2021 Mazda Mazda3 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
What could happen: A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2021 MAZDA3.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V101000 (manufacturer code 4721B).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-5500.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: TIRES:VALVE
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2021 Mazda Mazda3 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (19), Electrical system (7), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Unknown Or Other (7), Brakes (5).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/13/2026 · Electrical system
While driving to work, the dashboard displayed “Charging system malfunction, pull over.” The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle has electric power steering, so a loss of charging power while driving could reduce steering assist and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This happened three days after a Mazda dealer replaced the front passenger-side low…
10/08/2026 · Suspension
Vehicle: 2021 Mazda Mazda3 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 111,777 Date the problem started: [date you first heard the clunk] Location: [town], [XXX] 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…
09/28/2026 · 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.
09/28/2026 · Engine
Low engine oil message appeared on dash. Had car towed to Mazda. Had valve stem seals replaced under warranty.
09/28/2026 · Transmission / 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 warran…
01/25/2026 · Transmission / 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 warr…
10/27/2025 · Suspension
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.
05/27/2025 · Transmission / 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 aftermar…