Mazda · CX-3 · 2021
2021 Mazda CX-3
1
Recall
3
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 1 recall and 3 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: steering (3 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 25, 2026
- Vehicle
- 2021 Mazda CX-3
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 3
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
13.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V487000Unknown date
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
3 totalSTEERING
Dec 1, 2023
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 the cap, you get resistance along the plastic perforations and with further force the cap releases and turns quickly. This is the best way I can describe the issue. This car is dangerous at highway speeds. An environment where a crash could be catastrophic. This issue needs to result in a recall immediately.
STEERING
Sep 1, 2023
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.
STEERING
Jul 12, 2023
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA has received 3 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-3.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 are steering (3 reports).
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2021 Mazda CX-3. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.