2006 Mazda MAZDA3

◆ Worse than typical

2006 Mazda MAZDA3
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:47:54.217Z

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 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	83
2018	108
2019	74
2020	32
2021	49
2022	24
2023	12
2024	12
2025	7
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STEERING 17%

17% of complaints: steering — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and electric power assist system.

CRASH INJURY

AIR BAGS 16%

16% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASH INJURY

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, 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASH FIRE

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

ENGINE 10%

10% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.

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, 20130913

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2006 — complaint volume: 166

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