NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mazda Mazda3 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 49 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mazda3 5 HB AWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, positioning it in the Exceptional band. Its safety performance is underscored by a consistent record of 5-star ratings across all NHTSA crash-test categories. This model year also exhibits a notably strong recall profile, with only a single, minor recall documented. This data suggests a robust safety standard for the vehicle in the used market.
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 ranks 11 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 49 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 11 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD maintains an Exceptional safety rating, with a Safety Index of 96/100. This score reflects a two-point decrease from the 2020 model's 98/100, primarily due to a lower defect record component score of 15.75 out of 20. Crash protection remains a full 70/70, and avoidance technology achieved a perfect 10/10. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. One recall has been issued for the 2021 Mazda3 5 HB AWD, concerning a tire air valve that could lead to sudden air loss. While this is a defect that warrants correction, it did not necessitate a severity-level advisory. Owner-reported complaints total 49 for this model year. Of these, 18 allege engine concerns, and 7 relate to forward collision avoidance systems. Although these complaints do not alter the federal crash-test outcomes, the clustering of allegations around the engine and the perfectly scored avoidance system suggests areas for diligent pre-purchase inspection for those considering a used model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This top score reflects its performance across all evaluated categories. The vehicle earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal crash protection, 5 out of 5 stars for side impact protection, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover resistance. NHTSA testing measured a 10 percent rollover risk, with no dynamic tip registered during these assessments. No individual crash-test category showed a notable weakness.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15169
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 carries one NHTSA recall campaign. Mazda North American Operations recalled certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles for a tire air valve defect, under which air may suddenly leak from the valve stem. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
TIRES:VALVE21V101000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2021-02-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
Owners have filed 49 unverified allegations with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently reported components are the Engine (18 reports), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), and Electrical System (6). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
49 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
A crucial safety consideration for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 involves its recall for the tire air valve. Prospective buyers should confirm this recall has been remedied by checking the vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA database. Such recall work is typically completed at no cost by a franchised dealer, regardless of who currently owns the vehicle.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 96/100 is two points below the 2020 model year's 98/100, with the difference driven by the defect record component scoring 15.75/20 rather than a perfect mark.
- One recall was issued for this model year specifically targeting a tire air valve defect shared with the 2021 CX-30, under which air may suddenly escape the valve stem.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA total 49 unverified allegations, with the Engine category alone accounting for 18 reports and Forward Collision Avoidance accounting for 7, making those two areas the highest-volume complaint clusters for this year.
- All three primary crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard equipment on this model year, contributing to its perfect 10/10 avoidance technology sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 places
The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mazda Mazda3 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mazda Mazda3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 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 Mazda3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 49 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mazda3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15169), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda3 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 11 of 94 in the Sedan 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.