2005 Mazda MAZDA3

● Typical for this model

2005 Mazda MAZDA3
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:16:28.852Z

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

2005: 97 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

AIR BAGS 23%

23% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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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, 20250513

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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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, 20140908

STEERING 14%

14% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

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STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20121212

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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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, 20060906

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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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, 20121204

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20041122 — air bags

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.

Campaign 04V559000 — 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