Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) — Maintenance, Battery & Fault Codes | TroubleAtlas

🌐 ▾
Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024)
TROUBLEATLAS · SCOREINDEPENDENT · VERIFIED★★TA6.2/10
TroubleAtlas Score
The TroubleAtlas app on a phoneTROUBLEATLAS APP · FREEFREE APPDownload our free appDownload our free appOur shopping centre in your pocket: dozens of suppliers that deliver in your country, compared, department by department.Dozens of suppliers compared, in your country. Get it free Get it free

MAZDA MAZDA3 (2004–2024): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule

Built 2004–2024 · all production years covered on this single page

2.0L I4 • Gasoline

Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024)

© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

5 Common problems View details →
29 OBD2 codes View details →
34 Recalls / TSB View details →
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliability
n/a
Safety & recalls
n/a
Repair cost
6.7
Parts & repairability
4.1
Maintenance & durability
n/a
Documentation & support
7.9
★ How we calculate this → Methodology
TROUBLEATLAS · SCOREINDEPENDENT · VERIFIED★★TA6.2/10
Independent · Verified · Never for sale

Every figure on this Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.

The Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) is powered by a 2.0L I4 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.

⚠️ COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT

Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.

Related codes: P0217

Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT

ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.

Related codes: P0522

Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT

Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.

Related codes: P0524

Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT

Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.

Related codes: P0606

Throttle actuatorFREQUENT

Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.

Related codes: P2100

🔧 COMMON REPAIRS
🔧
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
1.0h
€70 – €90
🔧
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.1h
€77 – €99
🛢
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
🔧
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
💰 AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS

Prices may vary by area and workshop.

🔧
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
🛑
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
⚡
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
📊
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
⏱️ OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)

Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.

Brakes8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
ABS Module2.0h€ 90–€ 150
ABS Pump2.5h€ 112–€ 187
ABS Tone Ring1.5h€ 67–€ 112
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front0.8h€ 36–€ 60
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Brake Bleed - All Four1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Brake Booster2.5h€ 112–€ 187
Brake Booster Check Valve0.3h€ 13–€ 22
Cooling8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Coolant Bypass Pipe1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Coolant Flush1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Coolant Reservoir0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Coolant Temperature Sensor0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Cooling Fan Assembly1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Cooling Fan Clutch1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Cooling Fan Motor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Cooling Fan Relay0.3h€ 13–€ 22
Electrical8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Airbag - Driver1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Airbag - Passenger1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Airbag - Side2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Airbag Module/Computer1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Alternator1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Alternator Belt0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Amplifier1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Antenna0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Engine8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Boost Pressure Sensor0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Camshaft Position Sensor1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Camshaft R&R8.0h€ 360–€ 600
Connecting Rod Bearings15.0h€ 675–€ 1125
Crankshaft Position Sensor1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Crankshaft R&R20.0h€ 900–€ 1500
Cylinder Head R&R6.0h€ 270–€ 450
Cylinder Head Resurface8.0h€ 360–€ 600
Exhaust8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Air Injection Check Valve0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Catalytic Converter - California1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Catalytic Converter - Universal2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Downpipe2.0h€ 90–€ 150
EGR Cooler3.0h€ 135–€ 225
EGR Tube1.5h€ 67–€ 112
EGR Valve1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Fuel system8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Charcoal Canister1.0h€ 45–€ 75
EVAP Purge Valve0.8h€ 36–€ 60
EVAP Vent Valve0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Fuel Cap0.1h€ 4–€ 7
Fuel Filler Neck1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Fuel Filter0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Fuel Filter - In-Tank2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Fuel Injector - Single1.0h€ 45–€ 75
HVAC8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
AC Accumulator1.5h€ 67–€ 112
AC Clutch Coil1.5h€ 67–€ 112
AC Compressor2.5h€ 112–€ 187
AC Compressor Clutch2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Compressor Oil Add0.5h€ 22–€ 37
AC Condenser2.5h€ 112–€ 187
AC Evaporator6.0h€ 270–€ 450
AC Expansion Valve (TXV)4.0h€ 180–€ 300
Steering8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Center Link/Drag Link1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Electric Power Steering Module1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Electric Power Steering Motor2.5h€ 112–€ 187
Idler Arm1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Pitman Arm1.2h€ 54–€ 90
Power Steering Fluid Flush0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Power Steering Gear Box3.5h€ 157–€ 262
Power Steering Hose - High Pressure1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Suspension8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Air Line1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Air Spring/Air Bag1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Suspension Compressor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Suspension Height Sensor1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Air Suspension Valve Block2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Ball Joint - Lower1.8h€ 81–€ 135
Ball Joint - Upper1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Ball Joints - Upper and Lower3.0h€ 135–€ 225
Transmission8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Kickdown Cable0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Neutral Safety Switch1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Overdrive Solenoid2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Shift Cable1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Shift Linkage1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Shift Solenoid - Single3.6h€ 162–€ 270
Shift Solenoids - All7.8h€ 351–€ 585
Torque Converter6.0h€ 270–€ 450
💵 WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY

Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.

🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid
DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Replace when moisture content exceeds 3% or every 2-3 years
📋 RECALLS & TSB (34)
NHTSA 19V558000
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Date: 29/07/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles equipped with manual dimming mirrors. The adhesive between the interior rearview mirror and the housing may not be properly bonded, allowing the mirror to detach from the housing. Note: Vehicles eq…
NHTSA 25V357000
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software
Date: 29/05/2025
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
NHTSA 09V187000
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Date: 29/05/2009
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 D…
NHTSA 19V497000
Engine
Date: 27/06/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
NHTSA 23V718000
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Date: 26/10/2023
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
NHTSA 04V468000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 24/09/2004
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.
NHTSA 16V685000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Date: 23/09/2016
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015, to October 16, 2015. During manufacturing, the fuel tanks for the affected vehicles may have deformed, resulting in a fuel leak from the recirculation pi…
NHTSA 04V559000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 22/11/2004
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.
NHTSA 16V684000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 22/09/2016
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded…
NHTSA 16V684000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 22/09/2016
Mazda Motors North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured January 4, 2014, to September 18, 2015. The fuel tank of the affected vehicles may have been improperly handled during manufacturing and, as a result, the welded…
NHTSA 17V393000
Parking Brake
Date: 22/06/2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
NHTSA 17V393000
Parking Brake
Date: 22/06/2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
NHTSA 21V101000
Tires › Valve
Date: 22/02/2021
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
NHTSA 17V745000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Date: 21/11/2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring. The incorrect exhaust valve spring may fail while driving, potentially causing an engine stall.
NHTSA 19V907000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Date: 19/12/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
NHTSA 09V126000
Electrical System
Date: 16/04/2009
MAZDA IS RECALLING 25,400 MY 2010 MAZDA3 VEHICLES. A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE HOUSING OF STARTER MOTOR MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. DUE TO THIS, THE COVERING OF THE HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED THROUGH VIBRATION DURING OPERATION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT-CIRCUIT BETWEEN CE…
NHTSA 11V329000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Date: 15/06/2011
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 T…
NHTSA 23V487000
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Date: 14/07/2023
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
NHTSA 23V487000
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Date: 14/07/2023
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
NHTSA 19V363000
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Date: 14/05/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. Due to incorrect programing, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may erroneously turn off although the passenger air bag is deactivated. In addition, the seat belt status indicator…
NHTSA 21V875000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 12/11/2021
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
NHTSA 10V374000
Steering › Electric Power Assist System
Date: 12/08/2010
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.
NHTSA 20V346000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Date: 12/06/2020
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
NHTSA 17V082000
Seats
Date: 09/02/2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle…
NHTSA 19V425000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Date: 07/06/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The lug nuts on all four wheels may loosen, potentially resulting in a wheel detaching from the vehicle.
NHTSA 16V644000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Date: 06/09/2016
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 20…
NHTSA 19V514000
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Date: 05/07/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. The seat cover material on both front seats may interfere with the head restraint lock release button, causing it to stick in the release position and not allow the head restraint to lock into pla…
NHTSA 19V272000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Date: 04/04/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
NHTSA 24V649000
Lane Departure › Sensing System › Camera
Date: 03/09/2024
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the hea…
NHTSA 14V173000
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Date: 03/04/2014
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine an…
NHTSA 14V173000
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Date: 03/04/2014
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine an…
NHTSA 15V621000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 02/10/2015
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured May 21, 2015, to August 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank with a shut-off valve that can allow fuel to enter into the fuel tank emissions sy…
NHTSA 09E011000
Equipment
Date: 02/04/2009
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 TH…
NHTSA 21V494000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 01/07/2021
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.
🔌 COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
All documented fault codes for this vehicle

The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.

P3893
powertrain
HIGH
P3892
powertrain
MODERATE
P3891
powertrain
MODERATE
P3890
powertrain
MODERATE
P3881
powertrain
HIGH
P3880
powertrain
HIGH
P3871
powertrain
CRITICAL
P3870
powertrain
MODERATE
P3852
powertrain
CRITICAL
P3851
powertrain
HIGH
P3850
powertrain
MODERATE
P3839
powertrain
MODERATE
P3838
powertrain
MODERATE
P3837
powertrain
MODERATE
P3836
powertrain
MODERATE
P3835
powertrain
MODERATE
P3834
powertrain
MODERATE
P3833
powertrain
HIGH
P3832
powertrain
HIGH
P3831
powertrain
MODERATE
🔴 DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE

56 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.

Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
!BRAKE
Brake System WarningBrakes
K
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
+−
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
!BRAKE
ABS WarningBrakes
!BRAKE
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
!BRAKE
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
!
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
S
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
N
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
!
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
i-ACTIVSENSE Fault (Mazda)ADAS
MRCC Fault (Mazda)ADAS
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
?
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
L
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
L
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
AC
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
A
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
L
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
A
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
A
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
A
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
A
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
!
Door Open WarningBody
!
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
i-stop (Mazda)Engine
📢 REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)

2995 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Mazda Mazda3 across model years 2004–2024. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.

223 crash reports 31 fires 164 injuries 2 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 2010686
Model year 2008303
Model year 2012226
Model year 2007222
Model year 2004170
Model year 2006166
Model year 2014135
Model year 2011131
Most reported components (all years)
Steering380
Unknown Or Other356
Electrical System347
Structure274
Air Bags250
Service Brakes244
Sample reports
FUEL FILLER LINE LEAK. WHEN GAS TANK IS FULL FUEL LEAKS FROM SMALL WHOLE IN LINE THAT GOES INTO GAS TANK. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT IS WHERE THE LINE IS WELDED TO GAS TANK HAS BROKEN THE MAZDA SERVICE MANAGER TELLS ME IT'S NOT AN ISSUE THAT MA… (MY 2012)
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTED AND STICKY AND THAT MAKES IT BRIGHT WITH THE SUN AND REFLECTED IN THE GLASS INTERNALLY AND MAKES DAY DRIVING VERY DIFFICULT. (MY 2010)
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK TODAY AND SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS POSTS, MY POWER STEERING LIGHT LIT UP AND STEERING ASSIST FAILED. 4 TIMES IN THE 4 MILE TRIP. *JS (MY 2010)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. T… (MY 2007)

Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2004–2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Mazda Mazda3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — 34 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, EQUIPMENT, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.

What does fault code P0003 mean on the Mazda Mazda3?

Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0002 mean on the Mazda Mazda3?

Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0001 mean on the Mazda Mazda3?

Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

Are brakes problems common on the Mazda Mazda3?

Yes — 423 of 2900 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE , TOWED TO DEALER TO FIND OUT WHY BRAKES FAILED, IT WAS FOUND TO BE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A RUBBING OF THE BRAKE LINE ON ANOTHER PART OF THE CAR, IT WAS REPAIRED AND AT TH…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

Are steering problems common on the Mazda Mazda3?

Yes — 531 of 2900 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “THE LOCK RELEASE LEVER ON THE STEERING WHEEL GET LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND DOES NOT LOCKED IN PLACE. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUS INJURIES. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO GET THI…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

Are electrical problems common on the Mazda Mazda3?

Yes — 1124 of 2900 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “This model car has a fuse box under the glove box known as a 'passenger junction box' that has a faulty or defective relay soldered onto the circuit board. The relay is tied to lighting that includes…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

What tyres does the Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) use?

The original OEM tyre size for the Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["245/45R19"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.

Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024)?

Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.

How often should the Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) be serviced?

Routine maintenance for the Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.

Considering buying a Mazda Mazda3 (2004–2024)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.

Scroll to Top