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 submitting this complaint because this appears to be a potential safety-related defect
The worst 2021 Mazda CX-3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Steering3
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering3
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
Recalls 1
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Recall number 23V487000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 280
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program
- SSPD8
- CSP13 - customer service program - mazda connect infotainment system limited warranty extension
- CSP13 - customer service program - mazda connect infotainment system limited warranty extension.
- SSPD8
- Engine
- On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC)...
- Engine
- Subject: Update – Campaign Warranty Claim Response Enhancements – Modules Not Repaired for Certain...
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
2021 Mazda CX-3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 29 | 34 | 31 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 27 | 32 | 29 |
What 2021 Mazda CX-3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
The Mazda CX-30 2021 I purchased from Mastria Mazda in Raynham, Massachusetts has a steering problem that is a significant safety concern. The steering wheel has resistance that can most notably be felt at highway speeds (around 65 mph). When making small corrections to the steering wheel to stay in the lane the steering binds and then releases with further force ultimately resulting in overcorrections. The steering binds and then releases and is not fluid as any car should be. An apt analogy would be opening a new water bottle, when you twist the cap, you get resistance along the plastic perforations and with further force the cap releases and turns quickly. This is the best way I can describe the issue. This car is dangerous at highway speeds. An environment where a crash could be catastrophic. This issue needs to result in a recall immediately.
Having the exact same issue as was outlined and allegedly repaired in the prior service bulletin 06-001/20. Obviously this bulletin only applies to vehicles up to model year 2020. I have checked the model number on the steering motor to determine that it is the "updated" design. Obviously, the issue has not been addressed properly by Mazda.
Compare the 2021 Mazda CX-3
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Mazda CX-3
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-3, fewer than a typical CX-3 model year.
What is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 year score?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda CX-3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
Steering, with 3 complaints. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have?
1 recall, covering back over prevention.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 range from 29 to 31 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 29 city and 34 highway.
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