Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 3 Sport.
The 2021 Mazda 3 Sport, a compact sedan, entered its first model year with only three recorded owner complaints, most of which centered on steering, and a single recall was issued. This modest complaint volume places the 2021 Sport among the more dependable entries in Mazda’s recent lineup, suggesting that early‑year concerns have not translated into widespread reliability issues. Consequently, the model year can be viewed as a solid foundation within the 3 series, reflecting generally reliable engineering despite the isolated steering complaints.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Mexico built:47, Japan built: 35 · 520 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 168.1 in |
| Overall width | 69.7 in |
| Overall height | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in |
| Curb weight | 2987 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.8 / 59.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 60/40 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
Torque lug nuts to 80.0-108.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | 80.0-85.0 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 32.0-47.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 15.0-19.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 80.0-108.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | Mexico built:47, Japan built: 35 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 520 cca |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 34-75 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure RPM | 3000 rpm |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 57-94 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure RPM | 3000 rpm |
| Intake Valve Lash | 0.009-0.012 in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | 0.009-0.012 in |
| Intake Valve Lash | 0.009-0.011 in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | 0.011-0.012 in |
| 1 | 27.0-53.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 71.0-97.0 inch lbs. | 27–53 in |
| 1 | 20.0-23.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 80-100° | 20–23 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 20.0-23.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 80-100° | 20–23 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 67.0-81.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 55-65° | 67–81 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 9.5-12.5 ft. lbs., Step 2: 32.0-34.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 85-95°, Step 4: 85-95° | 9.5–12.5 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2021 Mazda 3 Sport dominate in one area — the steering, 3 of 3 reports (100%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 1 recall campaigns target the steering, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the steering pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 3 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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. 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…
Showing 5 of 276 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA-041-26 | 2026-06-18 | Electrical System | This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in… |
| 09-019-26 | 2026-06-17 | Electrical System | This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are… |
| SA-027-26a | 2026-06-16 | Electrical System | This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted… |
| SA-031-26 | 2026-04-30 | Structure | DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle… |
| SA-029-26 | 2026-04-21 | Power Train | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.