2021 Mazda 3 Sport

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2021 Mazda 3 Sport, categorized and formatted as requested.

The 2021 Mazda 3 Sport is a popular compact car praised for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and upscale interior. Beyond the “Sport” trim, other trims such as the Select, Preferred, Premium, and Turbo were available. Engine options included a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 227 horsepower (on 87 octane) or 250 horsepower (on 93 octane) and 310-320 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission was a 6-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual transmission was available on some trims. What owners tend to like about the Mazda 3 Sport is its handling, interior design, and overall value. What some dislike is the limited rear seat space, the complicated infotainment system, and the road noise. The 2021 model year is generally considered reliable, but like any vehicle, it has its share of reported issues.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption between oil changes. This can manifest as the low oil light illuminating or noticing a significant drop in oil level on the dipstick.
  • Solution: Perform an oil consumption test and address repairs based on the findings. It could range from replacing valve stem seals to piston rings, depending on the severity and cause.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between certain gears. Some owners describe a hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds.
  • Solution: First, ensure the transmission fluid is at the correct level and in good condition. If the issue persists, a software update (if available) might resolve the problem. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or even transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid check/top-off) - $4000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mazda Connect infotainment system can occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or crash. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Try restarting the system by holding down the power button. If the problem persists, a software update from the dealer may be required. In rare cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $800+ (unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle, especially after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Have the battery tested to ensure it’s holding a charge. If the battery is good, investigate for parasitic draws on the electrical system. This may involve checking for aftermarket accessories that are drawing power when the car is off, or a faulty module that isn’t shutting down correctly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (battery replacement), $100 - $500+ (parasitic draw diagnosis and repair).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report the windshield cracking easily. This is more of a susceptibility issue than a part malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace the windshield.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling/Buzzing Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of rattling or buzzing noises emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or rear hatch area, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the rattle and address it. This may involve tightening loose screws, adding padding or insulation, or replacing faulty clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (DIY fix) - $200+ (professional diagnosis and repair).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report that the sunroof occasionally malfunctions and does not close properly.
  • Solution: Inspect the sunroof tracks for debris and clean if necessary. If the problem continues, the sunroof motor may need to be replaced
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mazda 3 Sport is generally a reliable vehicle, but it does have some potential issues. The most common complaints revolve around the infotainment system, engine oil consumption, and rattling noises. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost to fix them can range from minor adjustments to more substantial repairs. The majority of these issues are not safety critical. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their purchasing decision and inspection process.