The 2021 CX-3 is largely a carryover from its 2016 debut with the SkyActiv 2.0L four-cylinder and six-speed auto. It's mechanically solid but shares platform quirks with Mazda2 roots—watch transmission mounts, minor oil consumption, and the rear camera recall.
Transmission Mount Failure (Rear/Torque Mount)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on hard acceleration or deceleration, Vibration felt through shifter at idle, Excessive drivetrain movement visible during coast-down
Fix: Replace rear transmission mount; requires subframe support and partial exhaust drop. 1.5-2 hours labor. OEM mount recommended—aftermarket versions often fail prematurely.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Backup Camera Lens Fogging/Failure (NHTSA Recall)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Foggy or distorted camera image in reverse, Intermittent camera display loss, Moisture visible inside lens assembly
Fix: Recall 0821F addresses water intrusion causing short-circuit risk. Dealer replaces camera and reseals. If out of recall scope, aftermarket camera install runs 1 hour labor plus $150-300 part.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $250-450 (non-recall)
Mild Oil Consumption (2.0L PE-VPS)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil level drops 0.5-1 qt between changes (5,000 mi intervals), No external leaks visible, Faint blue smoke on cold start after sitting overnight
Fix: Mazda considers 1 qt per 1,000 mi 'normal' but real-world consumption around 1 qt per 3,000 mi is common. Valve stem seals are typical culprit; replacement involves head removal, 8-10 hours labor. Most owners just top off between changes unless consumption accelerates.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800 (seal replacement) or $15/qt top-offs
Transmission Fluid Cooler Line Seepage
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Small ATF drips near front of transmission bellhousing, Fluid level gradually drops over months, No shift issues initially, may develop slip if neglected
Fix: Cooler line O-rings harden and weep. Lines run along subframe—accessible from underneath with lift. 1.5 hours labor includes drain/refill. Replace both lines and O-rings as set.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Rear Wheel Bearing Noise
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Humming or growling from rear that increases with speed, Noise changes pitch during turns, ABS/traction light may trigger if sensor damaged
Fix: Hub assembly is pressed into knuckle—requires hub puller and press work. Most shops replace entire knuckle assembly to avoid press time. 2-2.5 hours per side labor.
Estimated cost: $400-650 per side
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps at low speed, Vague steering feel or minor wander, Tire feathering on inner edge if severe
Fix: Rear bushings in lower arms tear from road salt and flex. OEM arms come with bushings installed—no press work needed. 2 hours labor both sides includes alignment.
Estimated cost: $500-750 (both sides + alignment)
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 60k mi despite 'lifetime' claim—extends cooler line and solenoid life significantly.
Check oil level monthly if above 60k mi; early detection of consumption lets you address seals before piston ring damage.
Inspect rear camera lens quarterly and reseal with clear silicone if moisture appears—prevents costly failure outside recall window.
Use OEM transmission and engine mounts; aftermarket versions collapse within 20k mi on this platform.
Solid daily driver if maintained—avoid high-mileage examples with no trans fluid service history, but otherwise a safe used buy under 80k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Compact group size; located in engine bay
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2018-2021 Mazda CX-3 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Sensor calibration auto-learns after driving cycles
Rear View Camera Module (RVM)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly, above license plate
⚠️ Plug-and-play; no coding required
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 23V487000
2023-07-14
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Performance
Horsepower
148hp
Torque
146lb-ft
0–60 mph
9.1sec
Quarter mile
16.8sec
Top speed
116mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
29mpg
Highway
34mpg
Combined
31mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Payload
850lb
Curb weight
2,809lb
EPA class
Compact Cars
Wiper blades
Final year for CX-3 in US market (discontinued after 2021).
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 2.0L I4 PE-VPS and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.