2021 Mazda Cx-3 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (3) · Service Brakes (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mazda Cx-3 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2023-07-14 · campaign 23V487000 · 236,100 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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, anticipa
Service bulletins (278)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-09-11 · SA-041-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description 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 con
Engine 2026-08-10 · 01-010-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 description some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2). this is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fittin
Engine 2026-06-19 · SA-041-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this sa supersedes the previously issued sa(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red. sa-061/25 12/17/25 description 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 ask
Unknown Or Other 2026-06-18 · 09-019-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red. 09-012/21 12/13/21, 06/10/21 and 04/27/21 description some customers may experience all of following symptoms: the door lock/unlock operation will not work using the remote transmitter button. 1. t
Electrical System 2026-06-17 · SA-027-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this sa supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. the changes are noted below in red. sa-027/26 04/16/26 description the mazda dca-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. if the mazda dca-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replac
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-30 · SA-031-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged vin plate or vehicle certification label. to obtain a replacement vin plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact dag (dealer assistance group) using vin plate request form available on
Showing the 6 most recent of 278 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-07-23 · Service Brakes“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 …”
2024-10-28 · Steering“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 h…”
2024-05-11 · Steering“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 wit…”
2024-03-09 · Steering“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.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.