2004 MAZDA Mazda3 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
170
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
23 complaints
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 confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V468000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Oct 28, 2021
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 FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,680.
May 08, 2019
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.
Oct 29, 2017
WAS IN ACCIDENT HIT DITCH AND TREE HEAD ON AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURY TO FACE FROM HITTING STEERING WHEEL. WAS ON CITY STREET AND IN MOTION.
Nov 04, 2015
WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON FOR WEEKS THEN IT WILL TURN OFF. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR.
May 29, 2015
+ 18 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
21 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH AN OIL FILTER HOUSING CRACK. THE DEALER ALSO OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,000.
Jul 01, 2011
I OWN A 2004 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK THAT I PURCHASED NEW. THE CAR HAS 74,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED FAITHFULLY BY MAZDA TECHNICIANS. DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. TO REITERATE, THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. HAD MY WIFE NOT NOTICED, AND HAD WE PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, IT WOULD HAVE BURNED DOWN THE HOUSE WITH US IN IT. WE MANAGED TO PUT THE CAR OUT AND TOOK IT TO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD US THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FROZE AND THE BELT CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE FRICTION; THIS THEN IGNITED PLASTIC SPLASH GUARDS UNDER THE VEHICLE. ALL TOTAL - $1500 IN DAMAGE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE COMPRESSOR SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED A FIRE, AND IN FACT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. I CONTACTED MAZDA AND ASKED THEM TO RECOMPENSE THE DAMAGE FROM THE FAILED COMPRESSOR AND THE FIRE, AND THEY REFUSE TO ASSIST ME (OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ONE OF THEIR PRODUCTS' SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION IS A PROBLEM), OR COMPENSATE ME. I AM LESS CONCERNED ABOUT COMPENSATION THAN I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS ON THE ROADS, BEING DRIVEN BY FAMILIES, WAITING TO CATCH FIRE AND BURN. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND ADDRESSED QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS OR EVEN WARNINGS FROM MAZDA THAT THIS IS A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. PLEASE, I AM ASKING THAT THE NHTSA ASSIST IN DOING SOMETHING BEFORE THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL MANUFACTURER DEFECT COSTS SOMEONE THEIR LIFE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Nov 01, 2010
2004 MAZDA 3 WITH 2.3 LITER ENGINE AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAZDA HAS A POOR DESIGN ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING. THE END IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THESE END CAPS TEND TO FATIGUE AND CRACK WITH AGE. THIS PART IS EXPOSED TO HIGH HEAT, VIBRATIONS, AND TORQUE. WHEN IT CRACKS AND LEAKS IT LEADS TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
Sep 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 3. SINCE 2007, THE CONTACT HEARD A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE NOISE INTENSIFIED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,036. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER AS WELL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,200.
Dec 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 3. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLASHED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN THREE TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Oct 06, 2008
+ 16 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
21 complaints
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 THE SAME TIME THE OTHER SIDE WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIAN, SAID IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT AND TOOK A PHOTO FOR US, AND WE CONTACTED MAZDA ABOUT THE PROBLEM WE HAVE HEARD BACK FROM THEM AS OF TODAY. *TR
Feb 02, 2010
I OWN A 2004 MAZDA 3-MANUAL (5 SPEED). IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT AND EACH YEAR I GET IT INSPECTED. EVERY YEAR LARGE AMOUNTS OF BRAKE DUST ACCUMULATES ON THE REAR WHEELS FROM THE REAR BRAKES. AS A RESULT THE BRAKE PADS ON THE REAR ARE COMPLETELY WORN WHILE THE FRONT BRAKES SEEM TO BE UNTOUCHED. THIS, ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE PROFESSIONAL IS AN INDICATION OF A FAULTY BRAKING SYSTEM. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS IN THE PAST AND HAVE ONLY REPLACED THE REAR BRAKES A FEW TIMES WHILE I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN CONTACTING 3 DIFFERENT MAZDA DEALERSHIPS I WAS TOLD IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE BACK BREAKS AND THEY WILL DO NOTHING FOR THE FRONT SINCE THEY DO NOT SEE A PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS FAILED TO ENGAGE THE ABS 2 TIMES, LUCKILY THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AROUND ME AND MISS ME. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO MY BRAKES FAILING TO ENGAGE ON THE FRONT! THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY MAZDA IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT! *TR
May 28, 2008
I AM GETTING 13MPG ON A MAZDA3. COMPANY IS UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO REPAIR. BRAKES NEEDED SERVICE AT 12 AND 20,000 MILES. ONLY 20,000 MILES IN 4 YEARS. ALWAYS FEELING OF DRAGGING AND THEY CLAIM NO BRAKE OR OTHER PROBLEM. *TR
May 12, 2008
THE REAR BRAKES ON OUR 2004 MAZDA3 ARE WORN TO THE ROTORS FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 77,000 MILES. WHEN WE FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THE REAR BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING, SO WE INFORMED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. WE ASSURED THAT THIS IS NORMAL, IT SHOULD GO AWAY IN A FEW THOUSAND MILES. IT NEVER WENT AWAY. I NOW NEED A THIRD SET OF REAR BRAKES, AND THE FRONTS ARE STILL IN GOOD SHAPE. IN ALL MY YEARS OF WORKING AROUND VEHICLES, I'VE NEVER SEEN A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CAR THAT THE REAR BRAKES WORE FASTER THAN THE FRONT. IT'S NOW OBVIOUS TO ME AFTER DOING IN DEPTH INTERNET RESEARCH THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH BOTH THE MAZDA3 AND MAZDA6. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL YET? IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOME GETTING INJURED OR EVEN KILLED DUE TO BRAKE MALFUNCTION BEFORE THIS IS ADDRESSED? IF ONE REAR BRAKE WEARS FASTER THAN THE OTHER, AND A DRIVER HAS TO MAKE A PANIC STOP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ONE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND THE OTHER......YOU GET THE POINT. *TR
Dec 28, 2007
I HAVE NOTIFY BY THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THE REAR BRAKE PAD IS NOT GOOD FIT WITH THE BRAKE SOCKET, IT HAVE A LOOSE SPACE, AND IT CREATED SOME NOISE I CAN'T CONCENTRATE ON DRIVING. *TR
Dec 13, 2007
+ 16 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
16 complaints
I HAVE CAR JM1BK12F64[XXXX], MAZDA 3, 2004, 2.0L. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE AXLE SHAFT OF MY CAR. I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS CAR HAS RECALLS OR WARRANTY. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN DEALER OF PUERTO RICO BUT IT WAS AN IMPORT FROM THE USA. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 26, 2013
1) DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON HIGHWAY, AT 4TH GEAR. 2) TRANSMISSION FAILED TO PUT POWER INTO THE WHEELS, CAUSING THE CAR TO DECELERATE RAPIDLY EVEN THOUGH RPM RISES WHEN THROTTLE IS PRESSED. ONLY 1ST AND 2ND GEARS ARE ABLE TO TRANSFER POWER FROM ENGINE TO WHEELS. 3) DEALER REFUSE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION, EVEN THOUGH MALFUNCTIONING OF THIS PARTICULAR PART ARE APPARENT TO MANY OF THE OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Jun 24, 2011
AFTER LESS THAN 40,000 MILES THE CLUTCH IN MY 2004 MAZDA 3 FAILED COMPLETELY AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIR BILL COST ME $1,100. *TR
Mar 17, 2011
2004 MAZDA 3 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURES. 1ST OFFENSE, IT REQUIRED A PCM VALVE/SOLENOID REPLACED., 2ND OFFENSE: TRANSMISSION LOST 4TH GEAR AND WONT SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR. CAR IS IN A SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. ONLY GOES UP TO 35 MPH IF SHIFT MANUALLY AND IN 3RD GEAR, OTHERWISE IT REVS, JERKS, STALLS, ETC . *TR
Jan 25, 2011
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRANSMISSION OF MY 2004 MAZDA 3 WITH ONLY 84,000KM DIED AS IT LOST THE ABILITY TO REACH 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. THIS INCIDENT NEARLY COST ME MY LIFE YET MAZDA CANADA WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. WHAT KIND OF COMPANY CAN NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AFTER SUCH A NEAR-FATAL INCIDENT. SUFFICE TO SAY THAT MAZDA WILL NEVER GET MY BUSINESS AGAIN. $3,200 LATER, I'M STILL ALIVE NO THANKS TO MAZDA. *TR
Aug 20, 2010
+ 11 more complaints for this component
STEERING
14 complaints
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.
Dec 15, 2017
POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY. OFTEN STARTS WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT. THE POWER STEERING FAILURE LIGHT , OR SOMETIMES ALL WARNING LIGHTS, COME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AND THE CAR IS DIFFICULT AND HAZARDOUS TO NAVIGATE TO A STOP. ELECTRONICS FLASH ON AND OFF (HEADLIGHTS, RADIO, ETC.). CAR SOMETIMES DIES. IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT PERFECTLY STRAIGHT WHEN THE CAR DIES, IT IS LOCKED AND THE CAR CANNOT BE RESTARTED UNTIL SOMEONE CAN WRENCH THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED OFF AND ON FOR A YEAR. SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT, MECHANICS ARE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM.
Aug 03, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 3. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WAS HARD TO TURN. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON A FEW TIMES AND SHIFTED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT, BUT THE WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,173.
Apr 29, 2016
I STARTED MY CAR AND MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON MY DASH WHEN I WAS LEAVING WORK ON 4/2/2015. I HAD NO POWER STEERING AT ALL. I'VE HAD A REPAIR SHOP TELL ME IT IS MY POWER STEERING PUMP THAT HAS FAILED. THEY STATED THAT THEY CANNOT ORDER THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE, WHICH IS THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP. I CALLED A NEARBY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO GO THROUGH A ZIP DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT IS A VIN SPECIFIC PART. THEY QUOTED ME $900 FOR A POWER STEERING PUMP AND $315 TO INSTALL IT! I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE AND HAVE NOTICED THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE AS MINE. BUT AFTER CHECKING WITH YOUR WEBSITE, IT STATES THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL BUT IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES AS STATED IN THE RECALL INFORMATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ASSISTANCE. *TR
Apr 07, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Oct 28, 2013
+ 9 more complaints for this component
TIRES
9 complaints
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 vehicle to turn 360 degrees. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was not injured, but his wife suffered from neck pain. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's workplace and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. A body shop repaired the vehicle. The tire manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to send in the faulty tire. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was 150,000.
Dec 21, 2023
BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES ON 3/23/12. THREE OF THESE TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
Jun 27, 2015
2004 MAZDA 3 WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT THEN THE DRIVER SPUN OUT AND STRUCK THE CONCRETE BARRIER. *NJ (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0278-89)*JB LETTER UPDATED 03/17/10*BF UPDATED 04/13/10 *BF
Aug 28, 2008
SIDEWALL SEPARATION GOODYEAR EAGLE RSA TIRE ORIGINAL TIRE ON 2004 MAZDA 3 DRIVEN 21,400 MILES. PREVIOUSLY 2 UNEXPLAINED FLAT TIRES. TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO CHECK TIRES. NO CAUSE FOUND. FOR THE THIRD TIME, AIR WAS LEAKING FROM THE TIRE AND THE SIDEWALL SEPARATION WITH A LARGE DEEP CRACK WAS 3/4 AROUND THE TIRE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A GOODYEAR DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT ONLY THE EAGLE RSA WERE BEING REPLACED ON THE NISSAN'S AND NOT THE MAZDA 3. NO FURTHER EXPLANATION WAS AVAILABLE. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE AT LEAST ONE TIRE AND PERHAPS ALL FOUR BECAUSE OF THIS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Sep 13, 2007
ALL 4 EAGLE RS A P205 GOODYEAR TIRES ON MY 2004 MAZDA 3 4 DOOR SEDAN ARE DEFECTIVE. ONE TIRE THE SIDEWALL TOTALLY CRACKED AND SEPARTED AND THE OTHER 3 TIRES ARE BEGINNING TO CRACK AND SEPARTE. I BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND ARE A SAFETY HAZZARD. THE GOODYEAR DEALER HAS REFUSED TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. I KNOW THE TIRES ON THE NISSAN CARS ARE BEING REPLACED FOR THE SAME DEFECT. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE ONE TIRE AND THE DEALER DID NOT CHECK THE OTHER 3 TIRES WHICH WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO SHOWED ME THE SEPARATING SIDEWALLS AND TOLD ME THAT THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE LISTED AS THE ONLY OPTION FOR EAGLE RSA ON YOUR FORM IS P245. THESE TIRES IN QUESTION ARE P205 SO I AM NOT SURE HOW TO REPORT THIS DEFECT.
Sep 13, 2007
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
6 complaints
I WAS FILLING MY GAS TANK UP AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING ON THE GROUND.DROPED CAR OFF FOR REPAIR. GARAGE DID SMOKE TEST OF FUEL TANK AND IDENTIFIED THAT THE PLASTIC RING ON FUEL PUMP WAS CRACKED, THE GARAGE HAD TO REMOVE THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE THE PLASTIC RING AND SEAL. MY WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THIS REPAIR AND IT COST ME OUT OF POCKET $399.96 MY REQUEST IS THIS COVERED UNDER ANY REGULATIONS OR RECALLS ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE? *TR
Nov 23, 2013
BUCKING AND LOSS OF POWER, NOISE COMING FROM AREA NEAR FUEL PUMP UNTIL PART FAILED COMPLETELY AND CAR WOULD NOT START, OR IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE TO BE REPLACED. FOUR FUEL PUMPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN 10 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP OF NEW CAR. *NM
Sep 16, 2005
AFTER DRIVING 45 MPH ON BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS, I WAS EXITING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS, I HAD A LOSS OF POWER THAT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. COULD NOT EASILY RECREATE THE PROBLEM, SO I DID NOT GO TO THE DEALER ABOUT IT. *NM
Aug 12, 2005
DURING ACCELLERATION LOSES POWER, HESITATES, FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL AND SMOKE COMES OUT OF EXHAUST. DEALER HAS REPLACED FUEL PUMP, PROBLEM GOT BETTER FOR A SHORT PERIOD BUT HAS BEGUN TO REOCCUR. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SO THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. TWO FAILED REPAIR ATTEMPTS - COUNTING UP TO LEMON LAW!
Jul 21, 2005
MY MAZDA3 IS 4 MONTHS OLD AND I HAVE BEEN TOWED 2 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 DAYS. BOTH TIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON FIRST, THEN THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING ROUGH AND THEN I LOST ACCELERATION POWER AND COULD ONLY GO A FEW MILES AN HOUR TO PULL OVER. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS WITHIN 2 MILES OF THE DEALERSHIP AFTER I HAD PICKED IT UP FROM "GETTING FIXED"--THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS "LOW ON GAS" (UNDER 1/4 TANK). PRIOR TO THIS I WAS HAVING HESITATIONS AT 30 MILES AN HOUR--MOST NOTICABLE WHEN ENGINE WAS COLD. THE DEALER COULD NEVER NOTICE THE PROBLEM DESPITE MY BRINGING IT FOR SERVICE 2 TIMES. ? IF THE PROBLEMS ARE ALL RELATED OR NOT.*AK
Dec 03, 2004
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaints
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AROUND THE AIR CONDITIONER CONTROLS WERE NOT ON, THOUGHT IT WAS A SHORT OR A BLOWN FUSE, PLANNED ON CHECKING ONCE RETURNING HOME THAT NIGHT. HOWEVER WAS PULLED OVER BY LOCAL POLICE DEPT AND TOLD I DIDN'T HAVE ANY TAIL LIGHTS. CHECKED ALL FUSES RIGHT THEN, ALL FUSES WERE GOOD. DROVE HOME WITH EMERGENCY FLASHERS ON TO AVOID BEING HIT. TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY THEY CHECKED ALL FUSES AND FOUND THE FUSES WERE GOOD BUT FOUND THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAD BLOWN. TWO WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING, NO LIGHTS AROUND AIR CONDITIONER CONTROLS SO I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND DISCOVERED NO TAIL LIGHTS. TOOK CAR BACK TO SAME MECHANIC AND UPON RESEARCHING HE FOUND THAT THIS MODEL HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER JUNCTION BOX (FUSE BOX) HAVING SHORTS. WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE JUNCTION BOX AND THE REPLACEMENT BOX IS APPROXIMATELY $800. WITH THIS BEING A KNOWN PROBLEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO REPLACE ALL PASSENGER JUNCTION BOXES! I COULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT FROM NOT HAVING TAIL LIGHTS AND NOT KNOWING IT!!!!! *JS
Apr 18, 2012
MY 2004 MAZDA 3 OFTEN STALLS WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM AND THEY WON'T FIX IT. I THINK MAZDA CORPORATION HAS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT CAUSE IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO MANY MAZDA 3 OUT THERE AND IT ALWAYS SCARE ME WHENEVER MY CAR STALLS ON THE FREEWAY AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Apr 23, 2008
DT: THE ENGINE JUST TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE CUT OFF TWICE WHEN TRYING TO GO UP HILL AT 20 MPH. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 20TH, 2005. THE EVOLUTION WAS ROUGHLY AT 10,000 FEET. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. *AK *SC
Aug 22, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 2004 MAZDA RX 8 STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 20-35 MPH. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. , BUT AFTERWARDS ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE VEHICLE DIED. THE CONSUMER REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER ,AND THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND FOUND NOTHING BUT SUGGESTED THAT HE DO A TUNE UP ON THE CAR. THE CAR HAS HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS AND HAS DRIVEN FINE BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. THE OWNER NOTICED BEFORE THIS HAPPENED THAT HE HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 100 MILES WHEN THE CAR STALLED. THIS WAS ON BOTH OCCASIONS. THE DEALER DID DO A COMPUTER UPDATE. *AK
Aug 10, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
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 on my experience and many others (on the Mazda 3 forums), this relay has the tendency to fail and cause all of these lights tied to this relay to intermittently or permanently be disabled. There is no warning for this; the driver will only notice when driving at night that the interior illumination of the dashboard goes completely dark, which could cause disorientation and confusion as to whether or not the car is operable. Subsequently, the problem can be recreated by attempting to turn the lights on and off and there will be no response (and no clicking noise...it is audible when working and it switches on); the relay fails to operate and all the lights will not turn on. Driving at night without tail lights is extremely dangerous and I am surprised this has not caused serious injury from rear-ending incidents in nighttime or inclement weather situations. The serial/model number of junction box on my vehicle is BN8B-66730-C and many others on the forums have had the same issue with the same model, as well as other variations of the box. Some on the forums went as far as replacing the culprit relay (see attachment); however, at the risk of destroying the entire junction box and rendering the vehicle unusable. I finally ended up purchasing a replacement unit on eBay which corrected the issue so far and has made the lights reliable again.
Aug 18, 2024
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.
Nov 08, 2019
HEADLIGHT CASING HAS ALWAYS ALLOWED MOISTURE AND CONDENSATION TO BUILD UP INSIDE OF THEM SINCE THE FIRST YEAR WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2004. WE WERE ALWAYS TOLD BY MAZDA BAKERSFIELD THAI WAS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT NOT ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. WE CONSTANTLY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS OVER THE YEARS. SOMETIMES THEY WOULD LAST SEVERAL MONTHS BUT ALWAYS THEY WOULD BURN OUT. IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE HEADLAMPS IN OUR NEW 2010 MAZDA 3 STARTED BUILDING CONDENSATION INSIDE DURING THE FIRST YEAR THAT WE AGAIN QUESTIONED THIS ISSUE. AGAIN WE WERE TOLD IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT AND NOT A PROBLEM. IN NOVEMBER OF 2013 BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON OUR 2010 FAILED. ONLY THEN WE GIVEN THE TRUE INFORMATION THAT THE MOISTURE THEY ALLOWED TO STAY INSIDE THE HEADLAMP AREA IS WHAT WAS SHORTING OUT THE BULBS. THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS AND EVEN MULTIPLE SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS EXACT ISSUE TELLING DEALER TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMP CASING. YET NO RECALL AND BECAUSE OF THAT AT LEAST 3SERVICE CENTERS WHERE WE HAVE TAKEN OUR VEHICLES FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS HAVE REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNTIL NOW. NOW CONVENIENTLY THEY HAVE OFFERED TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLES. OF COURSE THAT'S TO E TUNE OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THE 2010 ALONE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT SUCH A DANGEROUS DEFECT HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO CONTINUE FOR SO MANY YEARS. *TR
Jan 08, 2014
ENGINE
3 complaints
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.
Mar 22, 2020
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
Sep 04, 2017
THE ENGINE MOUNTS HAVE FAILED AND THE CAR'S ENGINE LURCHES APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES IN EACH DIRECTION AND VIBRATES WHILE IDLING. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INDICATES THEY HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF THESE ENGINE MOUNTS FAIL ON THIS MODEL DUE TO POOR/FLIMSY DESIGN. *TR
Oct 29, 2013
STRUCTURE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION AND THE DOOR FRAME WAS STARTING TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT PORTIONS OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CORROSION WAS IN AREAS THAT WERE BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Jul 27, 2015
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2004 MAZDA3 SPORT GT WHICH I PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2004. THE CAR HAS BEEN RUSTPROOFED BY KROWN SINCE IT'S FIRST YEAR, IS WASHED AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK (MORE OFTEN IN WINTER MONTHS), AND IS OTHERWISE VERY WELL MAINTAINED. CURRENTLY I AM HAVING TO DEAL WITH A MAJOR RUST ISSUE WHICH, FROM READING MAZDA FORUM ENTRIES, IS PROVING TO BE EXTREMELY COMMON IN MY YEAR AND MAKE OF CAR. FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS THERE HAS BEEN COMPLETE RUSTING ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAR WHEEL WELLS WHICH HAS BEEN MENTIONED TO MY DEALERSHIP, TO NO AVAIL. NOW I ALSO HAVE RUSTING AT THE BOTTOM OF BOTH REAR PASSENGER DOORS, AND AT THE SEAMS BY THE BUMPER. ASIDE FROM THAT ISSUE, THE PAINT ON ALL 4 DOORS AND ON THE LIFTGATE (IT IS A HATCHBACK) IS BLISTERING! I DID BRING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT WAS FLATLY TOLD THAT THERE IS ONLY A "PERFORATION" WARRANTY WHICH ONLY PERTAINS TO ACTUAL HOLES. MAZDA CANADA IS THEREFORE UNWILLING TO HELP DEFRAY ANY PART OF THE CONSIDERABLE REPAIR BILL. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO 3 SHOPS TO GET REPAIR ESTIMATES WHICH RANGE IN COST FROM $1000 TO FIX JUST THE OBVIOUS RUST SPOTS TO $1800 TO ALSO ADDRESS ALL THE BLISTERING. BASICALLY MOST OF THE CAR, WITH THE EXCEPTIONS OF THE FRONT HOOD (WHICH I HAD COVERED IN CLEAR COATING WHEN I GOT IT) AND THE ROOF, NEEDS TO BE SANDBLASTED AND COMPLETELY REFINISHED TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THE ISSUE. ALL SHOPS I'VE SPOKEN TO FIND THIS RUSTING/BLISTERING ISSUE ON A 2004 WELL-MAINTAINED CAR TO BE VERY UNUSUAL AND ATTRIBUTE IT TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. ONE PLACE EVEN MENTIONED THAT HE RECENTLY REFINISHED TWO OTHER MAZDA 3S IN THE SAME COLOR AS MINE (WINNING BLUE). SINCE THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE ORIGINAL PAINTING OF THE CARS, MAZDA CANADA SHOULD RECOGNIZE THIS AND OFFER ITS CUSTOMERS SOME LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE. ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PAINT REPAIRS ARE QUITE COSTLY, THE COMPANY SHOULD TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. AS IS, MY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN BRUSHED OFF AND IGNORED. *TR
May 23, 2008
ON 4/17/08 MY WIFE HAPPENED TO BE FOLLOWING ME AND SHE CALLED ME ON MY CELL PHONE AND SAID IT APPEARS YOU HAVE SOMETHING HANGING UNDER YOUR CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND IT WAS THE SPLASH SHIELD AGAIN. THREE OF THE FRONT BOLTS WERE MISSING BUT FOUR OTHER BOLTS, TWO ON EACH SIDE,WERE STILL ATTACHED, SO IT WAS JUST THE CENTER THAT WAS BOWING DOWNWARD. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT IMMEDIATELY AND THE CAR WAS SERVICED ON 4/18/08. ORIGINALLY THE DEALER WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME FOR THE SPLASH SHIELD. HE SAID IT APPEARS SOMETHING STRUCK THE PART. SO, AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION AND AFTER I RETRIEVED THE PART FROM THE MECHANICS WORK BENCH I WAS ABLE TO PROVE THE PART WAS DRAGGING WHICH CAUSED THE SPLASH SHIELD TO BREAK APART. THERE WERE ROAD ABRASION MARKS ON THE SPLASH SHIELD. THIS IS THE SECOND SHIELD TO BE REPLACED ON MY CAR. IS MAZDA HAVING ISSUES WITH THESE SHIELDS. THE DEALER KEEPS A SUPPLY OF THEM IN STOCK. *TR
Apr 18, 2008
SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
SEAT BELT LIGHT COMES ON AND STAY FOR FEW DAYS THEN GO OFF AND BACK AGAIN
May 20, 2015
IT SEEMS WHEN THE CAR IS COLD BUT NOT ALWAYS THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE I HAD IT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT NOW THE NEW ONE IS DOING THE SAME THING NOT A GOOD THING IF YOU HAD TO GET OUT QUICKLY. *TR
Apr 04, 2009
2004 MAZDA 3 PASSENGER SEAT BELT MALFUCTION. MY MAZDA 3 SEAT BELT LOCKING MECHANISM FAIL TO RELEASE.
Aug 24, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
I HAD MY MECHANIC WORKING ON REPLACING A BURNT OUT LICENSE PLATE LIGHT WHEN HE DISCOVERED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. HE TURNED THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON, AND THE TAIL LIGHTS STARTED WORKING AGAIN, TURNED THE LIGHTS BACK OFF AND ON AGAIN, AND THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE BACK TO NOT WORKING AGAIN. HE IDENTIFIED THE FUSE BOX TO BE THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE, AS WHEN THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE OUT, HE WOULD HIT THE FUSE BOX WHICH WOULD THEN CAUSE THE LIGHTS TO COME BACK ON, AND HE DEMONSTRATED THIS FOR ME. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN TO ME AND AFTER ONLY A FEW MINUTES OF INTERNET RESEARCH I FOUND OTHERS WERE HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT I'VE NOT BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. I'VE CALLED MAZDA AND THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE PART, BUT I'VE ALSO LEARNED THAT THIS PART HAS BEEN REISSUED 6 TIMES. THIS MAKES ME THINK IT HAS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE, OTHERWISE WHY KEEP MODIFYING THE PART? *TR
Sep 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH AT NIGHT, MY LOWER DASH (RADIO, HVAC) AND STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS LIGHTING WENT OUT FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES, AND THEN CAME BACK ON. THIS STARTED HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY FROM THAT POINT ON, SHUTTING OFF AND COMING BACK ON RANDOMLY, WITH THE LIGHTS BEING OUT CONTINUOUSLY ONCE FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT IN TRAFFIC. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT I JUST DISCOVERED THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE ALSO GOING OUT AT THE SAME TIME. INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE CAUSE IS A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER JUNCTION BOX (PJB). THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND AN UNACCEPTABLE ENGINEERING FLAW WHICH APPEARS TO AFFECT OTHER DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE MODEL AS WELL. DUE TO PROHIBITIVE COST OF JSB REPLACEMENT AND UNCERTAINTY OF THE INTEGRITY OF THAT PART ITSELF, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO INSTALL A FAILSAFE INDEPENDENT WIRING SOLUTION FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ENSURE REQUIRED RELIABILITY
Sep 22, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE VEHICLE, MAZDA 3 MANUAL, WAS RETURNED TO DEALER AFTER AIRBAG RECALL MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SUFFERED FROM MANY COMPLAINTS. SERVICE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT A LOOSE GROUND WIRE AT ONE OF THE FUSE PANELS WAS THE FAULT. VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RAN AS PROMISED FOR MONTHS UNTIL BOTH LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS BLEW AT THE SAME TIME. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND ACTION WILL TAKE PLACE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAULTS IN THE VEHICLE AND ASSUME MANY MORE ARE TO COME. SAFETY WAS SEVERELY COMPROMISED. NO HEADLAMPS AT NIGHT IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE IS VERY MUCH A PROBLEM. *JB
Oct 01, 2005
EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
AIR CONDITIONING IN MY 2004 MAZDA 3 IS VERY WEAK IF AT ALL. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT IT TWICE AND THERE WAS ONE RECALL FOR A/C ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *NM
Jun 07, 2006
WEAK AIR CONDITIONING SINCE PURCHASE. IMPLEMENTED TSB 07-005/04 DIFFUSER PLATE #PART # BN8P-61-J6X ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED. WAS TOLD ISSUE WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION IN '04. TO DATE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *JB
Mar 27, 2006
THE AIRCONDITIONER IN MY MAZDA 3 BARELY FUNCTIONS AT ALL. I HAD IT IN TO THE DEALER TWICE IN THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP. THEY STATED IT WAS UP TO STANDARDS. WHEN I ASKED WHAT THE STANDARD WAS, THEY SAID IF IT COOLED AT ALL IT PASSED THE STANDARD. WITH THE AIR ON, THE CAR ACCELERATES VERY POORLY. WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, YOU CAN FEEL SEVERAL STAGES OF JERKING AND POWER COMING ON AND OFF LIKE RELAYS ARE KICKING IN AND OUT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GAUGE HOW MUCH ACCELERATION YOU WILL GET WITH THE JERKING DURING ACCELERATION. I HAVE AN E-MAIL FROM MAZDA ACKNOWLEDGING A PROBLEM, BUT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN OR IF THERE WILL BE A SOLUTION.*AK
Jul 30, 2004
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH EVAP LEAK CODE. SMALL LEAK AT FIRST THEN INCLUDED LARGE LEAK CODE LATER. ALSO BEGAN TO NOTICE STRONG GAS SMELL OUTSIDE VEHICLE AFTER FUELING. TURNED OUT THE FUEL PUMP RING THAT HOLDS DOWN AND SEALS FUEL PUMP TO FUEL TANK HAD CRACKED. OVER TIME THE SPLIT BECAME LARGER. WHEN TANK WAS FILLED, RAW FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT AROUND PUMP ON TOP OF TANK. WHICH ALSO HAPPENS TO BE RIGHT UNDER THE REAR SEAT WHERE ME KIDS SIT. REPLACEMENT WAS EXPENSIVE BECAUSE THE RING COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM UNDER THE SEAT. IT REQUIRED DROPPING THE TANK TO REPAIR. MECHANIC FELT IT WAS A STRESS CRACK. THE FUEL PUMP HAD NEVER BEEN WORKED ON BEFORE. THE ORIGINAL RING WAS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY.
Nov 18, 2015
THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL SMELL THAT WAS OCCURRING ON BOTH THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF MY CAR EVERY TIME I FILLED MY CAR UP. I TOOK TO MY THE MECHANIC AND IT WAS FOUND MY FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING IN 2 SPOTS. ONE WAS PART OF THE GAS TANK THAT VENTS THE FUMES - THAT SEAL WAS LEAKING AND THE OTHER WAS PART OF THE LOCKING RING THAT IS ON THE GAS TANK ITSELF WAS CRACKED.
Sep 29, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE 2004 MAZDA 3. ON SUNDAY, I WAS HIT BY A CAR AT ABOUT A 20 TO 30 DEGREE ANGLE AND THE IMPACT HIT MY PASSENGER DOOR. NEITHER ONE OF US WAS GOING AT A SPEED THAT SHOULD HAVE HAD A RESULT IN THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED. WHEN HE HIT US AND THE CAR CAME TO REST, THE POLICE AND TOWING PEOPLE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SNAPPED OFF ITS' MOUNTING. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. HE TOLD ME THAT BOTH HE AND THE TOWING AGENT HAD EVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE TO A CAR WITH AS LITTLE DAMAGE TO IT. I WENT TO THE TOW PLACE WHERE THEY WERE HOLDING MY CAR TO TAKE PICTURES AND LOOK AT THE CAR, AND BOTH OF THE PEOPLE (DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAN THE ORIGINAL TOW DRIVER) SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT. THE ONE GUY SAID ONLY TWICE HAS HE SEEN THAT HAPPEN AND BOTH HAD MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THAT THEY WERE DEMOLISHED UP TO HALF OF THE CAR. HE ALSO SAID THE MOUNTING PIECE OF HARDWARE LOOKED LIKE IT WAS MADE OF DIECAST NOT METAL OR ALUMINUM, WHEN WE INSPECTED IT WE NOTICED THE PART THAT WAS SNAPPED AND I MUST ADMIT IT LOOKED LIKE PLASTIC. I HAD TO HAVE THE STRUTS REPLACED IN 2008, BUT YET I HAD NEVER HIT THE TIRES HARD ON ANYTHING. MY QUESTION IS THIS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND COULD IT BE DANGEROUS TO OTHER DRIVERS OF THIS YEAR. I KNOW THAT THEY HAVE MADE ENGINES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO DROP IN ACCIDENT RECENTLY, BUT NOT FOR THIS YEAR AND NOT FOR THAT TYPE OF ACCIDENT. I HAVE WRITTEN TO MAZDA REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION AND I AWAIT THEIR RESPONSE. *TR
Mar 15, 2010
THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE KEEPS POPPING ON. FIRST IT WAS THE AIR BAG LIGHT THAT TOOK 4 UNSUCCESSFUL VISITS TO THE DEALER. THAT PROBLEM SUBSIDED? AND NOW THE ENGINE LIGHT IS POPPING ON... *NM
Apr 21, 2005
PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO HOLD RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CAR AND DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY. *TR
Aug 12, 2009
EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT HOLD, CAUSED DAMAGE TO CAR AND PRIVATE PROPERTY. *TR
Aug 01, 2008
VISIBILITY
2 complaints
THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM, THE WIND SHIELD WHEN DRIVING INTO THE SUN HAS A GLITTERING EFFECT. NO MATTER HOW CLEAN IT ID. AS OF NOW WE HAVEN'T REPLACED IT. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS AS IT'S HARD TO SEE. *TR
Jan 14, 2009
REPEATED FAILURES OF WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM DURING USE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING, NEAR-INCIDENTS. *TR
Mar 05, 2008
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
WE WERE BROADSIDED BY A VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT AT FULL SPEED. THE IMPACT WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CAR FLIPPED OVER AND SKIDDED ONTHE PASSENGER SIDE THEN FLIPPED BACK ONTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND SKIDDED BEFORE ROLLING OVER AT LEAST ONCE. NOT ONE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THANK GOD FOR THE SEAT BELTS. THEY SAVED OUR LIVES. INJURIES WERE CONCUSSIONS, SPRAINED NECK, INJURIES TO LOWER NECK, BACK AND SHOULDER OF PASSENGER. WE LANDED UPSIDE DOWN, RELEASED OUR SEAT BELTS AND CRAWLED TO SAFETY WITH THE HELP OF POLICE AND FIRE. OUR SPEED WAS ABOUT 25-30 MILES /HOUR. OUR CAR WAS TOTALLED. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS CITED IN THE ACCIDENT.
May 25, 2007
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND WHILE ADJUSTING THE RADIO VEHICLE WENT DOWN A 6 FOOT EMBANKMENT AND ROLLED OVER. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK *TC
Dec 08, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
(1) I PURCHASED MY 2004 MAZDA 3S IN MARCH OF 2004. I HAVE ENJOYED IT VIRTUALLY MAINTENANCE FREE (BESIDES ROUTINE) FOR OVER 1 YEAR. (2) IN APRIL OF 2005, I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE CAR. IT HESITATED FOR OVER 10 SECONDS AND FINALLY TURNED OVER. I WAS ALARMED, AND AFTER A FEW MORE TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING, I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY. (3) IT WAS DECIDED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. I RECEIVED A NEW FUEL PUMP (UNDER WARRANTY) AND AFTER A WEEK, IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, AND MY CAR WENT BACK INTO THE SHOP. THEY CLEANED THE BATTERY, AND ALL OF THE CONNECTIONS, RULING OUT A POSSIBLE ELECTRIC PROBLEM. IT WAS OKAY, THEN IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. I HAD IT IN FOR THE THIRD TIME, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE FUEL PUMP THEY USED TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL MUST HAVE BEEN OF THE SAME POOR QUALITY, SO FUEL PUMP #3 WENT IN. WELL, WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO DRIVE IT OUT OF THE SERVICE LOT, IT HESITATED AGAIN! I SAT IN MY CAR AND CRIED. I WENT RIGHT BACK INTO THE SERVICE DEPT., AND ASKED THEM TO TAKE CARE OF IT.THEY SAID SINCE IT RAN FINE, IT WAS ONLY THE STARTING ISSUE, IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE 700 MILES ROUND TRIP TO MASSACHUSETTS (MY PREVIOUSLY PLANNED WEEKEND TRIP) AND THEY'D SEE ME WHEN I RETURNED. WELL, IT SURVIVED THE DRIVE, AND I HAD THE CHANCE TO REFILL THE FUEL TANK 3 WHOLE TIMES WITH 2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF GAS THAN I NORMALLY USE. IT STILL HESITIATED A LOT, BUT WAS ACTING THE SAME. I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO THE SHOP THAT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AFTER I RETURNED TO PA, AND JUST RECEIVED A CALL TODAY THAT THE TECHNICIAN FROM JAPAN WAS LOOKING AT IT, AND DECIDED IT NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP. YES, FUEL PUMP #4! I AM BEYOND FED UP WITH THIS CAR, AND I AM CONTACTING THE PA LEMON LAW ATTORNEYS TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO DESPITE THE FACT THAT MY CAR IS OVER 12 MONTHS AND 12,000 MILES OLD. (P.S. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING THE ROTOR WEAR PROBLEMS, BUT I'M TAKING CARE OF ONE PROBLEM AT A TIME. MAYBE MAZDA WILL BUY THIS SUCKER BACK!) *TR
Jul 22, 2005
2004 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK HAS PROBLEMS WITH STARTING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP BECAUSE IT WAS TAKING UPWARDS OF 8 SECONDS AND 2 ATTEMPTS BEFORE CAR WOULD START. THE CAR HAD 643 MILES WHEN I TOOK IT IN. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT IS STARTING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 4 SECONDS TO START, WHICH IS NOT NORMAL FOR A NEW CAR. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. ALSO THERE IS RATTLE SOMEWHERE IN THE DASH OF THE CAR.*AK
May 23, 2004
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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 and cause damage- the wipers no longer work correctly- the tires are 2017 and old and weather cracked- potential to separate while driving or blow out on the heated pavement. upon inspection also found that the front shocks are blown out and bouncing in the mounts under the hood- causing the tires to not have the correct contact patch on the road thus decreasing traction and control- on top of all this the vehicle hasn't been registered since 2020 and has no insurance on the vehicle- again there has been no accident...yet- this is my concern- that if this vehicle continues to remain operational and on the road it not only puts the driver and occupants at risk but also other drivers- kids- teens and anyone that may be on the other end o the crash when the vehicle does snap the cvc axle or blow i out a tire
Aug 13, 2023
SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT WOBBLES-ENTIRE ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED-DANGEROUS IF WELD HAD BROKEN WHILE ON FREEWAY-WHY ISN'T THIS A SAFETY RECALL-NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR VARIOUS MODEL YEARS EVEN WHEN NEW-ARE SEATS REMOVED BY L0-JACK TECHS WHEN INSTALLING LO-JACK DEVICES?
May 28, 2017
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
CLUTCH SLIPPING, HIGH RPMS, NOT RED LINING. TRANSMISSION EXPLODED CAUSING ENGINE FIRE AND BURNING MOTOR AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.
Jun 01, 2015
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Sep 04, 2014
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB, A TREE, AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V468000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 10/8/14*CN UPDATED 3/25/2015 *JS
Jul 22, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
ISSUE: ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ALONG WITH POWER STEERING SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST INSTANCE OF THIS ISSUE HAPPENED WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT. AS I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF, ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. ABOUT A SECOND LATER EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON AND OPERATING NORMALLY. THIS SAME ISSUE WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY, USUALLY WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. THERE WAS NEVER ENOUGH OF A PATTERN TO SAY THAT IT WAS HAPPENING EVERY WEEK OR MONTH, ETC. I TOOK VEHICLE TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS BATTERY CABLES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AFTER IT STARTED HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE ISSUE STOPPED FOR A COUPLE MONTHS, BUT THEN BEGAN AGAIN. THIS TIME IT STARTED HAPPENING JUST BY TAPPING ON THE BRAKES AS WELL AS MAKING A TURN. ALL THE ELECTRICAL ON THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF, ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING AGAIN; AND THEN IT WOULD COME BACK AFTER A SECOND BEING OFF. THIS TIME IT BEGAN HAPPENING MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK; MOST RECENTLY IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND THIS TIME MY POWER STEERING WAS OFF FOR MY ENTIRE 30 MILE DRIVE HOME FROM WORK. I TOOK IT AGAIN TO A DIFFERENT MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED, AND THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED TO CHANGE THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP FOR STARTERS; BUT WAS NOT GUARANTEED THAT WOULD RESOLVE THE ISSUE AS THE TECHS HAD NEVER SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE AT THEIR SITE; THEY SAY THEY CALLED THEIR CORPORATE TECH LINE AND WERE ADVISED TO REPLACE THOSE ITEMS FIRST. I EVEN SHOWED THEM A VIDEO I HAD TAKEN OF THIS HAPPENING IN MY CAR ONE NIGHT AS I DROVE AROUND MY BLOCK IN ORDER TO DOCUMENT THE ISSUE. THERE IS NO PATTERN WITH REGARDS TO SPEED OF VEHICLE, OR WHETHER THE ENGINE IS COLD OR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE, AS THE ISSUE CAN HAPPEN REGARDLESS OF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS. *TR
Apr 25, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2004 MAZDA 3. PURCHASED CAR USED IN MARCH 2007. PER OWNER SERVICE RECORDS, MOTOR MOUNT #3 FAILED AND IN 11/2006, PER SERVICE BULLETIN, AND WARRANTY, LOCAL DEALER PERFORMED PARTIAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT, INCLUDING RUBBER ON MOUNT #3. NO PROBLEMS WITH CAR LEADING UP TO INCIDENT, REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED DURING OWNERSHIP 2007 - CURRENT. CAR USED PRIMARILY TO AND FROM WORK, APPROX. 12K PER YEAR DRIVEN. ON 8/29, CAR JUST STOPPED, MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION FELL OUT OF CASING, CAR CRASHED ON HWY 9. TOWED TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP. INITIAL ESTIMATE OF REPAIR $990 APPROX. ESTIMATE REVISED TO $3500 APPROX. TRANSMISSION BRACKET SHEARED/BROKEN AT METAL. MOTOR MOUNT #4 & TRANSMISSION MOUNT SCREW COMPLETELY DISLODGED. RECOMMENDED REPAIR INCLUDES COMPLETELY NEW TRANSMISSION CASE AND MOUNTS. NOT SURE IF ANY DAMAGE DONE TO TRANSMISSION ITSELF. FAILURE REPORTED TO DSM AND MAZDA CORPORATE. DUE TO CAR OUT OF WARRANTY AND MILEAGE ON CAR $100K, DENIED ANY RECOURSE FROM MAZDA FOR STRUCTURAL FAILURE. *TR
Sep 01, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
1 complaint
FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILS PREMATURELY. MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED AT 58K MILES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING IS FAILING AT 68K MILES AND NEEDS REPLACING. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THESE PARTS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER, AND THAT CONTINUED DRIVING WITH A BAD BEARING COULD LEAD TO WHEEL LOCKUP AND AN ACCIDENT. MANY OTHERS ARE COMPLAINING OF SIMILAR FAILURE ON INTERNET FORUMS. MAZDA WON'T REPAIR THIS FREE OF CHARGE SINCE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Aug 10, 2011
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A CAR RECENTLY, AND IT HAD SOME RUST ON BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS IN THE SAME EXACT SPOTS. I HAVE A 2004 MAZDA 3I AND I TOOK IT TO ABOUT 4 BODY SHOPS TO HAVE IT WORKED ON. I GOT PRICES RANGING FROM 1000.00 DOLLARS TO 2500.00 DOLLARS TO FIX THE RUST. ALL OF THESE BODY SHOPS SAID THEY HAVE HAD AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON WITH THE SAME CAR AND THE SAME COMPLAINT AS I DID. MAZDA NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY 1000 DOLLARS TO GET MY CAR FIXED. MAZDA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX IT. *TR
Jun 17, 2011
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
POWER STEERING FAILURE, ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE. *TR
Mar 03, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN VAN HOLLEN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE SAFETY PROBLEMS (RANDOM STALLING) WITH HIS 2004 MAZDA3 *TGW THE CONSUMER WENT TO SEARS TO PURCHASE A BATTERY THINKING THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE RANDOM STALLING, BUT WAS TOLD THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND IT APPEARED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. THE CONSUMER THEN WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD DIFFERENT THINGS WERE WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS CAUSING IT TO STALL. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, BUT WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *JB
Jul 20, 2010
POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TRANSMISIN DAADA. *TR
Jun 05, 2010
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I HAVE A 04 MAZDA 3 W/ AUTOMATIC TRANS / DRIVING INTO PARKING LOT HEARD A LOUD NOISE , CAR QUIT MOVING , DRIVER SIDE AXLE WAS HANGING / THE ENGINE HAD ALMOST DROP TO THE FLOOR , VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP , THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE BRACKET WHICH HOLDS TRANSAXLE / ENGINE , ON DRIVER SIDE HAD BROKEN !! IT IS A ALUMINUM BRACKET WITH 3 BOLTS THAT CARRY ALL THE WEIGHT OF ENGINE / TRANSAXLE IT DAMAGED BOTH AXLE SHAFTS , CAUSED ABOUT $ 950.00 ON REPAIRS MY CONCERN IS THAT IT A VERY BAD / POOR / WEAK / DESIGN / THE GOOD THING IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED , IF IT WOULD HAVE BROKEN AT FREEWAY SPEED IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR DAMAGE / ACCIDENT !! *TR
May 28, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA3. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN AS AN AUTOMATIC OR A MANUAL. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH IN MANUAL MODE SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS, TO NO AVAIL. SHE HAD TO TAKE HER FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE GEARS TO RELEASE AND AFTERWARDS THE GEARS STARTED TO SHIFT ON THEIR OWN. SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER, BUT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE OR MAKE A TURN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING FROM ONE LANE TO ANOTHER AND ACCELERATED THROUGH A RED LIGHT TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING WITHIN IN A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MELTED, DAMAGED THE SENSOR AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, SENSORS, AND THE GASKETS; HOWEVER, SHE HAD TO ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A REPORT; HOWEVER , THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS. THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Mar 03, 2010
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MAZDA 3 ENGINE MOUNTS CONTINUE TO FAIL, AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 4 YEARS. *TR
Aug 14, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
2004 MAZDA 3, BROUGHT BRAND NEW FROM DEALER. HAD REAR BRAKE PROBLEMS, WAS FIXED DUE TO BAD EQUIPMENT/METAL USED FOR ROTORS OR THAT WAS WHAT I WAS TOLD. WARRANTY COVERED. NOW I AM AT JUST UNDER 50,000 MILES AND MY CLUTCH NEEDS REPLACED, CAUSE THEY SAID I BURNED IT UP. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM OVER A YEAR AGO, THAT IT WHINED/SCREECHED WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, BUT ONLY WHEN IT WAS COLD. TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, JUST WARM THE VEHICLE UP FIRST. NOW A SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AND THEY KEEP SAYING IT WAS MY FAULT. I'M THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES IT, GOING BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND DROPPING MY KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL. VERY FRUSTRATED, BECAUSE I WAS TOLD ITS GOING TO COST OVER $1,000 TO FIX...... *TR
Mar 18, 2008
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
CAR VIBRATES IN THE FRONT AT ALL SPEEDS. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP (D DAHLE MAZDA OF SALT LAKE CITY) THREE TIMES AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. FIRST THE AIR COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED AND THEN THE ENGINE MOUNTS. THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED ON MY LAST VISIT THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS BENT. HOWEVER, WHEN I HAD THE WHEELS EXAMINED BY AN ALTERNATIVE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP, NO PROBLEM WITH THE WHEEL WAS NOTED. I ALSO ROTATED THE WHEEL IN QUESTION TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VIBRATION OCCURRED IN THE SAME SPOT. *TR
Oct 18, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CAR STALLS AT LIGHTS DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATING HAVE GONE TO BACK UP AND NO RESPONSE THEN CAR WILL JUST TAKE OFF HAVE HAD 2 ACCIDENTS DUE TO NO ACCELERATION FOG AND BUGS IN TAILLIGHTS AIRBAG LIGHT ON/OFF FOR NO REASON CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR ALL RECALLS I AM TOLD I AM NOT DRIVING THE CAR FAST ENOUGH AND AM TOLD I NEED TO CHECK MY OIL WHEN I GET GAS. TOO MANY PROBLEMS TO LIST DEALER WILL FIX BUT CANNOT DUPLICATE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS I EXPERIENCE HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER ONLY TO BE PUT ON HOLD TO LISTEN TO ZOOM ZOOM MUSIC OVER AND OVER. *JB
Oct 06, 2006
POWER TRAIN,SEATS
1 complaint
1.WHEN ADJUSTED DRIVER'S POWER SEAT CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN AFTER ADJUSTMENT SWITCH IS RELEASED, RESULTING IN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS UNINTENDED AND UNCONTROLLABLE DRIVING POSITION FOR THE DRIVER.*AK 2.WHILE IN THE 'NEUTRAL' POSITION, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS TOO EASILY MOVED UINTENTIONALLY INTO THE REVERSE POSITION RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY AND DANGEROUSLY REVERSING ITS POSITION AND MOVING REARWARD UNINTENTIONALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE GEAR SELECTOR 'GATE DESIGN' IS FAULTY.
Mar 10, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER HAD A CONCERN THAT THE PLASTIC COVER THAT GOES AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING A 2004 MAZDA 3, WHEN THIS OCCURRED IT INTERFERED WITH THE BRAKING WHEN NEEDED. THE CONDITION ALMOST CAUSED A VEHICLE CRASH.*JB AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN FOUND BRAKE PEDAL HINDERED BY LOOSE COVER ON STERING COLUMN. *EH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT.
Feb 16, 2005
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
MY CAR HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS. I HAVE A MAZDA 3 WHICH I PURCHASED IN DECEMBER. ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY CAR BEGAN HESITATING ON OCCASSION WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND THEN PUSHING THE GAS TO GO. I DID NOTICE AFTER THE THIRD TIME THE VEHICLE DID THIS THAT THE D LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD BLINKED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY ARE LINKED BUT IT WOULD BE ODD IF THEY WERE NOT. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT AND HAD KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS.AT WHICH THIS TIME THEY FOUND A BERRING HAD GONE BAD MY CAR HAS 12,600 MILES AT THIS POINT. I RECIEVED MY VEHICLE BACK AND HAD TO BRING IT BACK TWO DAYS LATER FOR THE BERRING. THE BERRING WAS REPLACED AND I WAS SENT HOME AGAIN. THEN TWO WEEKS AGO WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR MY HUSBAND HAD IT IN NETTURAL AT A LIGHT AND PLACED IN MANUAMATIC THEN DIRECTLY IN DRIVE AND THE CAR MADE A LOUD SOUND THAT MADE US WONDER IF THE TRANSMISSION HAD FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AGAIN WE BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE IT AND DECIDED TO REPLACE A DRIVE MECHANISM THAT DEALS WITH THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTING OF THE VEHICLE. AT THE SAME TIME THEY REPLACED A RECALL PART THE O2 SENSOR ON THE CAR. THEN TODAY SEPT 1ST I RECIEVE A CALL STATING A NOISE THE DEALER HEARD WHILE RUNNING MY CAR THROUGH THE CAR WASH IS THE FRONT AXLES GOING BAD. I AM AT A LOSS AND FRUSTRATED AND THE MAZDA HEADQUARTERS TELLS ME THEY CAN'T NOT DIAGONOSE THE DEALERSHIP IS CAPABLE AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME MAZDA HEADQUARTERS FOR REPAIR NEED TO ASSIST THEM. I HAVE PAID A LOT OF MONEY IN INSURANCE FOR RENTAL CARS AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE VEHICLE.*AK
Sep 02, 2004
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLE. *MR THE ENGINE AND POWER TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR AND WHILE DOING SO THERE WAS SUBSEQUENT OVER -REV OF THE ENGINE AT ANY SPEED WHILE IN 4TH GEAR WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED IN 4TH GEAR. THIS WOULD BECOME A NO-CONTROL SITUATION. *SC
Aug 30, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE A/C ON MY NEW CAR DOES NOT COOL THE CAR TO ANY COMFORT LEVEL.. I SWEAT IN THE HEAT WITH THE AC ON.IT DOESN'T COOL THE CAR INSIDE.I HAD IT CHECKED BY MY MAZDA DEALER THEY SAID IT IS UP TO THE MAUFACTUER'S STANDARDS.I TOLD THEM THAT I HAVE DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING WITH THE AC ON WHEN PASSING AT 40MPH THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE IT DRAGGED.I HAD TO FLLOOR THE GAS PEDAL ON A MAJORR INTERSTATE TO MOVE FROM 40-60,FROM TOO SLOW TO TOO FAST.I HAD SECONDS TO MOVE OR GET KILLED.THE AC DOES NOT WORK AND THE SERVICE MANAGERR TOLD ME I HAVE TOO SMALL AN ENGINE AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE LARGER ENGINE THE( 2.3) YET THEY DENY ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE AC SYSTEM.THE AC HASN'T WORKED SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN MAY I NOTICED IT IN JULY.IT TOOK THREE WEEKS FOR THE DEALER TO GET BACK TO ME ABOUT AN APPT. PLEASE IGNORE THE HOOD EQUIPMENT ADDED BELOW( NOTHIGN ADDDED AFTER CAR WAS SOLD) COULD NOT REMOVE EQUIPMENT ADDED IN THIS REPORT.*AK
Jul 29, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A NEW MAZDA 2004 I SEDAN.THE BRAKES MAKE A RUMBLING NOISE AT ALL TIMES ESPECIALLY AFTER IT RAINS AND WHEN I BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.WHEN I BRAKE THE NOISE IS WORSE. THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME THIS IS NORMAL.AFTER IT RAINS AS I WROTE IT IS MUCH WORSE.THE MACHANIC ALSO TOLD ME THE NOISE AT TIMES IS THE TIRES DUE TO THEIR SIZE 16 INCH.THE CAR ALSO WHEN I BRAKE AT A STOP GOES RIGHT OR LEFT AT TIMES.THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IF I GO DOWNHILL LEFT THEY WILL GO LEFT IF I GO DOWNHILL AND RIGHT AND BRAKE IN A RIGHT LANE THE TIRES WILL VEAR GO RIGHT. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE THE CAR VEARING LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN I COME TO A STOP. *AK
Jul 29, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
BRAKES LEAVE A LOT OF DUST ALL OVER THE TIRES, RIMS, AND BODY OF CAR. THE CAR STOPS SHARPLY. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. NOT A PROBLEM.*AK
Jun 04, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
EXCESSIVE REAR BRAKE DISC/PAD WEAR. DRIVER DOOR RATTLING. *AK
Jun 02, 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2004 MAZDA Mazda3 have?
The 2004 MAZDA Mazda3 currently has 170 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2004 MAZDA Mazda3?
The most common problems reported for the 2004 MAZDA Mazda3 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2004 MAZDA Mazda3 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2004 MAZDA Mazda3 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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