2004 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls
Air Bags · NHTSA 21V494000 · Jul 1, 2021
Problem: 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.
Risk: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
260,915 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Equipment · NHTSA 09E011000 · Apr 2, 2009
Problem: 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…
Risk: This may result in the bolt(s) snapping off during use or without a load. The unsecured rack and load can then come loose while driving creating a potential road hazard, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
2,323 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Air Bags · NHTSA 04V468000 · Sep 24, 2004
Problem: 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.
Risk: If this problem exists, the air will not deploy as designed in certain types of frontal crashes, increasing the risk of death or serious injury to the driver and front seat passenger.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the crash zone sensor and replace it, if necessary. The recall began on october 28, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
42,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Exterior Lighting · Aug 18, 2024 · PA
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 the interior lights, exterior front parking lights, exterior rear tail lights, and the license plate light and is controlled by the left turn signal stalk (rotating switch). Based…
Tires · Dec 21, 2023 · 150,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injured
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3 equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Ventus S1 Noble2, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a loud explosion was heard. The contact's wife alerted him that the rear driver's side tire had blown out. The contact's vehicle was then rear-ended by another vehicle, causing his…
Exterior Lighting · Aug 13, 2023 · OR
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these axles power the vehicle forward and if not maintained can snap…
Structure · Aug 13, 2023 · OR
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these axles power the vehicle forward and if not maintained can snap…
Suspension · Aug 13, 2023 · OR
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these axles power the vehicle forward and if not maintained can snap…
Air Bags · Oct 28, 2021 · 165,000 miles · CA
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…
Engine · Mar 22, 2020 · 45 miles · FL
The car ran great for the end of 2019. I bought it used at 145,000 miles. Then the automatic transmission started to slip. Now its stuck in limp mode.
Exterior Lighting · Nov 8, 2019 · 204,000 miles · MI
The tail lights go out intermittently due to a defective passenger junction box (fuse box). Tapping the box with a screwdriver handle will bring the tail lights back on for a while. This has been a mazda 3 issue over the years. The should be a recall on this.
Air Bags · May 8, 2019 · 128,680 miles · AZ
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda 3. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that the front passenger seat main module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted, but could not assist. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
Steering · Dec 15, 2017 · CA
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 this repair.
Air Bags · Oct 29, 2017 · MO
I was rear ended while pregnant and driving my 2004 mazda 3 hatchback. The airbags never deployed but I was on my way to a doctor's appointment and was able to have an ultrasound to ensure my child was safe. No insurance claim was filed but I was concerned. I was at a stop sign.
Engine · Sep 4, 2017 · 187,000 miles · AL
No problems from car no warning light. Big bang then engine making very loud knocking noise...on interstate... Still cranks but needs motor...read that lot of people have had same problems
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent one (21V494000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?
Based on 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are air bags (30), service brakes, hydraulic (30), power train (24).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners reported 18 crashes, 2 fires, 24 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.