Mazda

Mazda3 (BK)

2004-2009 · Compact Sedan · 5 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.6)
1,154 NHTSA Complaints
9 Recalls
15 Fire Reports
131 Crash Reports
Includes data from: MAZDA3MAZDASPEED3
View all 4 generations of the Mazda Mazda3 → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

LFD (2.0L) Federal

2.0L / 150 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.6)
246 complaints 21.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
97
wheels tires
37
safety systems
30
brakes
25
electrical
22

Known Issues

Steering Issues (97 complaints)
Typical onset: 28,358–89,750 mi Est. repair: $291–$1,250 (6 reports)
Wheels/Tires Issues (37 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (30 complaints)

L3V (2.3L) Federal

2.3L / 160 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.2)
281 complaints 25.0 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
89
wheels tires
35
brakes
32
electrical
30
safety systems
30

Known Issues

Steering Issues (89 complaints)
Typical onset: 46,375–92,500 mi
Wheels/Tires Issues (35 complaints)
Est. repair: $120–$500 (8 reports)
Brakes Issues (32 complaints)

L3V

2.3L / 144 hp
Avoid (1.8)
200 complaints 33.3 per year
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
45
engine
40
safety systems
37
transmission
24
cooling
22

Known Issues

Steering Issues (45 complaints)
Typical onset: 49,175–96,880 mi
Engine Issues (40 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (37 complaints)

L3T (2.3L) Turbo Federal

2.3L Turbo / 263 hp
Avoid (1.7)
61 complaints 11.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
31
engine
15
cooling
12
suspension
5
wheels tires
5

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (31 complaints)
Engine Issues (15 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (12 complaints)

Same engine used in

LFD

2.0L / 134 hp
Avoid (1.3)
106 complaints 21.2 per year
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
32
engine
20
safety systems
17
transmission
11
cooling
11

Known Issues

Steering Issues (32 complaints)
Engine Issues (20 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)

5 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mazda Mazda3 regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (263 complaints)
steering critical
Safety Systems Issues (116 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Engine Issues (80 complaints)
engine critical
Wheels/Tires Issues (73 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Transmission Issues (68 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (9)

21V494000Jan 6, 2021serious
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.

11V329000Jun 14, 2011serious
Visibility

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.

10V374000Dec 7, 2010serious
Steering

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.

09V187000May 28, 2009cosmetic
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

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.

09E011000Feb 3, 2009serious
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, 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.

07V052000Feb 14, 2007serious
Equipment

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS, THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FLOOR MAT AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

07V295000Oct 6, 2007serious
Engine & Cooling

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NO. 4 LEFT SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BOLT MAY LOOSEN IF A SUDDEN RAPID ACCELERATION IS REPEATEDLY PERFORMED.

04V468000Sep 23, 2004critical
Air Bags

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.

04V559000Nov 21, 2004serious
Air Bags

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.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

The 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 has accumulated 1,154 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Safety Systems, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mazda Mazda3 engine is most reliable?

The 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 was offered with 10 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.3L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 a good used car?

The 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,154 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 have?

The 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 has 1,154 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3?

There are 9 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2009 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda3?

Before buying a used Mazda Mazda3, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Safety Systems, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 1,154 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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