2021 Mazda MAZDA3

52 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Apr 15, 2025Tigard, ORPower train

   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 case fluid changed less than 1000 miles and 1 month before incident making me wonder if fluid was underfilled/wrong fluid used or the diff was just bad.

   NHTSA complaint 11767611
2. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Jul 30, 2024Tigard, OREngine

   Low engine oil message appeared on dash. Had car towed to Mazda. Had valve stem seals replaced under warranty.

   NHTSA complaint 11767608
3. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2024Tigard, ORService brakes

   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
4. Filed Jan 25, 2026Failure Feb 2, 2025Kansas City, MOPower train

   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 inspection done at the dealer if there's anyway to send that. I can get a copy of the repair invoice if needed

   NHTSA complaint 11713224
5. Filed Oct 27, 2025Failure Oct 25, 2025San Clemente, CASuspension

   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
6. Filed May 27, 2025Failure Jan 31, 2025Kansas City, MOPower train

   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 differential failure across all types of Mazda's from this era and really wish they would do the correct thing and resolve the problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11663288
7. Filed Apr 23, 2025Failure Apr 21, 2025Philadelphia, PAEngine

   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
8. Filed Feb 28, 2025Failure Feb 5, 2025San jose, CAElectrical system, Steering, Vehicle speed controlCrash

   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. This was not an isolated event. Multiple reports from Mazda owners describe similar experiences with their vehicles unexpectedly veering to the right and accelerating without driver input. Given these recurring reports and my own experience, I strongly suspect that a manufacturing defect—whether mechanical, electronic, or software-related—may have contributed to this accident.

   NHTSA complaint 11645615
9. Filed Feb 21, 2025Failure Mar 13, 2024Springdale, ARElectrical system, Unknown or other

   The driver window, upon attempted to be let up, will start to go up then go all the way down, ignoring the function to go up. This is a safety concern, as harsh temperatures and foreign objects are able to enter the vehicle cabin at any time, including driving. The problem has been reproduced by a dealer, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There are no warning indicators for this issue beyond witness the failure occur in real time.

   NHTSA complaint 11644043
10. Filed Feb 21, 2025Failure Jan 26, 2021Springdale, ARAdaptive cruise control, Assist, Blind spot detection

    When this feature is left on in my vehicle, it will detect curves, vehicles, and objects that are not there, and as a result, will attempt to turn my steering wheel (safety concern). I have had to keep this feature turned off to prevent it wrecking the car, because I could be on a straight road, and it will detect a curve that isn’t there and begin turning the wheel, which could result in a fatal accident if not corrected and disabled by the driver. It is available for inspection upon request. As the dealer has not driven the vehicle, they have not recreated the error, however if anyone were to drive the vehicle, they would be able to observe the malfunction. The dealer has been made aware on many occasions, though they never documented it and only suggested that I turn the feature off, which automatically turns itself on upon ignition. There are no warnings that there is a malfunction; you only know there is an error once an alert pops up thinking you’re missing a curve and attempts to turn your steering wheel though there is no curve. This issue has persisted over the life of the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11644042
11. Filed Feb 21, 2025Failure Feb 14, 2025Springdale, AREngine

    The thermostat malfunctioned on this vehicle, resulting in the thermostat remaining open and providing excess coolant to the engine, which in turn damaged internal components of the engine (compromises safety), decreased fuel economy, increased emissions (compromised safety), and decreased the life of the engine within the vehicle. It is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic and will be inspected by the Mazda dealership in 7 days. There were no prior warnings until the engine malfunction notice appeared, the vehicle began to make jolts and stuttering sounds, and the temperature gauge within the vehicle failed to rise to optimal range. As this occurred while the vehicle was in use (safety concern), though I was pushing the gas there would be delayed response due to improper temperature, which increased the risk for an accident to occur.

    NHTSA complaint 11644041
12. Filed Dec 16, 2024Failure Dec 16, 2024Marana, AZEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of an unknown Class Action Lawsuit Number however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11631026
13. Filed Nov 26, 2024Failure Nov 26, 2024Chicago, ILPower train

    Radiators are failing 3 years after the warranty period. Its leading to coolant lost and perhaps overheating the engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11627559
14. Filed Nov 20, 2024Failure Aug 16, 2023Mt. Vernon, NYUnknown or other

    My 2021 Mazda 3 was bought used in August 2023 and is about a year old in my possession. it has been at the Mazda dealership for repairs multiple times since August 2023. it dangerously stalls and hesitates when trying to accelerate from a stop position. When the brake pedal is released and I start to accelerate like merging onto highways,the car rumbles or shakes slightly and then shuts off. I Came across a review online that had the exact same problem and it stated a PCM update solved the issue. I have been to the dealer frequently since purchased and they kept my car for over a week and claimed they could not reproduce the customers complaint and there is no diagnostic code generated. There is Frequent parking light malfunction alerts, switch operation not accepted alerts, Brake alerts on desolate roadways I believe this vehicle behavior is dangerous on multiple levels, but the dealer Refused to remedy the complaint or give me copies of the papers that I signed, stating they are only for the dealership. I also received a notice in the mail for a class action settlement for faulty fuel pump used in MAZDA vehicles but not the 2021 Mazda 3 although it displays the same Dangerous behavior. So between the faulty fuel pump or required PCM update the vehicle is questionable to drive safely under certain circumstances. The dealer inferred I should have purchased a used certified Mazda from them instead. Thanks

    NHTSA complaint 11626518
15. Filed Sep 21, 2024Failure Sep 20, 2024Colorado Springs, COEngine

    Low oil light - car is burning oil and only has 11,400 miles. Approx 3/4 to 1 quart missing...

    NHTSA complaint 11615747
16. Filed Sep 11, 2024Failure Sep 6, 2024Mill Valley, CAAutomatic emergency braking

    At red light, close behind car in front of the mazda. After light turns green, start driving the mazda after car in front moves forward. Although the car in front is moving forward at a higher rate of speed, increasing the distance between it and the mazda, the automatic emergency brake kicks on and stops the vehicle abruptly. Luckily the cars behind the mazda reacted in time and did not rear end it.

    NHTSA complaint 11613907
17. Filed Jun 21, 2024Failure Jun 21, 2024Longview, TXUnknown or other

    While driving at a normal speed on a clear, sunny day with no other vehicles close by, I heard a loud crash sound and my car's sunroof unexpectedly shattered. The inside glass panel looks like it's shattered and it caused tiny glass shards to fall inside the vehicle onto my right arm and the surrounding area. I closed the cover to prevent more from falling. This occurred without any prior warning, signs, or symptoms such as unusual noises or warning lights from the car. This incident posed a significant safety risk, not only due to the distraction, shock of the sudden noise, glass falling, injury in a potential accident, but also the potential for physical harm from the glass shards. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, but the potential for serious harm was evident. This problem has not yet been inspected by the dealer or confirmed by an independent service center, and there has been no opportunity for an inspection by any manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I've reached out to Mazda, both locally and corporate and am receiving a run-around, no surprise. I will attach photos of the inside and the outside of the glass. The outside photo was taken after the cover was closed. However, the broken sunroof is available for inspection upon request.

    NHTSA complaint 11595814
18. Filed Jun 19, 2024Failure Jun 15, 2022Hastings, MNEngine

    Driving on a remote highway in northern WI and low oil light illuminated, 1000 miles before oil change was due with less than 10k miles on the vehicle. Made it to a gas station and oil was a quart low. Vehicle burns over a quart every oil change interval, since this has been occurring since day 1 it is likely going to cause premature engine failure which would be a safety issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11595336
19. Filed Jun 19, 2024Failure May 3, 2024Hastings, MNService brakes

    Brakes are underpowered especially when hot. Drove 20-30 minutes in traffic and when decelerating from 60 mph highway in turn lane to turn into neighborhood the brakes felt very soft . Car only has 28k miles on it and pads have plenty of life left. Have seen similar complaints on online forums.

    NHTSA complaint 11595331
20. Filed Feb 20, 2024Failure Jul 30, 2023Jericho, NYUnknown or other, Wheels

    For the past 7 months (since July 2023) the passenger rear tire keeps loosing air pressure about every two weeks requiring more air. It always drops to 10 points below the other tires. The tires have been rotated twice so it is not a problem with the tire. I believe there is a recall for the same or similar issue on Mazda 3s just not including my VIN#. I brought my car to good year a few times unable to stop this from happening.

    NHTSA complaint 11572875