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The Mazda3, introduced as a 2004 model, is a success story. The brand’s best-selling model, it won the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year and the Women’s World Family Car of the Year awards. In 2020, it also won the World Car Design of the Year award.
The 2021 model, which has been available in the U.S. since the fall of 2020, introduced the new Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. An additional 2 new powertrains were also introduced along with other new features.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019 2020 2022
Contents
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Mazda 3
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Seat Belts | |
| Structure:body | |
| Wheels |
But even award-winners have problems. There are currently 8 complaints highlighting 12 problems with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There are also 174 manufacturer communications on file that bring faults, failures, and any other issues to the attention of dealers.
There are 12 complaints on file for the award-winning 2020 together with 2 recalls and 312 manufacturer communications. A total of 138 of these relate to equipment issues and 124 to the electrical system. The same categories top the list of manufacturer-identified problems for the 2021 model. With 77 equipment communications and 68 that relate to the electrical system.
Most Common Problems with the 2021 Mazda3
Of the 8 consumer complaints listed by NHTSA so far, electrical problems top the list. Forward-collision avoidance issues are a close second, followed by land departure problems. There are also another 3 problems highlighted that involve airbags, brakes, and vehicle speed control.
In all, there are 12 problems highlighted, but some double up within the 8 complaints filed. We are going to look at the top 3 issues more closely.
2021 Mazda3 Electrical System Problems
Of the 4 complaints that cite the electrical system as a problem, 2 report fires. Both vehicles reportedly burst into flames spontaneously while parked.
One caught fire in a parking lot. The other was on a flatbed truck because it had a flat tire and there wasn’t a replacement available and was being towed back to the owner’s residence. Both complainants were waiting for further information.
2021 Mazda3 Forward Collision Avoidance Problems
One of the forward-collision avoidance problems was also listed as an electrical system problem. “The passenger side blind spot warning functions sporadically. It sometimes detects vehicles and sometimes does not while driving at the same speed.”
Another of the 3 complaints about forward-collision avoidance blames the smart brake system that “slams on brakes unnecessarily, while driving.” According to the complaint, the dealer maintains this feature cannot be disabled.
The third complaint describes two incidents during a short 25-minute drive. It is also listed as a brake issue.
The statement says the car hard-braked automatically both times.
The first time, “I had not touched the brake and I was driving straight and not veering. It was very sudden,” and jerked the driver in the seat.
The second time the driver was traveling at about 35 mph. There were two lanes and the car was in the left lane. No vehicles were in front or behind the car. Then the same thing happened.
“I did not have my foot on the brake at all, and had not veered at all and was driving straight. The brakes automatically came on suddenly in a very hard brake, resulting again in a sudden complete stop.”
2021 Mazda3 Lane Departure Problems
There are 2 lane departure problems in reports, one of which is combined with an electrical system complaint mentioned above.
The second is linked to a forward-collision avoidance problem. The complainant states, “The error code “B14FO-76 FORWARD SENSING CAMERA DEVIATION – WRONG MOUNTING POSITION” was discovered and verified when the vehicle was in for a rockchip repair to the windshield.
The complaint responds to the forward sensing camera deviation (FSC) issue. It states, “There were no warning messages nor lights to alert the driver as to the improper installation/mounting of this device. There has been no known modification or obstruction of the FSC”.
Furthermore, this is an issue that “affects multiple safety systems of this vehicle, which affects the safety of the vehicle’s passengers as well as everyone’s safety around the vehicle every time it is driven. There’s no telling what injury and damage may occur from errant un-commanded driving tasks such as emergency braking and faulty lane departure corrections.”
There are a couple of issues that relate to the FSC mentioned in the manufacturer communications. But these don’t appear to be related to this complaint. Instead, they relate to a poor field of view and low visibility.
What to do if your 2021 Mazda3 is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
Do you think you’ve bought a lemon? If your Mazda3 has persistent problems that keep recurring, it might be a lemon, especially if they relate to the brakes, transmission, or the engine. Electrical problems would also rank negatively.
But don’t just think about it. Call our Helpline so we can investigate and advise you.
Lemberg Law specializes in lemon law and we know what to look for. Options we negotiate include cash settlements, replacement cars, buybacks, and trade-ins. Circumstances differ, which is why we invite you to contact us for help. It won’t cost you anything because the law insists Mazda must pay legal fees for lemon cases.
Complaint Data
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 31, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | During a night drive, travelling approx. 40mph, car warning system audio blared a warning and suddenly braked causing car to skid (was raining) and causing driver to also jolt forward with momentum. There was very little time between beginning of audio warning and car slamming on brakes. |
| Category | Seat Belts |
| Date | Jan 06, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The latches inside the driver's seatbelt receptacle feel like they wear out over time. The only reason I can tell is because there is a really noticeable creaking that develops from inside the receptacle while the seatbelt is connected. This is worse for drivers with bigger waists and as the driver's waist continues to tug on the seatbelt during operation, the creaking gets worse over time. There are no electronic warnings. The seatbelt still properly connects and there are no electronic messages saying that anything is wrong with the seatbelt. My driver's original seatbelt receptacle has already been replaced once under warranty at a mazda dealership. Now the second seatbelt receptacle is starting to do the same thing again after about 6 months of use. I fear that even if I get it replaced a second time, this will just continue to happen. Perhaps there is a manufacturing defect. As this issue continues to get worse, I fear that this creaking will develop into a major failure with the seatbelt connection itself. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Structure:body |
| Date | Jan 02, 2023 |
| State | RI |
| Description | Car emits a very audible squeak when shifting right above 30mph and 40mph, car surges at lower and constant speeds, tach will slowly drop when applying throttle, surge slightly, then function as normal again |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Nov 13, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Purchased car in january 2020 and within a month/few thousand miles the low engine oil light came on. Almost two years later car continues to burn excessive oil triggering low engine oil light. Dealer doesn't acknowledge an issue, mazda still doesn't have a repair. Owners required to pay for excess servicing until a repair is issued. This is a widespread problem impacting the engine. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Nov 05, 2022 |
| State | DC |
| Description | Turbo using/burning oil- consumption issue. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Oct 11, 2022 |
| State | KS |
| Description | Oil light has come one twice within 17,000 miles of owner ship. The first time at 4,800 miles and the second at 17,529 miles, the most recent was only 3,500 miles since the last oil change. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 25, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Strong unburnt fuel smell had just started at 6700 miles. Mazda dealership stated that they would not be looking at my car and that gas smells are normal... After this encounter, I had 2 mechanics look at my car. Both had concluded that the smell predominantly comes from near the rear driver wheel, under the body, and that it is an extremely dangerous situation. I am a full time student and do not feel safe driving this car to class but I have no choice since mazda is neglecting this issue. I also reported to the dealer that my brakes seem to be defective since they are causing excessive shaking when applied. Dealer informed me that they do not warranty the oem brakes that came on my car, however mazda corporate informed me that they do. I do not feel safe driving this car knowing the car may combust and harm me and others on the road. The brakes also do not inspire confidence. A complaint has been filed with mazda corporate. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Sep 19, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | After roughly 2,000 miles of driving, the low oil light comes on. The engine is burning oil. Mazda has issued a tsb on it, but they have taken no action to fix the issue. Right now they just top off the oil. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Sep 04, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | Air bag malfunction light comes on a and goes off multiple times while driving |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Aug 22, 2022 |
| State | MD |
| Description | The engine is burning oil. Oil and filter were changed at 5000 miles. At about 9000 miles, the engine oil level light came on. Topped off with oil and took to dealer, they confirmed no oil leaks and changed the oil. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Aug 15, 2022 |
| State | MA |
| Description | This new car has less than 8000 miles on it and suddenly 3 of 4 bridgestone tires turanza el440 215/45r18 89 have sidewall bubbles. Interesting that there are a ton of issues w sidewall bridgestone tires on line yet the dealership keeps claiming the car must have been run over a median? Without any damage anywhere on the car? Come on.. It is clearly a manufacturer defect. They have history with sidewall bubbling. Consumers getting shafted at best and maimed at worst. Do something please! |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Aug 08, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Vehicle detects cars in other lane as an impeding collision in turns, activates emergency braking when no collision is imminent. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Aug 02, 2022 |
| State | MA |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jul 01, 2022 |
| State | CT |
| Description | My mazda 3 2. 5t has been burning oil in excess. The car has a total of 24,000 miles and has been serviced 3 times. I have had to add oil in between every service. The oil has been completely burned off by 4,000-5,000 miles. I have noticed that other people have been posting about the same issues online. When talking to the dealership they state that they have noticed this issue with the 2. 5t's but offer no fix and seem to overfill the engine oil to try and compensate. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 29, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | Excess oil consumption in engine. Low light came on around 5,000 miles and dipstick showed engine oil was at the minimum mark. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 27, 2022 |
| State | MN |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jun 11, 2022 |
| State | DC |
| Description | The vehicle was badly rear ended and the airbags didn't deploy. The dashboard indicated an "airbag malfunction" after the collision happened. The failure of the airbags put myself and my passengers at serious risk; if we weren't wearing our seatbelts, which we were, we would have been gravely injured. The vehicle is less than a year old and still under warranty. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | May 29, 2022 |
| State | CT |
| Description | Low engine oil warning between oil changes. Burned 3+ quarts between 5000 mile and 10,000 mile service. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Apr 10, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | 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 turn onto the blvd, a minute after turning when I came to another stop, the vehicle shut down again. I called romano mazda in syracuse, ny. They set me up with an appointment for the following week and gave me a rental. They kept my vehicle for 3 days. Per the technician, there were no codes found or pending codes. Said they contacted the mazda tech line and was told there was no history of the fault within the odr date and released my vehicle back to me. My vehicle only has 3,500 miles on it. Its a huge safety hazard. I transport my mother who is 93 years of age. I don't feel confident driving it. Especially on the highways. In 2019 over 262,000 mazdas, including the mazda 3 hatchback were recalled for problems with vehicles stalling out. Sound like the same issue with the 2021's |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Apr 08, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | My car started to show a warning on the dashboard that the airbag system is malfunctioning. The alarm would come on for a few seconds, then turn off, then repeat like that multiple times every drive. At the time it started, my car had less than 500 miles on it, and it continued after that until I got it fixed. I took it to the mazda dealership where I bought it, and they said it was a short circuit to the driver's side airbags. They told me that could have caused the airbags to deploy prematurely or not at all in an accident. I am also a part of a mazda 3 community and am active on the forums, and in the last month I have seen at least 30-40 other 2021 mazda 3 owners also report the same exact error code, with the same short circuit issue being cited as the problem by the dealership. Parts are on backorder for weeks for most of these owners, and some of them were told by the dealership to keep their car while they waited for the part, whereas my own dealership told me it was unsafe to drive the car and to have it towed to the dealership instead. |
| Category | Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jan 22, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Context: adas was not on. Lane keep assist is disabled in system settings entirely as it is dangerous. Blinkers were on, I was pulling out from parallel parking into left turn lane onto a straight road with slight incline. Car is of the turbo trim on stock tires. Upon finishing pulling out of parallel parking spot and gassing the car, torque vectoring or some underlying collision avoidance may have phantom activated. I felt torque shift to the wrong tires, unsettling the car, and the wheel -- with no human input -- jerked to the left to force me into the lane left of intended. I applied throttle and steered right back into the correct lane, but the car was applying torque to the wrong tires and applying a left bias to the steering. Only after I got above 25mph and held straight did the car settle. Almost caused an accident if the lane was not empty due to car unsettling itself into the left lane. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 09, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | I had two incidents during a short 25 min drive. Incident 1: I was in right side of the road, there were 2 lanes on this side. I was in the far left lane driving at below 30 mph, there was no vehicle directly behind me, and no vehicle directly in front of me. There was no vehicle in the oncoming side of traffic. There was 1 vehicle in the right lane next to me, about 20 feet behind. This vehicle slowed down to turn right into a parking lot. I did not have my foot on the brake at all, the vehicle behind me was in no way veering into my lane or doing anything abnormal. At this point, all of a sudden my car hard braked automatically. I had not touched the brake and I was driving straight and not veering. It was very sudden, and very hard braking, and it jerked me in my seat because of how hard the brake had suddenly turned on. Incident 2: after that first incident, there was a second time when this happened on the same trip. Once again, this time I was driving at about 35 mph. It was again where there were two lanes on my side of the road and I was in the left lane. No vehicles were in front or behind me. In the right lane next me to, there was 3 vehicles in a row about 25 feet behind me, and the front vehicle of them stopped to turn right into another parking lot area. The same thing happened, I did not have my foot on the brake at all, and had not veered at all and was driving straight. The brakes automatically came on suddenly in a very hard brake, resulting again in a sudden complete stop, even though there were no cars in directly in front or behind me. The vehicle was brought brand new at the dealership , so I had no cause to have the brakes inspected by the dealership, police, or insurance company. There was a warning that the safety features had been disabled due to obstruction of the front sensor, but there was no warning lamps that the emergency automatic brake was going to be used, it just happened. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Dec 18, 2021 |
| State | AL |
| Description | Instrument panel display shows a warrning message: air bag system malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Lane Departure: Assist, Lane Departure: Warning |
| Date | Sep 28, 2021 |
| State | CO |
| Description | The error code "b14fo-76 forward sensing camera deviation - wrong mounting position" was discovered, and verified, by a safelite auto glass service center when the 2021 mazda 3 was in for a repair (stone chip) to the windshield on september 21, 2021. There were no warning messages nor lights to alert the driver as to the improper installation/mounting of this device. There has been no known modification to nor obstruction of the fsc -- its condition is now as it was received new from the dealer. Improper mounting ("wrong mounting position") of the forward sensing camera affects multiple safety systems of this vehicle, which affects the safety of the vehicle's passengers as well as everyone's safety around the vehicle every time it is driven -- there's no telling what injury and damage may occur from an errant un-commanded driving tasks such as emergency braking and faulty lane departure corrections. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Sep 07, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the passenger front side tire was flat which caused the contact to veer to the shoulder. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer where the tire was inspected as the technician informed the contact that the tire was on backorder and no replacement tire was available. The vehicle then was towed back to the contact resident however was informed by the towing company that the vehicle abrupted in flames on the flatbed. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the flames. No police report was made. No injuries were sustained. The contact is awaiting approval from the insurance adjustor on adjustments needed to be made for the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 2,509. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance |
| Date | Apr 15, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 2021 mazda 3. Consumer writes regarding failed sbs system. *ld the consumer stated the smart brake system slams on the brakes unnecessarily, while driving. The consumer was advised by the dealer that feature could not be disabled. *js |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 16, 2021 |
| State | ME |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2021 mazda mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a stand still at a parking lot, when it caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguished the fire and filed a report. The police was at the location but did not file a report. The vehicle was drivable but was towed at a tow lot. The contact called local dealer morong falmouth mazda (187 us-1 #1311, falmouth, me 04105: (207) 781-4020) and was made aware of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.*dt*jb |
| Category | Electrical System, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection |
| Date | Feb 14, 2021 |
| State | CT |
| Description | Passenger side blind spot warning functions sporadically. It sometimes detects vehicles and sometimes does not while driving at the same speed. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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