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Forward collision avoidancePart report

2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Forward collision avoidance Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
13%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 7 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, 13% 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.

“When this feature is left on in my vehicle, it will detect curves, vehicles, and objects that are not there, and as a result, will attempt to turn my steering wheel (safety concern). I have had to keep this feature turned off to prevent it wrecking the car, because I could be on a straight road, and it will detect a curve that isn’t there and begin turning the wheel, which could result in a fatal accident if not corrected and disabled by the driver. It is available for inspection upon request. …”

NHTSA complaint #11644042, filed 2025-02

“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

“At red light, close behind car in front of the mazda. After light turns green, start driving the mazda after car in front moves forward. Although the car in front is moving forward at a higher rate of speed, increasing the distance between it and the mazda, the automatic emergency brake kicks on and stops the vehicle abruptly. Luckily the cars behind the mazda reacted in time and did not rear end it.”

NHTSA complaint #11613907, filed 2024-09

“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 2023-01

“2021 Mazda 3. Consumer writes regarding failed sbs system. The consumer stated the smart brake system slams on the brakes unnecessarily, while driving. The consumer was advised by the dealer that feature could not be disabled.”

NHTSA complaint #11407653, filed 2021-04

Related service bulletins

Forward collision avoidance: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025225%
2024217%
2023217%
202214%
2021713%
20201547%
2019912%
201855%
201734%
201411%
201010%

Other parts of the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

Engine
19 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBrakes
5 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 27, 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