Compare two vehicles

Spot recall, complaint, investigation, and fuel-cost differences before you trust the listing. No VIN required to start.

Vehicle A

Gasoline · 31 combined MPG · Front-Wheel Drive

Vehicle B

Gasoline · 30 combined MPG · Front-Wheel Drive

No VIN required to compare

More recall homework

2020 Mazda Mazda3

has more recalls listed.

More complaint activity

2021 Mazda Mazda3

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

Similar activity

Open investigation counts are similar.

Lower estimated fuel cost

2021 Mazda Mazda3

may cost less to fuel.

Short answer: Mazda3 needs more recall homework, Mazda3 has more complaint activity, Mazda3 has more severity reports and Mazda3 has the lower fuel-cost estimate. Confirm the exact VIN before buying.

Public-record comparison

Rows show model-year records, not exact VIN status.

Record 2021 Mazda Mazda3 2020 Mazda Mazda3 Difference
Total recalls 1 2 Mazda3 has 1 more recalls
Total complaints 49 31 Mazda3 has 18 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 2 / 2 / 1 / 0 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 Mazda3 has 5 more severity reports
Defect investigations 0 0 Similar
Open investigations 0 0 Similar
Manufacturer communications 609 601 Mazda3 has 8 more communications
Recall completion reports 8 14 Mazda3 has 6 more reports
Warranty programs 37 22 Mazda3 has 15 more warranty programs
Service campaigns 6 6 Similar
Software notices 0 0 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall Feb 22, 2021 Jun 12, 2020 Mazda3 has newer activity
Latest complaint Jan 25, 2026 Mar 13, 2026 Mazda3 has newer activity
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Engine
  • Air Bags
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Electrical System
 Different
Fuel type Gasoline Gasoline Same
Efficiency 31 combined MPG 30 combined MPG Different
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $1,950 $2,000 Mazda3 about $50 less
Safety-rating records 4 4 Similar

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2021 Mazda Mazda3

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had engine and air bags repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

2020 Mazda Mazda3

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had forward collision avoidance and service brakes forward collision avoidance repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

What to inspect first

2021 Mazda Mazda3

  • Engine: stalling, rough idle, oil use, warning lights
  • Air Bags: warning lights, crash repairs, recall completion
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

2020 Mazda Mazda3

  • Forward Collision Avoidance: sensors, alerts, automatic braking, cameras
  • Service Brakes Forward Collision Avoidance: vibration, pulsing, noise, stopping distance
  • Electrical System: warning lights, screens, battery drain, accessories

Always get an independent mechanic inspection.

Do not buy on model-year data alone.

Confirm the exact VIN before purchase and check for new updates.

Learn what a VIN check can and cannot show