There’s a lot to like about the 2021 Mazda3. It’s available as your choice of a hatchback or sedan, both of which are equally stylish. It’s plenty of fun to drive and is pretty fuel-efficient too. But can you expect this year’s new Mazda3 to be reliable? Fortunately, there’s more than enough data available to make this kind of determination.

Determining the 2021 Mazda3’s reliability ratings

If you want to understand how reliable a vehicle is, Consumer Reports has some of the best data out there. Its reliability data is taken from an annual survey that asks Consumer Reports members to report on any issues they have had with their vehicle during the last 12 months. In its most recent survey, Consumer Reports was able to gather responses on over 329,000 vehicles. Consumer Reports then used that data to determine just how reliable 2021 model year vehicles will be.

Predicted reliability ratings for the 2021 Mazda3

The Mazda3 has been around for quite some time. And according to Consumer Reports, between 2014 and 2018, it earned itself a five out of five reliability verdict. Pretty impressive, right? The bad news is, however, that after a 2019 redesign, the Mazda3 did see its reliability ratings fall to a three out of five score. Fortunately, the 2020 model was able to make up for that low rating by securing a five out of five reliability rating.

As for this year’s model? Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Mazda3 a four out of five predicted reliability rating. While the Mazda3 missed out on a perfect score, a four out of five predicted reliability rating really isn’t all that bad. So what dragged the Mazda3’s score down? Per Consumer Reports, it has to do with the vehicle’s body integrity, which may experience some unexpected noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, and leaks.

Taking a look at Mazda’s standard warranty coverage

The 2021 Mazda3 does come covered by a standard warranty. Standard warranty coverage includes a New-Vehicle Limited Warranty that lasts for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Mazda3 is also standard with a Powertrain Limited Warranty that lasts for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. It comes standard with a 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program too.

While such coverage might seem suitable, Mazda doesn’t offer the best warranty out there. So, if you’re looking for even more coverage, you may want to reconsider the 2021 Mazda3. Automakers like Hyundai and Kia both offer warranties that last significantly longer. And when I say significantly longer, I’m talking 10 years. Unlike Mazda, both automakers include a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty as standard on all new models.

Is the Mazda3 reliable?

All in all, you can expect the 2021 Mazda3 to be fairly reliable. While this year’s model didn’t earn itself a perfect score, a four out of five predicted reliability rating is pretty promising. And if something does go wrong? Fortunately, this year’s new model comes standard with a warranty.