Mazda3 (BK)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
L3V (2.3L) Federal
2.3L / 160 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
LFD (2.0L) Federal
2.0L / 150 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mazda Mazda3 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
L3V
2.3L / 144 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
LFD
2.0L / 134 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
L3T (2.3L) Turbo Federal
2.3L Turbo / 263 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda Mazda3, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3
On a used 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (304), the engine (157) and the wheels and tires (144). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 304 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 about the steering.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 about the engine.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 144 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 about the wheels and tires.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 137 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 129 owner complaints on the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 about the transmission and drivetrain.
Recalls (9)
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.
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 7, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008. THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY BENT DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS THEN OVER TIME THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE MOTOR CIRCUIT MAY INCREASE UP TO A POINT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK.
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
MAZDA IS RECALLING 7,100 MY 2009 MAZDA3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 126, "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM". THE YAW RATE MEASURED AFTER COMPLETION OF THE SINE WITH DWELL STEERING INPUT EXCEEDED THE TEST STANDARDS.
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, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Show 4 older recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NO. 4 LEFT SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BOLT MAY LOOSEN IF A SUDDEN RAPID ACCELERATION IS REPEATEDLY PERFORMED.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS, THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FLOOR MAT AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SENSOR, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT AND ILLUMINATING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT.
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 complaints?
Owners have filed 1,119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3. The systems they name most often are the steering, the engine and the wheels and tires.
Is the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 have?
NHTSA has 1,119 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls covering some 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda3?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the engine and the wheels and tires, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Mazda3 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,119 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.