2004 Mazda MAZDA3

● Typical for this model

2004 Mazda MAZDA3
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:16:20.579Z

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 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	131
2012	226
2013	117
2014	137
2015	130
2016	103
2017	83
2018	107
2019	73
2020	32
2021	49
2022	23
2023	12
2024	10
2025	7
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 12%

12% of complaints: steering — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20140722

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, 20171215

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20140722

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!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20130223

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, 20050517

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20041028 — air bags

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.

Campaign 04V468000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090417 — equipment

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, MODEL

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 1-8

Campaign 09E011000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210828 — air bags

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.

Campaign 21V494000 — check if this car was fixed