2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, 9% of the 54 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11486305, filed 2022-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11446816, filed 2022-01“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11767607, filed 2026-09“Brakes are underpowered especially when hot. Drove 20-30 minutes in traffic and when decelerating from 60 mph highway in turn lane to turn into neighborhood the brakes felt very soft . Car only has 28k miles on it and pads have plenty of life left. Have seen similar complaints on online forums.”
NHTSA complaint #11595331, filed 2024-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11504587, filed 2023-01Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 11026353Nov 26, 2025Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to…
- 11009644Oct 5, 2024Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to…
- 11008430Sep 26, 2024This information will give you the necessary knowledge to respond to customers concerns of Smart Brake Support (SBS) unintended braking. By educating the customer on the system…
- 11008429Sep 11, 2024Symptom 1: Some customers may complain about hearing a grinding noise and/or vibration occur when applying the brake. This is due to rust on the rear brake disc plate. The brake…
- 11006982Aug 29, 2024Symptom 1: Some customers may complain about hearing a grinding noise and/or vibration occur when applying the brake. This is due to rust on the rear brake disc plate. The brake…
- 11007009Aug 21, 2024Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to…
- 11003396Jun 7, 2024Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 5 | 9% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 15 | 20% |
| 2018 | 6 | 5% |
| 2017 | 7 | 8% |
| 2016 | 18 | 17% |
| 2015 | 28 | 22% |
| 2014 | 26 | 19% |
| 2013 | 15 | 13% |
| 2012 | 14 | 6% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 38 | 6% |
| 2009 | 8 | 7% |
| 2008 | 22 | 7% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 6 | 6% |
| 2004 | 28 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3
19 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology