Mazda · Mazda3 · 2005
3
Recalls
103
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2005 Mazda Mazda3 has 3 recalls and 103 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: air bags (16 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 25, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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 Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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 1-800-238-2388.
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.
Remedy Status
DEALERS REPAIRED THESE VEHICLES. THE TWO VEHICLE OWNERS WERE CONTACTED BY TELEPHONE ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004, AND THESE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was unable to contact reach the manufacturer or the local dealer for the recall repair. The contact called the number to the local dealer and the manufacturer but was unable to schedule an appointment for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair and had made it very difficult to resolve the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Invalid VIN.
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.
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
VEHICLE WILL NOT START UNLESS KEY IS ON PUT INTO NEUTRAL THEN STARTS. SOMETIMES GREEN P LIGHT DOES NOT LIGHT UP.
THE CAR SHIFTS COMPLETELY WRONG WHEN IT IS GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. SOMETIMES ITS SHIFTS REALLY HARD GOING BETWEEN THE TWO GEARS ALSO. IT KIND OF SOUNDS LIKE THE GEARS ARE GOING TO SLIP. ITS EVEN WORSE WHEN IT IS REALLY COLD OUT. IT JUMPS TO 3RD GEAR AT 15-20 MPH SOMETIMES ALSO. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR.
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT AS THE SAME ISSUE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEING ON, HAS ALREADY BEEN RECALLED IN CERTAIN VIN#S AND APPARENTLY NEEDS EXPANDING. PLEASE REFERENCE MAZDA RECALL #2504K OR NHTSA RECALL # 04V559. MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYS ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT STAYS ON WHEN PARKED OR DRIVING, IT IS ON AT ALL TIMES THE VEHICLE IS ON AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY EVENT.
THE RED AIRBAG SIGN ON THE DASHBOARD, AT FIRST WOULD COME ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY, BUT NOW IT'S ON EVERYTIME I OPERATE THE VEHICLE, INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL EITHER NOT DEPLOY OR DEPLOY INCORRECTLY. I'VE DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE WITH MANY OTHER MAZDA 3 OWNERS AND IT IS A WELL KNOWN AND PREVALENT ISSUE. IT IS NOT RELATED TO ANY EVENT, OTHER THAN NORMAL DRIVING AND OPERATION.
DRIVING AND STEERING LIGHT COMES ON,THEN HARD TO STEER LEFT OR RIGHT.TURN SWITCH OFF AND RIGHT BACK ON LIGHT GOES OFF AND STEERING RETURNS....VERY DANGEROUS
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.
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.
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.
ON FEBRUARY 15, 2015. I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR CAR ACCIDENT WITH MY GIRLFRIEND. MY LEFT REAR DOOR WAS HIT BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. I THOUGH NOTHING OF IT BECAUSE I THOUGH THE IMPACT NEEDED TO BE HARDER. THIS WAS MY FIRST CAR ACCIDENT. TODAY ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2015 AROUND 2:20PM, I WAS INVOLVED IN ANOTHER CAR ACCIDENT WITH MY GIRLFRIEND. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WAITING FOR SOME VEHICLES TO TURN. 5 SECONDS LATER, I WAS HIT FROM THE BACK. THE IMPACT WAS VERY HARD SENDING MY GIRLFRIEND AND I TO THE HOSPITAL. I HAD THE SAME RESORT WITH THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. LUCKY FOR ME, I ALWAYS WEAR MY SEATBELT BECAUSE IF I HAVE NOT. I WOULD OF BEEN MORE SERIOUSLY HURT OR DEAD.
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
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
I HAD DONE MY OIL CHANGE ABOUT 3 WEEKS BEFORE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND I FELT MY CAR RUNNING DIFFERENT, WHEN I BRAKE AND TOOK A RIGHT TURN, AND THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE CAME ON, I CHECKED AND THE AMOUNT OF OIL IN MY CAR WAS MINIMUM, THE CAR HAS NO LEAKS AND I HAD CHECKED THAT WITH A MECHANIC, SO THE CAR IS BURNING OIL.. I HAD BEEN TALKING TO MANY MECHANICS AND PEOPLE FROM AUTO PART STORES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON MY ENGINE, AND THEY SAY THAT MANY, IF NOT ALL OF THEM MAZDA3 CARS FROM THIS YEAR HAVE THAT PROBLEM, AND THE PROBLEM IS FROM THE WAY IT IS MANUFACTURED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 38 MPH AROUND A RAMP, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2005 Mazda Mazda3 has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 103 owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3 are air bags (16 reports), engine and engine cooling (15 reports), steering (12 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.