2006 Mazda MAZDA3
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
16% of complaints: steering — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY15% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20211102
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, 20210804
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER SON WHO OWNED A 2006 MAZDA MAZDA3.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210325
10% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20130913
10% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E011000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V494000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.