2005 Mazda MAZDA3
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.
- Complaints
- 97
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 97 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.
Air bags
26% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and inflator module.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-13
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Engine and engine cooling
20% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 MPH on a highway, all power failed as the vehicle was steered to the left into traffic on 4 separate occasions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-06
Electrical system
18% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mazda 3. While driving approximately 38 MPH around a ramp, the steering wheel seized and required excessive force to maneuver. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the engine suddenly stalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-08
Steering
15% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
Steering system failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-12
Exterior lighting
6% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mazda 3. The contact stated that the headlight socket on the passenger side of the vehicle caught fire. The contact replaced the headlight socket and approximately 18 months later the socket caught fire again.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-04
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-11-22Air bags04V559000 On two passenger vehicles, a crack in the solder connection attaching the acceleration sensor in the sas unit made contact with the base plate, damaging the solder connection.
Remedy: Dealers repaired these vehicles. The two vehicle owners were contacted by telephone on November 22, 2004, and these vehicles have been repaired.
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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…
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V559000 · Air bags
- Recall 09E011000 · Equipment
- Recall 21V494000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 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.