2005 Mazda Mazda3 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Mazda Mazda3, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags2419.2%
- Engine2318.4%
- Electrical1713.6%
- Steering1512.0%
- Exterior lighting64.8%
- Brakes64.8%
- Fuel system64.8%
- Heating & air conditioning43.2%
- Powertrain (other)43.2%
- Visibility32.4%
- Seat belts32.4%
- Suspension32.4%
- Tires & wheels32.4%
- Body & structure21.6%
- Interior & seats21.6%
- Driver assistance21.6%
- Transmission10.8%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, other individuals informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clock spring was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE FAILED ENTIRELY DURING ROUTINE HIGHWAY DRIVING, VEHICLE LOST FORWARD PROPULSION, EVENTUALLY COMING TO COMPLETE STOP ON THE ROAD. THERE WERE ZERO WARNING OR ANY NOTICE AT ALL THAT THE ENGINE WAS DYING. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR OVER 1 HOUR, WHILE HELP ARRIVED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Randomly, the parking lights, tail lights, and climate control lighting will fail. This has happened to me multiple times over a number of years. Striking the right side of the center console will generally result in functionality being restored. Sometimes, simply turning the lights off and then on again results in the failure as well. My assumption, based on online forums where others have had the same issues, is that the Passenger Junction Box (PJB) is faulty. Striking the center console send vibrations to the PJB, resulting in it (usually) to start working again. While I do not regularly drive the vehicle at night, my concern is that without working tail lights, I could be involved in an accident OR be ticketed for my lights not working. Others online have had the same issues, and I believe it may be an issue in multiple vehicle models and model years.
I DRIVE A 2005 MAZDA MAZDA3 SP23I, FOUR-DOOR SEDAN. A FEW MONTHS AGO, WHILE PARKED IN THE STREET, MY SON HAD RECLINED THE PASSENGER SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK AND WHEN I ASKED HIM TO RETURN IT INTO THE UPRIGHT POSITION, A RED WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY DASHBOARD. THE WARNING LIGHT HAS NEVER GONE OFF SINCE AND I AM FEARFUL THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY RATE OF SPEED THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND SOMETIMES SHUTS THE CAR DOWN. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ,MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AND HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE..ANOTHER INSTANCE , I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, THIS TIME THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN FORCING ME TO QUICKLY TRY TO RESTART THE ENGINE.
SUDDENLY LOSS OF STEERING POWER WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I DRIVE A 2005 MAZDA MAZDA3 SP23I, FOUR-DOOR SEDAN. A FEW MONTHS AGO, WHILE PARKED IN THE STREET, MY SON HAD RECLINED THE PASSENGER SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK AND WHEN I ASKED HIM TO RETURN IT INTO THE UPRIGHT POSITION, A RED WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY DASHBOARD. THE WARNING LIGHT HAS NEVER GONE OFF SINCE AND I AM FEARFUL THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
WE WERE IN A FEW ACCIDENTS AND THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE CAR DOES NOT STAY IN PARK WE MUST USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CANNOT TURN OFF THE CAR BECAUSE WHEN WE TURN IT OFF THE GEAR WILL NOT SHIFT TO DRIVE AND AS WE DRIVE THE CAR THE CAR WILL TURN OFF RIGHT THERE. SEATBELT STOPPED WORKING ON DRIVER SIDE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
THE VEHICLE WAS COMING AROUND A TURN AT ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUSE, WHEN THE VEHICLE'S RADIO WENT OFF AND STEERING LOCKED UP INTO MANUAL AND CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE CAR STALLED OUT AND ENGINE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO MOVED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND UPON RESTART HAD TO ISSUES. UPON REST OF RETURN TRIP HOME, UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE, THE CARS RADIO, THERMOMETER GAUGE AND GENERAL ELECTRONICS WOULD STOP AND RESET WHEN THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED AND GAS PEDAL APPLIED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, other individuals informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clock spring was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
ENGINE FAILED ENTIRELY DURING ROUTINE HIGHWAY DRIVING, VEHICLE LOST FORWARD PROPULSION, EVENTUALLY COMING TO COMPLETE STOP ON THE ROAD. THERE WERE ZERO WARNING OR ANY NOTICE AT ALL THAT THE ENGINE WAS DYING. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR OVER 1 HOUR, WHILE HELP ARRIVED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR, THE EVAPORATOR HAD FAILED. IT IS MOUNTED IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR AND I PAID $600 TO HAVE IT REPLACED SINCE I'M IN FLORIDA AND YOU CANNOT LIVE HERE WITHOUT IT, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE INTERIOR IS BLACK. IT IS FRUSTRATING AND EXPENSIVE AND NOT WHAT YOU EXPECT FOR A CAR THAT WAS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD. VERY DISAPPOINTING!!!!!! *TR
HI I HAVE A MAZDA 3S 4 DR SEDAN BUILD DATE MARCH-2005 THE AC IN THIS CAR IS NON FUNCTIONAL AND DOES NOT WORK THERE ARE LOT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE SAME CAR OVER THE INTERNET AND LOOKS LIKE DEALERS AS WELL AS MAZDA IS NOT TAKING A NOTE OF IT I WENT TO DEALER WITH THIS PROBLEM AND AFTER THEIR TESTING THEY TOLD ME THAT AC IS WORKING NORMAL WHICH IS NOT CORRECT. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE FAILED ENTIRELY DURING ROUTINE HIGHWAY DRIVING, VEHICLE LOST FORWARD PROPULSION, EVENTUALLY COMING TO COMPLETE STOP ON THE ROAD. THERE WERE ZERO WARNING OR ANY NOTICE AT ALL THAT THE ENGINE WAS DYING. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR OVER 1 HOUR, WHILE HELP ARRIVED.
VEHICLE WILL NOT START UNLESS KEY IS ON PUT INTO NEUTRAL THEN STARTS. SOMETIMES GREEN P LIGHT DOES NOT LIGHT UP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
(VISIBILITY)THE HEADLIGHTS BOTH BLEW AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK IN THE EARLY MORNING THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED SO I HAD TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES THE REST OF THE WAY TO WORK IN THE DARK, RUNNING LIGHTS ONLY. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS WAS APPROX. 35.00. I GUESSED A FUSE SINCE BOTH BLEW AT THE SAME TIME?? THEN THE FOLLOWING YEAR THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON MY WAY HOME. IT WAS DARK AND AGAIN I DROVE HOME WITH RUNNING LIGHTS. I THINK IT'S ODD THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME EVERY TIME. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK RIGHT. IT LOCKS UP, UNABLE TO PULL STRAP OUT TO BUCKLE UP. TOOK IT IN AND CALLED MAZDA. THEY PAID FOR REPAIR WHICH WAS QUOTED AT APPROX 89.00. ALL WAS GOOD FOR ABOUT A WEEK. I PICKED MY STEP MOM UP AND SHE WENT TO PUT HER SEATBELT ON AND IT WOULDN'T EXTEND. I HAVE FOUND THAT IF YOU WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND BEGIN DRIVING THE PASSENGER CAN USE THE BELT. IF WE DRIVE AND THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED THE SEAT BELT DOESN'T COME OUT. NOT SURE IF THAT'S A COINCIDENCE OR NOT. DIDN'T HAVE IT FIXED AGAIN, WE DEAL WITH IT. *TR
TEETH OF WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM CONNECTION ARE STRIPPED OUT BY THE WIPER MOTORS. THIS JUST HAPPENED FOR A THIRD TIME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. OCCURS WHEN THERE IS SNOW/ICE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND THE TEETH/GEAR IN THE WIPER ARM AREN'T STRONG ENOUGH TO LIFT THE WEIGHT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE IN A FEW ACCIDENTS AND THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE CAR DOES NOT STAY IN PARK WE MUST USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CANNOT TURN OFF THE CAR BECAUSE WHEN WE TURN IT OFF THE GEAR WILL NOT SHIFT TO DRIVE AND AS WE DRIVE THE CAR THE CAR WILL TURN OFF RIGHT THERE. SEATBELT STOPPED WORKING ON DRIVER SIDE.
(VISIBILITY)THE HEADLIGHTS BOTH BLEW AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK IN THE EARLY MORNING THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED SO I HAD TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES THE REST OF THE WAY TO WORK IN THE DARK, RUNNING LIGHTS ONLY. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS WAS APPROX. 35.00. I GUESSED A FUSE SINCE BOTH BLEW AT THE SAME TIME?? THEN THE FOLLOWING YEAR THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON MY WAY HOME. IT WAS DARK AND AGAIN I DROVE HOME WITH RUNNING LIGHTS. I THINK IT'S ODD THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME EVERY TIME. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK RIGHT. IT LOCKS UP, UNABLE TO PULL STRAP OUT TO BUCKLE UP. TOOK IT IN AND CALLED MAZDA. THEY PAID FOR REPAIR WHICH WAS QUOTED AT APPROX 89.00. ALL WAS GOOD FOR ABOUT A WEEK. I PICKED MY STEP MOM UP AND SHE WENT TO PUT HER SEATBELT ON AND IT WOULDN'T EXTEND. I HAVE FOUND THAT IF YOU WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND BEGIN DRIVING THE PASSENGER CAN USE THE BELT. IF WE DRIVE AND THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED THE SEAT BELT DOESN'T COME OUT. NOT SURE IF THAT'S A COINCIDENCE OR NOT. DIDN'T HAVE IT FIXED AGAIN, WE DEAL WITH IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRES FEATHER OR CUP IN LESS THAN 25000 MILES DUE TO THE REAR WHEEL FACTORY CAMBER TIRE MANUFACTURERS DO NOT RECOMMEND AGGRESSIVE CAMBER AND WILL NOT WARRANTY THE TIRES FOR PREMATURE FAILURE. MAZDA AND OTHER MANUFACTURERS KNOW THAT THE AGGRESSIVE CAMBER CAUSES TIRES TO WEAR FASTER SINCE THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS. THE FEATHERING DRASTICALLY AFFECT HANDLING ESPECIALLY IN WET WEATHER. TIRE MANUFACTURERS SHOULD STATE THE MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE CAMBER FOR THEIR TIRES AND MANUFACTURERS SHOULD CHOOSE APPROPRIATELY DESIGN TIRES FOR THIS APPLICATION. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT HAPPENS WITH FACTORY RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT SPECS. THE AGGRESSIVE CAMBER IMPROVES HANDLING BUT TIRES ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS. IF THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT BACK THE TIRE FOR THIS APPLICATION THEN THE CAR MANUFACTURER HAS IMPROPERLY DESIGNED THE SUSPENSION FOR PASSENGER CARS. THIS IS THE 3S MODEL WITH ONLY 135000 MILES AND 5TH SET OF TIRES AND ALIGNMENT CHECKED EACH TIME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH AND GOING OVER A BUMP, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL STARTED SHAKING AND MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SLOW DOWN IN ORDER TO STOP THE SHAKING AND RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKING TO THE DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HAD TO BE PLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS KUHMO LX PLATINUM TIRES, SIZE 205-50/R17 THAT WERE BEING USED ON A 2005 MAZDA, MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TREAD BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE TIRE TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
2005 MAZDA3, FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF AIR. *BF THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE MEDIAN WALL. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0285-89 UPDATED 05/03/10 *BF
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE (FORD EXPLORER) TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ACROSS MY LANE OF TRAVEL. WHILE BRAKING, MY 2005 MAZDA 3 WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DIRECTLY BETWEEN THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR AND DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR DAMAGING BOTH IN THE PROCESS. MY VEHICLE WAS THEN PUSHED INTO A VEHICLE LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION CROSS STREET. THIS COLLISION DAMAGED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR AND REAR QUARTER PANEL. AS A RESULT, 5 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED; THE FOUR DOOR CURTAIN AIRBAGS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE TORSO AIRBAG. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER MY HEAD HIT THE DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW GLASS. BECAUSE MY HEAD HIT THE GLASS HARD AND BOUNCED BACK I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION AS WELL AS WHIPLASH ON MY NECK. IF THE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN TIME, THE RESULT WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER FOR ME. *TR
CONSUMER CAN NOT SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD WHEN MAKING TURNS OR DOWN INCLINES. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE UPPER HALF OF THE WINDSHIELD BECAME DARK ESPECIALLY WHEN COMING OUT OF A DIP FROM THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER HAD TO BEND HIS HEAD DOWN UNDER THE BLACKNESS OF THE WINDSHIELD TO SEE AHEAD. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS THE SOLE OCCUPANT OF THE CAR, STOPPED AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION, WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE. DRIVER OF A PICK-UP TRUCK, TRAVELING AT 40-45 MPH FAILED TO BRAKE ADEQUATELY AND SLAMMED SQUARELY INTO THE REAR OF MY 2005 MAZDA SEDAN. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED LUCKILY AS THE CAR WAS NOT FORCED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD. HOWEVER THE SEATBACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT SNAPPED VIOLENTLY BACKWARDS JUST AFTER MY HEAD STRUCK THE RESTRAINT BOLSTER. I AM CERTAIN THAT THE SEAT BACK WAS PROPERLY LATCHED BEFORE THE CRASH AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED TO HOLD IT UPRIGHT. AFTER THE CAR WAS REPAIRED THE SEATBACK LATCHING MECHANISM SEEMS TO BE WORKING, BUT NO REPAIR WORK WAS DONE TO THE SEAT. THERE IS NO ASSURANCE TO ME THAT THIS DRIVER'S SEAT ASSEMBLY WOULD WITHSTAND ANOTHER CRASH OF ANY SORT. *AK
MY WIFE SONDRA WAS STOPPED IN OUR 2005 MAZDA3 WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY AN INDIVIDUAL DRIVING A 2001 MALIBU. THE VEHICLE WAS DOING APPROX. 30 MPH WHEN IT STUCK OUR CAR. OUR CAR WAS THEN PUSHED INTO THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF HER. MY WIFE WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL, INJURIES WERE, 8 STITCHES TO THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE, BACK AND NECK INJURIES, SHE IS UNDER GOING THERAPY AND IS WAITING FOR MORE TEST TO BE PERFORMED. THE REASON THAT I AM CONTACTING YOU IS BECAUSE OF SOME OF THE CONCERNS I HAVE ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SAFETY THAT FAILED. 1. THE DRIVERS SEATBACK BROKE DURING IMPACT. 2. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN SHE STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT OF HER. 3. THE EMERGENCY SWITCH THAT SHUTS DOWN THE FUEL SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. OUR VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED FROM ALL THE DAMAGE, THE CAR IS VALUED AT $ 18,700.00. I EMAILED MAZDA APPROX. 10 DAYS AGO ABOUT MY CONCERNS AND STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE IN A FEW ACCIDENTS AND THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE CAR DOES NOT STAY IN PARK WE MUST USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CANNOT TURN OFF THE CAR BECAUSE WHEN WE TURN IT OFF THE GEAR WILL NOT SHIFT TO DRIVE AND AS WE DRIVE THE CAR THE CAR WILL TURN OFF RIGHT THERE. SEATBELT STOPPED WORKING ON DRIVER SIDE.
MY FOOT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR AND I ATTEMPTED TO PASS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARD TO STOP. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SNAPPED BACK UP. THIS HAPPENS INFREQUENTLY BUT IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. I PURCHASED IT IN 2006. THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED IN 2007 BECAUSE THIS WAS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY BETWEEN 2006 AND 2007. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MAZDA 3 INTERNAL SENSORS GETTING STUCK AT MILEAGE FROM 35K TO 95K MAZDA AND GIVING MESSAGE AT IN DASHBOARD. IF U RESET THE COMPUTER THE CAR WORKS FINE AGAIN FOR A COUPLE OF MILES UNTIL AT MESSAGE APPEARS. WHEN U TAKE THE MAZDA TO THE MAZDA CENTER THEY TELL YOU THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION IS BAD, BUT IF U TAKE IT TO A TRANSMISSION DEALER THEY SAY IS REVERSE SOLENOID OR FIRST SOLENOID CUS OF THE CODES. BUT FIRST AND REVERSE WORK FINE WHEN U RESET THE COMPUTER, I SEARCHED THE WEB FOR AT MESSAGE IN MAZDA 3 2004-2007 HATCHBACK OR SEDAN AND IS SAME THING. I THINK IS A MAZDA FACTORY ERROR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). HELLO, I OWN A 2005 MAZDA 3. 2.3 MOTOR. I AM HAVING A LOT OF DIFFICULTIES WITH TWO MOTOR MOUNTS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TWO ARE ALREADY BROKEN. AFTER READING SEVERAL REVIEWS AND AFTER GOING TO SEVERAL AUTO MECHANICS IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT MANY CONSUMERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THESE MOTOR MOUNTS. THE MOTOR MOUNTS CAUSE INTENSE VIBRATION WHILE SLOWING AND SPEEDING. IT IS PRETTY SCARY. I WHICH THEY WOULD NOT ONLY CALL THE PART A DEFECT BUT RECALL IT. I FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND ALL THE AUTO MECHANICS TELL ME THE SAME. MAZDA OF COURSE STATES IT IS NOT A HAZARD. WHEN SOMEONE'S ENGINES DROPS OUT OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE MOTOR MOUNTS FAILING BECAUSE THEY ARE DEFECTIVE I ENSURE THEY WILL READVISE THEIR JUDGMENT. [XXX]*TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .