NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mazda CX-3 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, an exceptional score. This rating was supported by five-star NHTSA crash protection and a near-perfect defect record component, establishing it as a strong safety choice.
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD received a 5-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 ranks 6 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 95 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.6% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 6 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 represents a one-point gain over the 2020 model, moving from 94/100 to 95/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, both years sitting in the Exceptional band. That incremental improvement is meaningful because the index was already near its ceiling. The score is built on a crash protection component of 66 out of 70, a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology reflecting standard forward collision warning, standard lane departure warning, and standard electronic stability control, and a defect record component of 19 out of 20. That 19 out of 20 defect score reflects the reality of a single recall campaign, one focused on rearview camera display integrity rather than a structural or propulsion risk. The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars is the one honest asterisk in an otherwise elite crash-test profile, and shoppers in rollover-prone scenarios should weigh that figure. The complaint volume of 3 unverified allegations, all directed at steering, is notably low for a vehicle of this age.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mazda CX-3 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its performance in frontal and side crash tests also garnered perfect 5-star scores. The rollover assessment, however, yielded a 4 out of 5-star rating, with the agency reporting a 14 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15170
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 carries one recall campaign. It concerns the rearview camera system: the camera image may not display properly, affecting back-over prevention. This campaign spans 2016 through 2021 CX-3 vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this recall based on available NHTSA data.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V487000
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 Augus
Reported 2023-07-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-3, all unverified allegations. Every reported complaint targets the Steering component. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports. These are consumer-submitted claims and have not been independently confirmed.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
Shoppers considering this 5-year-old CX-3 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the rearview camera recall has been remedied. An unresolved recall on a used vehicle transfers to the new owner, and remedy completion is a concrete safety checkpoint before purchase.
- The 2021 CX-3 scores 95/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, one point above the 2020 model year, with the gain reflected in the defect record component of 19 out of 20.
- NHTSA's single recall for this model year targets rearview camera image display failure, a back-over prevention concern spanning 2016 through 2021 CX-3 vehicles, and VIN-level remedy status should be confirmed before purchase.
- Rollover protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars with a 14 percent rollover risk, the only star rating below the maximum in an otherwise perfect NHTSA crash-test result.
- Only 3 unverified owner complaints appear in NHTSA records for this model year, all alleging steering-related issues, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those submissions.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mazda CX-3 places
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mazda CX-3 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mazda CX-3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mazda CX-3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mazda CX-3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mazda CX-3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-3 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Buick Envision | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15170), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-3 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 6 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.