instrument cluster, but the repair was unsuccessful. The dealership confirmed that the instrume…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11752506 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
23V487000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2023-07-14 (July 14, 2023)
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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗