Back over prevention: camera
Remedy pending
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.
Research · Compact Cars
2021 Mazda CX-3Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-3. Most complaints involve steering (3) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 29–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
29–31mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2023
Owner complaints
4
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2024 – Jul 2026
- Steering3
- Electrical system1
- Service brakes1
- Forward collision avoidance1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
3 reports
“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.”
Electrical system
1 report
“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 failure. An authorized Mazda dealership inspected the vehicle and attempted to reprogram (re-image) the instrument cluster, but the repair was unsuccessful. The dealership confirmed that the instrument cluster had failed internally and must be replaced. The failed component is available for inspection. Mazda Customer Experience has confirmed that the replacement instrument cluster is on national back-order and has been unable to provide any estimated availability date. As a result, I am required to continue driving a vehicle with disabled safety systems or leave the vehicle unusable for an indefinite period. I am concerned that a failed instrument cluster can disable important safety systems, including stability control and forward collision mitigation functions, and that replacement parts are unavailable. I am…”
Service brakes
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 34 | 31 | $1,950 | 289 |
| CX-3 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,050 | 303 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 13.6%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 13.8%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 CX-3 questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-3 problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (3), electrical system (1), service brakes (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Mazda CX-3 at 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Mazda CX-3 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026