Is the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 Mazda MAZDA3

◆ Worse than typical

2006 Mazda MAZDA3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:33.649Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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: 166
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2006: 166 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.

Steering

17% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

16% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph when the driver-side airbag deployed without warning which resulted in the contact losing control of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-11-02

My 2006 Mazda was in a serious accident last month and my air bag did not inflate properly along with the warning logo a few days before the accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-04

Tl* the contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2006 Mazda MAZDA3.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-03-25

Electrical system

13% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASHFIRE

Power train

13% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

Engine

10% · 17 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda MAZDA3. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 65 MPH, he heard a loud knocking noise as the vehicle spontaneously combusted. The contact mentioned that the flames originated from under the hood area.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-13

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2006Complaint volume 166 complaints filed for this model year.
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

2006 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 29 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 27 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 have?: 2 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.