2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%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 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, 7% 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.
“I was driving when all the sudden there was a loud bang sound. The differential housing cracked. The when awd is demanded the rear diff was was locking up instead of engaging. Luckily we were just on city streets and not on the highway as this rear wheel locking up could cause a crash. Mazda wasn't very helpful with the replacement. Luckily I had a aftermarket warranty but it only paid for a used replacement, which is also failing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11663288, filed 2025-05“My rear differential case cracked, anytime the four wheel drive system was engaged the entire drivetrain would lock up. Luckily we were only on side roads so going less than 30 mph if we had been on the highway when this happened we could have been in an accident or lost control. The dealer did confirm the problem and it was fixed under an extended warranty. There was no warning just all of a sudden a loud bang and all the wheels locked up. I have a copy of the video inspection done at the dealer if there's anyway to send that. I can get a copy of the repair invoice if needed”
NHTSA complaint #11713224, filed 2026-01“Making sharp right turn out of parking lot under hard acceleration, car suddenly made terrible grinding sound that shook the whole car. Continued driving, within another quarter mile the whole car started shaking again with loud noise. Had car towed to Mazda where they discovered that the rear differential had failed. Rear differential replaced under warranty. Noticed faint high pitched sound coming from rear in months leading up to incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11767611, filed 2026-09Related service bulletins
- 11032003May 1, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the…
- 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…
- 11026354Nov 27, 2025When inspected, the differential or PTO oil is dark or black. This is considered normal and NO repair should be performed. During production, differential ring and pinion gears…
- 11026350Nov 8, 2025Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three…
- 11026351Nov 6, 2025Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
- 11009654Oct 24, 2024The SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses “Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ”. Only use “ATF-FZ” to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in…
- 11007010Aug 7, 2024Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 9 | 9% |
| 2015 | 5 | 4% |
| 2014 | 7 | 5% |
| 2013 | 18 | 15% |
| 2012 | 40 | 18% |
| 2011 | 12 | 9% |
| 2010 | 40 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 21 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 24 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3
19 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsAir bags
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