2021 Mazda MAZDA3 problems, complaints & recalls

2021 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls (1)

• Recall 21V101000Feb 22, 2021599 vehicles
  TIRES:VALVE

  Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.

  Risk: A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

Recent 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026MESuspension

   Vehicle: 2021 Mazda Mazda3 VIN: [VIN removed] Mileage at failure: 111,777 Date the problem started: [date you first heard the clunk] Location: [town], Maine Crash / fire / injury / death: No Was the vehicle moving? Yes Component: Suspension: Front (Lower Control Arm) Description: The front passenger-side lower control arm on my 2021 Mazda3 failed at 111,777 miles. The car began clunking loudly when braking and while driving. My mechanic inspected the car on a lift,…

   NHTSA complaint #11769872 · source
2. Filed Sep 28, 2026ORTransmission & Drivetrain

   Making sharp right turn out of parking lot under hard acceleration, car suddenly made terrible grinding sound that shook the whole car. Continued driving, within another quarter mile the whole car started shaking again with loud noise. Had car towed to Mazda where they discovered that the rear differential had failed. Rear differential replaced under warranty. Noticed faint high pitched sound coming from rear in months leading up to incident. Had differential and transfer…

   NHTSA complaint #11767611 · source
3. Filed Sep 28, 2026ORBrakes

   Car made grinding sound with notable vibration when starting to move after shifting into drive. Felt like brakes weren't releasing. Had car towed to dealership where they diagnosed that the front left brake shim was damaged and making contact with the rotor, had to pay to fix it out of pocket.

   NHTSA complaint #11767607 · source
4. Filed Jan 25, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   My rear differential case cracked, anytime the four wheel drive system was engaged the entire drivetrain would lock up. Luckily we were only on side roads so going less than 30 mph if we had been on the highway when this happened we could have been in an accident or lost control. The dealer did confirm the problem and it was fixed under an extended warranty. There was no warning just all of a sudden a loud bang and all the wheels locked up. I have a copy of the video…

   NHTSA complaint #11713224 · source
5. Filed Oct 27, 2025CASuspension

   At 31,000 miles the control arm lower ball joints are torn on both lower. They must be replaced. This is a safety hazard. This should not be an issue with low mileage on this car.

   NHTSA complaint #11695896 · source
6. Filed May 27, 2025MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving when all the sudden there was a loud bang sound. The differential housing cracked. The when awd is demanded the rear diff was was locking up instead of engaging. Luckily we were just on city streets and not on the highway as this rear wheel locking up could cause a crash. Mazda wasn't very helpful with the replacement. Luckily I had a aftermarket warranty but it only paid for a used replacement, which is also failing. I have read lots of stories of this rear…

   NHTSA complaint #11663288 · source
7. Filed Apr 23, 2025PAEngine

   Spontaneous loss of power while driving on highway. Check engine light came on. Speed limited by car. Continues to vibrate especially at idle from cold start. Code P0304 intermittently popping up.

   NHTSA complaint #11656416 · source
8. Filed Feb 28, 2025CACrashTowedElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   During the incident, the vehicle exhibited an uncontrollable malfunction—the steering wheel suddenly jerked sharply to the right while accelerating violently, leaving me unable to steer or brake effectively, the car was looking forward. The car ultimately came to a stop upon colliding with a truck parked diagonally in front of me. After impact, I observed that the front tires remained stuck in a turned-right position, with the steering wheel also locked in that position.…

   NHTSA complaint #11645615 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology