Is the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Mazda MAZDA3

● Typical for this model

2004 Mazda MAZDA3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:15.071Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 145
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2004: 145 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	145
2005	97
2006	166
2007	222
2008	303
2009	115
2010	686
2011	132
2012	226
2013	117
2014	138
2015	130
2016	104
2017	84
2018	109
2019	74
2020	32
2021	54
2022	24
2023	12
2024	12
2025	8
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

21% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Air bags

21% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 MAZDA3. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 45 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel seized and the contact lost control of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-22

Also filed under Steering

I was involved in a crash on i-35W just outside of downtown minneapolis. I was traveling at 60MPH and hit a concrete wall. My airbags did not deploy. Unacceptable!!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-23

Involved in a head on collison on April 18 2005 air bags did not deploy have called and emails Mazda about this and they will not help me. The car was in the shop prior to the accident for the air bag lights flashing.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-17

Power train

17% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

FIRE

Steering

13% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and column.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The lock release lever on the steering wheel get loose while the vehicle is in motion and does not locked in place. This can cause an accident and serious injuries. There should be a recall to get this repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-15

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2004-10-28Air bags04V468000 On certain passenger vehicles, a crack in the air bag crash zone sensor housing can allow water to enter the sensor, causing a short circuit and illuminating the air bag warning light.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the crash zone sensor and replace it, if necessary. The recall began on October 28, 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-04-17Equipment09E011000 Thule, inc. Is recalling 2,323 owner-installed roof-mounted fit kits, models 3068 and 3069, manufactured between January 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009 that are used with thule podium foot packs…

Remedy: Thule will mail a retro fit kit along with repair instructions to owners free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 13, 2009. Owners may contact thule toll-free at…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-08-28Air bags21V494000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between August 28, 2021 and October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 31 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 30 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 24 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V468000 · Air bags
Recall 09E011000 · Equipment
Recall 21V494000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.