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    Mazda 3

    EPA MPG: 30 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 3 will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2023 and 2024 models and the Mazda brand score.

    The 2021 Mazda 3 has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Difficult to fill up gas tank

    "I rent this car on Turo and have had 2 customers report issues after filling the car. In on situation, the customer had only filled the car to a half tank. In the other, the customer had filled it to full. In both cases, the car went into a limp mode after the fill up and would not start. In one of those cases, the car's ignition system would not even allow the starter to turn."

    Anonymous, NV (2021 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Engine computer

    "2 different times in the last 3 months my Mazda 3 exhibited extreme engine problems immediately following a gas fill up. Both times, P0171 error codes flashed on a diagnostic tool, indicating a lean fuel condition in bank 1. Idle was affected, as was the ability to start the engine or drive normally. These warnings lasted for several days until ceasing on their own. A mechanic was unable to diagnose a problem."

    Anonymous, NV (2021 Mazda 3 Select 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other minor engine problem

    "Low oil warning appears after 2-3 thousand miles if oil isn't topped off. Dealer says known problem with valve seals."

    Anonymous A., MN (2021 Mazda 3 Turbo 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "Sometimes after a rain some water is found on the floor mat of the front passenger seat. There was some kind of leak between the windshield and the hood. With this car the windshield wipers park below the level of the hood, and the air inlets for the cabin are also located in that area. Mazda service made some adjustment in that area and the water has not been present since."

    Anonymous, IN (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "I have to press down hard on the trunk lid to get the trunk latch to click, otherwise, the electronic latch sensor remains active and depletes the charge in the battery when the car is parked. On rare occasions the trunk spontaneously opens without any known cause. This problem has not been resolved."

    Anonymous, IN (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Other brakes problem

    "Brakes are weak especially when hot like in traffic. Noticing some pulsing lately now also, perhaps rotors warping? Our 2018 Mazda 3 is at 63k miles with original Brakes so not sure what Mazda screwed up with the turbo AWD. Might replace pads and rotors early to see if it improves."

    Anonymous A., MN (2021 Mazda 3 Turbo 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Premature brake wear

    "Rear brake discs rusted heavily and and to be changed instead of only cleaned/resurfaced, which was costly on top of the standard brake maintenance."

    Anonymous, QC (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Wheel bearings

    "A single pothole destroyed one of the front wheel bearings. Admittedly, some potholes are bad, but the wheel bearings seem very weak to me."

    Anonymous, MN (2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Cruise control

    "The cruise control system Posts an error message about A sensor problem. Problem has occurred 4 times since I got the car a month ago. Although the issue has not been resolved, The problem has not occurred lately."

    Anonymous A., TX (2021 Mazda 3 S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    19*
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    TIRES
    Feb 22, 2021
    A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
    What should you do:
    Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4721B.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V101000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 599
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