Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 has 66 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

Top problems: ENGINE (18 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (12 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (7 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): TIRES:VALVE. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 is approximately $1,586/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Mazda MAZDA3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 has 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 137. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: low engine oil warning between oil changes. burned 3+ quarts between 5000 mile and 10,000 mile service.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 3 crash reports 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

18 complaints

27%

• Low engine oil warning between oil changes. Burned 3+ quarts between 5000 mile and 10,000 mile service.
• Engine is consuming excessive oil. Dealership states there is a TSB out but the fix is to keep topping the oil off. I would like an investigation to determine the root cause of the oil consumption on a new engine.
• Excess oil consumption in engine. Low light came on around 5,000 miles and dipstick showed engine oil was at the minimum mark.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Low engine oil warning between oil changes. Burned 3+ quarts between 5000 mile and 10,000 mile service.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

TIRES:VALVE22/02/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,586

Full coverage / month

$132

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1586

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda MAZDA3 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2021 MAZDA3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 66 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Low engine oil warning between oil changes. Burned 3+ quarts between 5000 mile and 10,000 mile service.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: PASSENGER SIDE BLIND SPOT WARNING FUNCTIONS SPORADICALLY. IT SOMETIMES DETECTS VEHICLES AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT WHILE DRIVING AT THE SAME SPEED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: A have a new 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback with 3,500 miles. As I was driving and approaching a traffic light to stop, my car shut down completely while in traffic. I turned on my hazard lights, put the car in the park position, and restarted the vehicle. As I proceed with driving, when I made a right
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: PASSENGER SIDE BLIND SPOT WARNING FUNCTIONS SPORADICALLY. IT SOMETIMES DETECTS VEHICLES AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT WHILE DRIVING AT THE SAME SPEED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)