The Lemon Index2021 Mazda3.
The 2021 Mazda3 is about average by owner complaints: 41 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 113, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 1 recall, and it gets 26 to 31 mpg combined. The best Mazda3 year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 54 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda3 year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Recalls 1
- tires 2021
Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda3 told dealers about
Mazda3 sent dealers 634 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Configuration Error warning message
- No start because the battery is discharged after the vehicle is parked for
- Tapping noise from the engine during idling; etc., and synchronized to the engine rpm
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
2021 Mazda 3. Consumer writes regarding failed sbs system.
2021 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11407653
More owner reports
At around 3600 Miles my Mazda which I had for only a couple of months displayed a low engine oil light which required a visit to the dealership.This was under normal driving conditions.
NHTSA complaint 11477241
Excess oil consumption in engine. Low light came on around 5,000 miles and dipstick showed engine oil was at the minimum mark.
NHTSA complaint 11471507
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Mazda3 reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.1× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 113; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda3 year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2021 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (39%), automatic emergency braking (17%) and electrical (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda3 have?
1 safety recall (latest: tires). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mazda3 get?
26 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Mazda3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Mazda3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2013 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works