2009 MAZDA Mazda3 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
119
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
STEERING
31 complaints
When driving and trying to negotiate a turn, or sometimes when going straight, the power assist steering simply fails (stops assisting the steering). I have to "muscle" the car off the roadway and either restart the engine or stop the car (off the road) straighten the steering wheel, restart the car, and the power assist is restored. This has happened five times in the last 9 months. So far there have been no accidents. The date velow is the most recent date of this failure.
Apr 28, 2023
WHILE DRIVING ON A PUBLIC ROAD (40 MPH) MARCH 2020, MY DAUGHTER'S 2009 MAZDA 3 LOST POWER STEERING, AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WENT ON HER DASHBOARD. SHE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED US FOR HELP. WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON AND OFF THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. THREE WEEKS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS CASES ON MANY WEBSITES WHERE THIS IS OCCURRING. THIS SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP RECALL WE FOUND ONLINE, BUT IT IS ACTING LIKE IT HAS THE EXACT PROBLEM . THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN BECAUSE THE PROBLEM HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING! I HAVE READ ONLINE MANY MORE DRIVERS WHO HAD THIS EXACT PROBLEM, AND THEIR CAR WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL AS WELL.
Mar 30, 2020
POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, WHILE DRIVING IN THE STREETS OR IN THE HIGHWAY, IT HAPPENED TODAY AND DURING THE LAST WEEK A FEW TIMES
Mar 02, 2018
WHILE DRIVER WAS BACKING CAR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM THAT HOLDS THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND AXLE BROKE IN TWO, TOTALLY DISABLING THE CAR. ACCORDING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL, HAD THIS OCCURRED ON THE ROAD, THE FOLLOWING SCENARIO WOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE: THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SLAMMED TO THE GROUND, THE LEFT CONTROL ARM WOULD HAVE OVER-COMPENSATED AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO SWERVE SUDDENLY INTO THE LEFT LANE, GOING INTO A SKID AND THEN FLIPPING END-OVER-END THROUGH TRAFFIC, KILLING THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS OF THIS CAR AND CAUSING A MULTI-CAR PILE-UP. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE BROKEN CONTROL ARM, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THIS PART, FACTORY ORIGINAL, WAS MADE OF WELDED METAL, AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS CONCEPT, SINCE WELDED METAL IS WEAKER THAN A SOLID PIECE OF STEEL. OBVIOUSLY, MAZDA CARES MORE ABOUT COST-CUTTING THAN THE SAFETY OF ITS CUSTOMERS. UPON CONTACTING MAZDA, THEIR ANSWER: POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (THAT WOULD NOT INCLUDE THIS PART) WAS EXPIRED; MAZDA REFUSED TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS POOR DESIGN. *JS
Feb 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA, MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT AND POWER STEERING LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Mar 21, 2014
+ 26 more complaints for this component
TIRES
18 complaints
WHILE INFLATING A TIRE FOR ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS, THE VALVE STEM BROKE CAUSING ALL AIR TO ESCAPE FROM THE TIRE.
Dec 28, 2016
I HEARD A BRIEF AUDIBLE ALARM AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYMBOL ON THE DASH WAS LIT. AFTER ADDING AIR TO ON OFF THE TIRES WITH A HAND PUMP, IN REMOVING AIR PUMP NOZZLE FROM TIRE VALVE, THE VALVE BROKE AND ALL AIR LOST FROM THE TIRE. THIS WAS THE SECOND SUCH OCCURRENCE THIS YEAR. A REPAIR SHOP PERSON SAID THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ON THE VALVES TEND TO RUST AND CAN BREAK AFTER A FEW YEARS. AS THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS OCCURRED TO ME IN RECENT MONTHS, I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD REPORT IT. BEYOND MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR, I CAN'T RECALL EVER HAVING A VALVE STEM BREAK OFF WHEN FILLING A TIRE WITH AIR AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND ADDING AIR TO TIRES FOR A LONG TIME. OTHERWISE, MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE CAR HAS BEEN FINE. *TR
Nov 19, 2014
THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSOR MOUNTED IN THE RIM FAILED AND THE TIRE LOST AIR PRESSURE WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY UNTIL IT WAS FLAT AND THE SPARE TIRE NEEDED TO BE MOUNTED. THE FLAT TIRE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A TIRE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FLAT WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE THREADED ALUMINUM STEM ON THE TPMS CAUSING THE PLASTIC RETAINING NUT TO CRACK AND FALL OFF RESULTING IN A LEAK AROUND THE RIM AND STEM. THE CORROSION WAS SO SEVERE THAT THE TPMS COULD NOT BE USED, AND A RUBBER VALVE STEM INSERTED. THE CORROSION WAS NOT OBVIOUS AS THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE ROUTINELY INFLATES THE TIRES, THE NUT CONCEALED THE CORROSION. CORROSION THIS SEVERE WAS NOT ANTICIPATED AT 25K MILES OF DRIVING, THE TIRES WERE NOT YET WORN TO THE POINT OF REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. THE DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF THE TPMS USED FOR THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AS RAPID DEFLATION OF THE TIRE COULD HAVE RESULTED, THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE OF THE VALVE STEM DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY INDICATION OF PENDING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, THE EXPOSURE OF THE TIRE AND VALVE STEM TO DE-ICING MATERIALS IN THE NORTHEASTERN USA IS A NORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE THAT WOULD WARRANT SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER CORROSION PROTECTION THAN THE OEM TPMS THAT IS INSTALLED PROVIDES. A FULL RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE TPMS'S INSTALLED IN THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR NEEDS TO BE MADE. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE HAS NEVER BEEN EXPERIENCED BY THE OWNER WHEN RUBBER VALVE STEMS WERE USED IN THE PAST, IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT A NEW SAFETY DEVICE - TPMS - PRESENTS A HIGHER RISK FOR CATASTROPHIC RAPID DEFLATION OF A TIRE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAN WOULD EVER BE EXPECTED. *TR
Feb 21, 2013
TPMS VALVES BADLY CORRODED AND LEAKING AIR, THESE NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED BY MAZDA DUE TO THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS OCCURRING UNDER NORMAL USE AND CARE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE BLOWOUTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
Nov 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE VALVE STEMS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS HAD CORRODED AND THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE VALVE STEMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED BECAUSE THE CORROSION WAS DUE TO SALT ON THE ROAD THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,110. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 09/07/11
Jul 19, 2011
+ 13 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
9 complaints
TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 OF THE SENSORS BECAUSE OF BROKEN RETAINING NUTS OR CORRODED STEMS. 3 OF THE SENSORS FAILED DURING DRIVING, CAUSING AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, CAUSING ME TO ALSO REPLACE 3 OF MY TIRES. ANOTHER FAILED AS I WAS CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE, FALLING INTO THE TIRE. PER GOODYEAR TIRE STORES, OTHER MANUFACTURES HAVE GONE TO A REPLACEABLE RUBBER STEM BECAUSE OF THIS, BUT NOT MAZDA. FIRST SENSOR REPLACED AT MAZDA DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY MID 2011, SECOND SENSOR REPLACED 6/01/2013, THIRD SENSOR REPLACED 9/17/2014, AND FOURTH SENSOR REPLACED 3/12/2016 ALL BY GOODYEAR TIRE STORES.
May 16, 2016
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON, IMMEDIATELY WENT TO SIDE OF ROAD AND TIRE RUINED. HAD TROUBLE DIRECTING CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. FORTUNATELY, NOBODY WAS AROUND. THE TIRE SENSOR CAME APART. ON 2 OTHER TIRES, THE WERE BREAKING, SO HAD TO BE REPLACED. RUINED TIRE HAPPENED IN 2014, BUT REPAIRED TIRES WERE IN 2015.
Apr 30, 2016
SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OF THE CAR...AFTER AROUND 4, 000 MILES I NEEDED NEW TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE WEARING UNEVENLY. WITH EVERY NEW REPLACEMENT I'VE GOTTEN, THEY DEFINITELY HAVE WORN BEFORE THEY SHOULD HAVE WORN OUT...TIRE PEOPLE SAY THEY ARE WEARING UNEVENLY AND THEY SEE THIS WITH MAZDAS.
Apr 30, 2016
TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS CORRODE AND FALL APART CAUSING TIRES TO GO FLAT INSTANTLY. I HAVE HAD 3 OF THE ORIGINAL SENSORS FAIL AND THE MOST RECENT ONE (2-16-16) ALSO DESTROYED THE TIRE. THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE ON 2-16-16. THESE ORIGINAL SENSORS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.
Feb 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TPMS FAILED AND THE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE VEHICLE TIRE WAS CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE VALVE STEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Jun 05, 2013
+ 4 more complaints for this component
TIRES,WHEELS
9 complaints
TIRES PRESSURE MONITORS SENSORS WON'T HOLD AIR.TIRES GO FLAT. *TR
May 16, 2014
THE TIRE SENSORS VALVE STEMS CRACKED AND THE TIRES WOULDN'T HOLD AIR IN THE TIRES. MAZDA DID REPLACE 2 BUT SAID IT WAS DONE AS A ONE TIME OFFER. NOW THE OTHER STEMS WON'T HOLD AIR PRESSURE THE TIRES ARE ALWAYS LEAKING AIR. I AM AFRAID THAT THE STEMS MIGHT BREAK OFF AS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THESE ARE DEFECTIVE STEMS. *TR
Apr 09, 2014
I CONSTANTLY HAVE ISSUES WITH MY TIRE PRESSURE BEING LOW. I WENT TO FILL MY TIRES UP FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 4 MONTHS AND AS I PUT THE COMPRESSOR TO THE TIRE VALVE, THE VALVE SNAPPED OFF. ALL THE AIR POURED OUT OF MY TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING AT THE TIME. I CHANGED THE TIRE TO MY DONUT AND DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO MY TIRE CENTER. THEY LOOKED AT THE BROKEN VALVE AND TOLD ME IT HAD CORRODED AND THAT THE WHOLE TPM SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT THIS IS COMMON. I ASKED HIM "SO, SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AGAIN WITH A DIFFERENT TIRE?" AND HE SAID THAT HE WOULD BE LYING TO ME IF HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULDN'T BE CONCERNED. $150 AND 4 HOURS LATER, I HAD A NEW TPM SYSTEM IN THAT TIRE. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED EVERY DAY THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Dec 23, 2013
ON AUGUST 16TH 2013 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING CAME ON AND A FEW MILES LATER FELT THE CAR PULLING TOWARDS THE LEFT AND REALIZED I HAD A FLAT TIRED AND PULLED OVER. I CHANGED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP AND REQUESTED THEY LOOK AT THE TIRE. THEY INFORMED ME THE TIRE WAS PERFECTLY FINE AND WHAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO GO FLAT WAS THE TPMS SENSOR. THE SENSOR THREADS HAD CORRODED AND RELEASED ALL OF THE AIR FROM THE TIRE. THEY THEN INFORMED ME ALL OF THE REMAINING SENSORS WERE IN JUST AS BAD SHAPE AND COULD FAIL AT LITERALLY ANY MOMENT. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT TPMS SENSOR WAS WHAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO GO FLAT AND THE OTHER SENSORS ARE BAD AND READY TO FAIL AS WELL. I HAD THREE SENSORS REPLACED AND I WENT HOME AND DECIDED TO CALL MAZDA DIRECTLY AND SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND SEE WHAT COULD BE WORKED OUT. I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE BY THE NAME OF [XXX] AND I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY RECALL ON THE VEHICLES TPMS SENSOR. SHE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THE ITEM I SPECIFIED AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE DOCUMENTED. THAT WAS IT. BASICALLY I WAS TOLD GOOD LUCK WITH MY PROBLEM. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEM REPLACE THE FINAL TPMS SENSOR SINCE IT WAS GOING TO FAIL SOON AND I DIDN'T WANT ANOTHER FLAT TIRE OR WORSE, AN ACCIDENT. I'VE LOOKED AROUND THE INTERNET AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE ON MAZDA VEHICLES IN A VERY CLOSE YEAR RANGE AS MINE. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR AN ITEM OF A VEHICLE TO FAIL AND RELEASE ALL OF THE AIR FROM THE TIRE IF THE ITEM WASN'T DAMAGED BY SOME SORT OF EXTERNAL FORCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 24, 2013
I HAVE HAD THREE OEM VALVE STEMS ROT OUT AND COMPLETELY FALL INTO THE TIRE CAUSING A RAPID DEFLATION AND RISK OF CONTROL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST VALVE STEM ROTTED OUT IN 2012 AND WAS REPLACED. I ASSUMED IT WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT (STUFF HAPPENS). IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS THE SECOND AND 3RD VALVE STEM ROTTED OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY BELLETIRE (2ND IN JULY, 3RD TODAY). LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING ON SIDE ROADS WHEN THESE OCCURRED. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. I LOOKED UP AND SAW THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE 2009 MAZDA 3 SO I CALLED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD CORROSION IS NEVER COVERED IN WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT ABOUT CORROSION, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Aug 23, 2013
+ 4 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaints
Brake lights are causing the top of the tail light to melt on the housing.
Mar 24, 2022
RED TAIL LIGHT LENS MELTED SO WHEN YOU TURN ON THE LIGHTS, THE TAIL LIGHTS LOOK WHITE INSTEAD OF RED. DID THIS TO BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE TAIL LIGHTS USING ORIGINAL BULBS. I PURCHASED TWO NEW TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND INSTALLED THEM MYSELF. AFTER THREE MONTHS THE RIGHT SIDE TAIL LIGHT AGAIN MELTED SO IT NOW LOOKS WHITE.
Jan 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS MELTED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHTS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS OPERATED AT RANDOM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Dec 08, 2014
RED INNER COATING ON TAIL LIGHTS APPEARS TO HAVE MELTED, MAKING A HOLE THAT SHOWS WHITE LIGHT THROUGH THE TAIL LIGHT LENS SO THAT WHEN I AM BRAKING, IT LOOKS LIKE I MIGHT HAVE MY BACKUP LIGHTS ON. *TR THIS PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO (MID-2012) BY A FRIEND WHO WAS FOLLOWING ME ON A TRIP AT NIGHT. AT THE TIME, THERE WERE SMALL "HOLES" IN THE RED PART OF THE TAIL LIGHTS. BY EARLY THIS MONTH, WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO A MAZDA DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, THE HOLES HAD BECOME QUITE A BIT BIGGER. THEY STARTED AT ABOUT THE SIZE OF A DIME OR NICKEL, LAST YEAR. NOW THEY ARE THE SIZE OF A HALF DOLLAR, AND ARE A BIGGER SAFETY HAZARD. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THIS. MAZDA TOLD ME TODAY THAT THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP SAID MY CAR'S TAIL LIGHTS HAD "NONSTANDARD" BULBS IN THEM, AND ALSO SAID THAT THERE WERE CRACKS IN THE BULB SOCKETS. IF SO, THEN THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME THAT WAY FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THE CAR NEW. I AM THE SOLE OWNER OF THE CAR, AND I HAVE NEVER CHANGED ANY TAIL LIGHT BULBS IN IT.
Feb 21, 2013
SUSPENSION
4 complaints
2009 MAZDA3. THE WHEEL END OF THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED OFF. UPDATED 02/13/15*BF
Feb 12, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHTAWAY PORTION OF A STATE HIGHWAY WITH NO TRAFFIC OR ROAD PROBLEMS (NO POTHOLES OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT), I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN OBJECT HIT THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE. UPON LOOKING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY ITEM ON THE ROAD. AFTER THAT HAPPENED, I STARTED HEARING METAL GRINDING SOUNDS UNDER THE CAR WHEN DRIVING ON UNEVEN ROADS. AFTER REMOVING ALL THE ITEMS IN THE TRUNK, INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE, THE SOUND WAS STILL EVIDENT OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT A PART OF ONE OF THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD BROKEN OFF AND HAD GOTTEN LODGED UNDER THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING LOOKED NEW ON 2/3 OF THE SPRING AND RUSTED THROUGH ON THE PART THAT BROKE OFF (THE OTHER 1/3). THE OTHER REAR COIL SPRING LOOKED LIKE IT WAS STARTING TO RUST IN THE SAME AREA AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE. WE LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST, BUT MAKE IT A HABIT TO CLEAN THE UNDERCARRIAGE DURING THE WINTER SEASON. AS OWNERS OF A 2009 SUZUKI AND 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY, MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THIS PART SINCE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE HAS NOT OCCURRED WITH ANY OF OUR OTHER VEHICLES. THE MAZDA IS A COMMUTER VEHICLE USED BY ONE PERSON AND RARELY HAS ANYTHING MORE IN THE TRUNK THAN GROCERIES ONCE IN A WHILE, SO OVERLOADING IS A NON-ISSUE. WE ARE IN POSSESSION OF THE COIL SPRINGS THAT WERE REMOVED IF INSPECTION IS REQUIRED. *TR
Apr 24, 2014
2009 MAZDA 3; PURCHASED NEW FOR OUR DAUGHTER - EARLY ON I NOTICED THE TIRES WERE TILTED, LIKE THE CAMBER WAS WAY OFF. BROUGHT IT UP TO DEALER DURING ROUTINE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. I WAS GIVEN SOME STORY THIS WAS THEIR ZOOM ZOOM SUSPENSION USED ON RACE CARS. TIRE WEAR (INSIDE) WAS REACHING DANGEROUS LEVEL AT UNDER 15,000 MILES WITH ROTATIONS DONE BY DEALERSHIP. GIVEN EXCUSE THAT HARDER TIRES WOULD SOLVE PROBLEM. I REFUSED TO BUY TIRES FROM DEALERSHIP SINCE IT SURE SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF BS. I PURCHASED 4 QUALITY NEW TIRES FROM TIRE DEALER WITH PACKAGE TO ROTATE/REPAIR. I HAVE THEM ROTATED EVERY 4,500 MILES. TOOK CAR IN FOR ROTATION ON MAY 9, 2013. DEALER TOLD BE TIRES WERE WEARING HORRIBLY (AGAIN TO THE INSIDE). I TOLD THEM THE DEALERSHIP EXCUSES, THEY SUGGESTED I GO BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM. I COMPLAINED AND WENT ON SATURDAY FOR THEM TO CHECK ALIGNMENT AT THEIR EXPENSE. EVERYTHING WITHIN MAZDA TOLERANCE (SURPRISE). THIS VEHICLE HAS UNDER 40,000 MILES, IS DRIVEN LOCALLY TO SCHOOL AND GROCERY STORE SINCE PURCHASE AND IS LOOKING AT THIRD SET OF TIRES. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW WHERE SAFETY IS AN ISSUE WITH TIRES REACHING DANGEROUS LEVELS WELL BEFORE THEY SHOULD. IF PEOPLE DON'T KEEP AN EYE ON THIS SITUATION SOMEONE WILL MORE THAN LIKELY BE HURT OR KILLED. THE DEALER SAID THEY HAVE BEEN CROSS ROTATING TIRES TO TRY AND GET BETTER MILEAGE OR WEAR OUT OF THEM. I SHOWED OWNERS MANUAL TO SERVICE MANAGER SINCE THEIR BOOK THAT CAME WITH CAR INDICATES STANDARD DIRECTIONAL ROTATION. SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT IS MAKING EXCUSES SO THE COMPANY DOES NOT HAVE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
May 13, 2013
MY 2009 MAZDA3 5-DOOR HAS A LOOSE NUT WHICH CONNECTS THE RIGHT REAR ANTI-SWAY BAR TO THE SUSPENSION. BASED ON AN ONLINE MAZDA FORUM, THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. THERE IS NO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL, AND MAZDA REFUSES TO EVEN COVER THIS UNDER THE NEW CAR WARRANTY. *TR
May 04, 2010
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
I WAS MERGING ONTO INTERSTATE 69 FROM CENTER ROAD IN FLINT, MICHIGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 A.M. THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME MERGING AT THE SAME TIME. THAT VEHICLE MERGED IN FRONT OF A JEEP AND I MERGED BEHIND IT. THE DRIVER OF THE JEEP STATED THE VEHICLE MERGING IN FRONT OF HIM CUT HIM OFF CAUSING HIM TO BRAKE HARD AND SWERVE INTO CENTER LANE TO AVOID A CRASH. I BRAKED HARD TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE JEEP. THE DRIVER OF THE JEEP ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE IN THE CENTER LANE SWERVED INTO THE LEFT LANE CAUSING THE VEHICLE IN THE LEFT LANE TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD AND UPON RE-ENTERING THE LEFT LANE OVER-CORRECTED AND SLID ACROSS CENTER LANE INTO RIGHT LANE HITTING THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING IT TO HIT THE GUARDRAIL THEN GOING INTO 360 DEGREE SPIN AND COMING TO A STOP APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET FARTHER ALONG THE HIGHWAY AGAINST THE GUARDRAIL. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I WAS INJURED IN THE CRASH. I HAVE A FRACTURED STERNUM AND BRUISES TO MY LEFT KNEE, RIGHT ARM AND LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK. [XXX] UD-10 SERIAL #77152 FLINT POLICE DEPT.- TRAFFIC DIVISION 210 E. FIFTH ST. FLINT, MI 48502 (810) 237-6890 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CRASH CAUSED HEAD INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS ON FILE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000.
Jun 29, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH A TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVING 45 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE NOTIFIED. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION FACILITY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,700.
Oct 19, 2009
MY SON WAS HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (T-BONED) AND NO SIDE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. *TR
Oct 12, 2009
POWER TRAIN
3 complaints
FIRST OFF. I'M A MECHANIC SO THIS SHOULD THROW YOU FOR A LOOP. AT 130,000 MILES MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. IT SAID ENGINE RUNNING RICH. SO I COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM WITH FUEL INJECTORS OR SENSORS OR ANY LEAK FROM INTAKE OR EXHAUST. MY IDLE WAS RUNNING HIGH SO I REPLACED FUEL INJECTORS, THEN MAF SENSOR, THEN O2 SENSORS AND STILL A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. IT SAID ENGINE RUNNING RICH "BANK 1 RUNNING RICH". THEN IT STARTED TO PUTT AND LOSE POWER. THE OVERALL PROBLEM WAS MY CLUTCH WAS GOING. AFTER IT STARTED TO SLIP I REPLACED IT AND ALL PROBLEMS WERE GONE. SO I WASTED ABOUT $500 FOR IT TO BE A CLUTCH THAT ALSO NEEDED A NEW THROW OUT BEARING AND SPOON BECAUSE THEY REDESIGNED IT WHEN THERE WAS A DEFFICIENCY BUT NO RECALL ON IT. AND BECAUSE OF THE CODE NOT TELLING ME THE RIGHT PROBLEM I ALSO NEEDED A FLY WHEEL. SO I'M OUT OVER $1400. SO MUCH FOR COMPUTERS THAT ARE SMART IN CARS.
Mar 12, 2016
PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO CATASTROPHIC CLUTCH FAILURE FROM THE CLUTCH PLATE ITSELF ON 2009 MAZDA3 WITH ONLY 18,000 MILES ON IT. CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW FROM DEALERSHIP. CLUTCH FAILURE RESULTED IN AN INCIDENT OF LOSS OF CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE IN 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC DUE TO LOSS OF POWER THROUGH THE DRIVELINE. *TR
Apr 29, 2011
MY 2009 MAZDA 3 HAS EXPERIENCED OVER HEATING OF THE TRANSAXLE (TRANSMISSION) WHEN OPERATING IN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES OF 100 DEGREES AND OVER. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND TALKED TO MAZDA CORP. AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEIR ONLY ADVICE IS TO PULL OVER AND LET THE TRANSMISSION COOL DOWN. THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO HAVING TO PULL OVER IN SOME LESS THAN SAFE AREAS.
Mar 26, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE CAR/STEERING WHEEL VIBRATE AND PULSATE. DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS A WARPED DISC CAUSED BY THE WAY THE CAR IS DRIVEN AND ONLY AN ANNOYANCE. CAR HAS LESS THAN 12K MILES AND IS 14 MONTHS OLD. *TR
Jun 13, 2010
SEVERE STEERING SHAKE WHEN BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS. TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IT IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE. VEHICLE IS ONLY 12 MOS. OLD WITH 10,000 MILES. *TR
Apr 28, 2010
SEVERE STEERING SHAKE WHEN BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IT IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 14 MOS. OLD WITH 18,000 MILES. *TR
Feb 14, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
Brake pedal sinks to the ground d after abs is turned on due to hard braking or after hitting a dip
Mar 24, 2025
parking brake not working due to mechanism on rear caliper is rusted solid so it can not activate brake
Oct 05, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a puddle of fuel on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that previously there was an abnormally strong odor inside the vehicle and in the trunk. In addition, the contact stated that the odor was very strong, causing her to become light-headed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,212.
Jan 21, 2025
I HAVE A 2009 MAZDA 3 WITH 9200 MILES. THEIR HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INDICATING THE GAS CAP IS NOT SECURE. TODAY, 8/11/2010 THE GAS CAP WAS STUCK AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET REMOVED AND INSTALL A NEW GAS CAP. THE SERVICE MAN, JIM COLTREP SAID THAT HE HAS HEARD ABOUT GAS CAPS SEIZING. MY DAUGHTER IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER SHE DOESN'T NEED THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER CAN'T GUARANTEE ME THAT I WON'T HAVE A PROBLEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I SEE ON THE WEB A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MAZDA 3 GAS CAP PROBLEM. WHEN IS THIS GOING TO BE CORRECTED ON A NEAR PERMANENT BASIS? *TR
Aug 11, 2010
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
The fuel pump lock ring on my 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 has failed which is causing two engine codes: P0442 and P0455. In addition there is a strong smell of gasoline fumes around the rear of the car after driving and parking. The fuel pump lock ring is a plastic threaded ring which secures and seals the fuel pump and fuel level sender to the fuel tank. Mazda has released a safety recall 5121I for MY2009-2011 RX-8 and MY2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. Mazda states: "On certain subject RX-8 and Mazdaspeed6 vehicles, improper installation of the fuel pump mounting rings may lead to cracking of the rings, causing fuel leakage. In addition, on certain RX-8 vehicles, the fuel pump mounting rings may deteriorate due to heat exposure from the engine and exhaust pipe due to insufficient heat resistance at the top side of the fuel tank. This may also lead to cracking of the rings, causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage may result in increased risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source near the vehicle." The faulty part number for the RX-8 matches that of the Mazdaspeed3. That is Mazda part number: BN8F-42-167 I believe the failure of this part and recall should extend to affected Mazda 3 vehicles, and any other models with the same part. I have opened a case with Mazda Corporate. Case number: 14466166445 I have uploaded a video of the smoke test performed by a local shop indicating the leak is coming from the ring: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6t6KeeaDPLgGzvvaA I have also attached a screenshot of the video, unfortunately the image quality provided by the mechanic is very poor.
Nov 04, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SPIDERS WERE ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT MAZDA RECALLED THE 2009 MAZDA6 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V134000 (FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE: STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY) WHICH STATED THAT A CERTAIN TYPE OF SPIDER COULD WEAVE A WEB INSIDE THE FUEL CANISTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME SPIDER WAS IN THEIR VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE 2009 MAZDA WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Jul 30, 2012
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
ELECTRIC DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTORS HAVE FAILED THREE (3) TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED. WHILE IN MOTION.
Feb 24, 2017
THREE OUT OF FOUR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS HAVE FAILED CAUSING TIRE DEFLATION. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN MY DRIVEWAY.UPON TRYING TO RE-INFLATE THE LOW TIRES I FOUND THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS JUST FELL AWAY INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE TIRE. MY TIRE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REINSTALL THE MONITORS(ONLY TO HAVE THEM FAIL AGAIN LATER) MY COMPLAINT STEMS FROM THE INCIDENT (AFTER I HAVE STEWED ABOUT IT FOR A WHILE) THAT HAPPENED ON 6-26-2013. MY WIFE,WITH DAUGHTER, HAD A BLOWOUT ON INTERSTATE 75 AT RUSH HOUR IN A DRIVING RAIN STORM. OF COURSE IT WAS A HARROWING EXPERIENCE GETTING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. LUCKILY A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER WAS NOT AT THE WHEEL. WHEN I ARRIVED TO CHANGE THE TIRE I DECIDED TO TRY AND RE-INFLATE IT FIRST TO TRY AND GET TO A SAFER LOCATION. ONCE AGAIN THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FELL TO THE INTERIOR OF THE TIRE!!! MY TIRE DEALER (TIRE DISCOUNTERS WALTON KY) TOLD ME THAT THE THREADS ON THE STEM THAT HOLDS THE MONITOR TO THE WHEEL CORRODES AND EVENTUALLY CRACKS THE NUT HOLDING THE MONITOR. WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK. I STILL HAVE THE OLD MONITORS AND INDEED THE CORROSION LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING THAT COMES FROM A DISSIMILAR METAL ON METAL CONTACT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN MY OPINION AND I SHOULD HAVE COMPLAINED AS SOON AS I COULD BUT I REALLY THINK THAT NOTHING WILL COME OF IT. I ALMOST PAID FOR NEW MONITORS(DECIDED TO JUST REPLACE WITH PLAIN STEMS ON MY OWN AS I DO NOT TRUST ,NOR DO I WANT TO FINANCE MAZDA ANY FURTHER), I LOST A TIRE DUE TO THE HIGHWAY INCIDENT AND I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS NO SURPRISE TO THE TIRE STORE.
Sep 07, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL. WAS COMING UP ON A CAR AND HIT BRAKES TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. INSTEAD OF TURNING OFF CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOWING THE CAR, HITTING THE BRAKE CAUSED THE CAR TO ACCELETRATE. I COULD ONLY TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL BY SLAMMING THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES.
Apr 08, 2013
GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAR GOT UP TO 80 MILES AN HOUR. UNABLE TO STOP CAR, FINALLY SLAMMED ON THE GAS PEDAL THREE TIMES AND IT DISLODGED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. *TR
Jul 13, 2010
SEATS
2 complaints
THE DRIVER SEAT RAIL HAS BECOME LOOSE WITHIN ITS INTERNAL STRUCTURE CAUSING THE ENTIRE SEAT ASSEMBLY TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH DURING ACCELERATION, BRAKING, SHIFTING, AND CORNERING. THE ISSUE HAS BECOME MORE SEVERE OVER THE PAST TEN THOUSAND MILES, TO THE POINT WHERE ITS MOTION IS NOTICEABLE EVEN TO PASSENGERS. *TR
Oct 18, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2009 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, HE EXPERIENCED NUMBNESS IN HIS LEFT ARM UP TO HIS FINGERS BECAUSE HE LEFT HIS ELBOW ON THE ARM REST. A DOCTOR TOLD HIM THAT HE MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED A BLOOD CLOT. HE FELT THAT THE ARM REST MAY HAVE BEEN TOO HARD. HE EMAILED THE MANUFACTURER AND IS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,000.
Mar 04, 2010
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS A WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE YAW RATE CENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V187000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Aug 15, 2012
LOST CONTROL OF 2009 MAZDA 3 ON WET ROAD. IT FELT LIKE DSC WOULD NOT LET ME CONTROL THE CAR. *TR
Jul 26, 2010
VISIBILITY
2 complaints
I SUBMITTED A REIMBURSEMENT APPLICATION FORM FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF MY WIPER MOTOR $438.07. THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED ON JANUARY 4, I SENT IN THE REIMBURSEMENT APPLICATION ON JANUARY 5, AND WAS DENIED ON JANUARY 10. I RESUBMITTED IT TWO MORE TIMES, BECAUSE I BELIEVE I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE PRICE OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WIPER MOTOR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE RECALL ON THE GROUND HARNESS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE WIPER MOTOR FAILING OVER TIME. I NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE, AND THEREFORE NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO FIX THE HARNESS BEFORE IT CAUSED THE WIPER MOTOR TO STOP WORKING. I HAVE PLACED NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS, BUT EACH TIME I AM TOLD THAT THEY WILL INVESTIGATE AND GET BACK WITH ME. NO ONE EVER CALLS BACK. *JS
Apr 30, 2012
DEFECTIVE VIBRATING DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR AT ANY TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TRAFFIC ON DRIVER'S SIDE APPEARS BLURRY AND DISTORTED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. PROBLEM PERSISTS EVEN AFTER NEW MIRROR INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Feb 24, 2010
PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
MAZDA3 2009: PARKING BRAKE OFTEN INADEQUATE BY ITSELF TO KEEP CAR FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS ON SLIGHT INCLINE. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE WITH MY CAR AND ONCE MORE WITH A RELATIVE WHO OWNS THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF THIS CAR. *TR
Dec 22, 2010
CAR IS A 2009 MAZDA SPEED3, ONE MONTH OLD. I SET THE BRAKE OF THE CAR AND IT ONLY WENT UP 2 CLICKS. THE CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY WITH NOBODY IN THE CAR AND HIT A TREE. EMERGENCY BRAKE HARD TO PULL UP TO SET PROPERLY. I DID A TEST ON A STEEP SLOPE, AND THE EBRAKE DID NOT HOLD. A HARD YANK WITH TWO HANDS MADE THE BRAKE HOLD, AND NOW THE BRAKE WILL GO UP 5 CLICKS WITH EASE AND HOLDS. *TR
Jun 11, 2009
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
For the past 9-10 months and on occasions, when I step on the brake pedal to either slow down or stop from a normal cruise speed, the engine rpm quickly jumps up to 2000 - 2500 rpm. I have to quickly brake harder and *place the auto transmission selector in NEUTRAL to fully stop the car from lunging forward*. The date below is the most recent date.
Apr 28, 2023
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN AS I'M SLOWING DOWN, AS YOU WOULD TO MAKE A TURN ONTO A STREET OR DRIVEWAY. I TURN ON MY BLINKER, THEN THE MOMENT I PRESS THE BRAKE, ALL OF THE POWER IN THE CAR DIES, AND COMES RIGHT BACK ON. I THINK OF IT AS A QUICK RESET IT SEEMS. HOWEVER, WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK, AND I'M LEFT FINISHING MY TURN WITHOUT POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING IS THE ONLY THING THAT DOES NOT "RESET" WHEN THE POWER FAILS. THE POWER STEERING MAY TAKE 3-6 SECONDS BEFORE IT COMES BACK. AND IT ALWAYS COMES BACK ON, BUT NOT UNTIL AFTER I'M THROUGH MY TURN. IT TYPICALLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN MY BLINKER, AND BRAKE IS APPLIED, ALMOST LIKE THE POWER OF THOSE LIGHTS SHUTS EVERYTHING OFF. BUT THIS ALL HAPPENS AT RANDOM. I HAVE A PART TIME JOB ON THE WKNDS DELIVERING FOOD. IT STARTED OUT JUST MAYBE HAPPENING ONCE A MONTH, AND THAT WAS 3-4 MONTHS AGO. NOW IT'S EVERYTIME I GO OUT, IT'S LIKELY TO HAPPEN, BUT WHEN, IT'S IMPOSSILBE TO TELL BECAUSE I CAN TRY EVERYTHING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN THAT NORMALLY MIGHT SEEM TO BE THE CAUSE AND THEN NOTHING. I'VE READ A LOT OF FORUMS RECENTLY THAT HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH EITHER EXACT PROBLEMS OR VERY SIMILAR. I DON'T LIVE IN A BIG CITY BUT FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE DRIVING THIS CAR IN A BIG CITY THATS BUSY, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND NOT ONLY THAT PEOPLE ARE GONNA END UP GETTING IN SMALL WRECKS FOR SOMETHING THAT COULD BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH A RECALL. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. I'M UNABLE TO WORK MY WKND JOB WITH THIS ISSUE SO IT'S COSTING ME 3 DAYS OF WORK UNTIL I GET IT FIXED. THANK YOU.
Mar 28, 2021
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD KEEPS TURNING ON AND OFF. SEEMS TO DEPEND ON THE WEATHER, IE, RAIN AND HIGH HUMIDITY
Jun 27, 2019
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE POWER STEERING CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING AND THE ELECTRICITY FOR THE CAR CUTS OUT FOR A SECOND OR TWO AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.
Jan 03, 2019
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY ENGINE SHUT OFF ABRUPTLY. I CHECKED THE ENGINE AND FOUND A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. OIL TRAILS OUT OF THE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY.
Dec 28, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE A KEY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DOOR CAN ONLY BE UNLOCKED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR BY A KEY REMOTE. I DO NOT HAVE A REMOTE. BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE CAN ONLY BE OPENED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE THIS CREATES A RISK OF INJURY FOR THE DRIVER, AS WELL AS PASSENGERS WHO ARE DEPENDENT ON THE DRIVER. FOR EXAMPLE, MY MOTHER IS 80 YEARS OLD AND DEAF. SHE NEEDS ASSISTANCE WALKING. WHEN I NEED TO UNLOCK THE CAR, I HAVE TO LEAVE HER UNATTENDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OR BRING HER WITH ME TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE THEN WALK BACK TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. ANOTHER EXAMPLE WOULD BE IF I NEED TO UNLOCK MY CAR WHEN THERE HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE STREET SIDE (DRIVER'S SIDE) BEFORE I CAN PUT MY DOG'S IN THE CAR, I HAVE TO LEAVE MY DOGS UNATTENDED, OR BRING THEM INTO THE STREET WITH ME. WHEN TRAFFIC IS HEAVY, MY ONLY METHOD TO UNLOCK THE CAR IS TO GO INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAVE NOTICED THERE ARE MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS NOT INSTALLING A KEY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THIS OTHER THAN SAVING ON COSTS. NOWADAYS MOST CAR KEYS ARE COUPLED WITH A REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE CAR. HOWEVER, IF THE REMOTE SHOULD FAIL, THE DRIVER CAN ONLY UNLOCK THE CAR FROM THE DRIVER'S GAIN ENTRY. THIS POSES A DANGEROUS RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. TO REPLACE A FAULTY REMOTE COSTS APPROXIMATELY $150. I BELIEVE THIS APPROACH TO GAIN CAR ENTRY IS DEFECTIVE AND CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. THERE IS A STRONG INFERENCE THAT CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE DELIBERATELY NOT INSTALLING A KEY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO SAVE ON MANUFACTURING COSTS AND ALSO MAKE MONEY BY HAVING THE CONSUMER BUY A REMOTE. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST YOU LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Aug 28, 2015
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I HEARD A LOUD CLATTER LIKE A ROCK IN THE WHEEL WELL AND THE SAW SOMETHING BOUNCE OUT FROM THE SIDE OF MY CAR. MOMENTS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VEER TO THE LEFT. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER AND PULL OF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO FIND THAT MY VALVE STEM ON MY WHEEL HAD LOST THE NUT HOLDING IT IN PLACE SO THAT THE VALVE FELL INTO THE TIRE LEAVING A LARGE HOLE. AFTER HAVING THE TIRE REPLACED (IT WAS DESTROYED) I SAW THAT THE VALVE (WHICH WAS PART OF THE TPMS) WAS CORRODED AND COULD BE EASILY SNAPPED IN HALF. ANOTHER OF THESE VALVES HAD FAILED FOUR MONTHS PRIOR SO I THINK THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. MAZDA REFUSES TO BELIEVE THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THEIR PART AND SUGGESTS THAT I CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH THE REMAINING SENSORS.
Jul 28, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
RED TAIL / BRAKE LIGHT LENSES ARE MELTED BY BULB. *TR
Jan 29, 2015
STEERING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2009 MAZDA3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A DEFECT ON THE STEERING WHEEL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT APPEARED TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE APPEARED TO BE GAPS DEVELOPING ON EITHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL HUB. THE CENTER PANEL WHERE THE HORN AND AIR BAG WERE LOCATED. THE GAPS WERE BECOMING INCREASINGLY WIDER TO THE POINT WHERE SHE COULD ACTUALLY SEE MECHANISMS THROUGH THE GAP. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED , BECAUSE THE HUB SEEMED TO BE DETACHING AND SHE FEARED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY, OR INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY. THE DEALER INSISTED IT WAS A COMMON COSMETIC ISSUE DESCRIBING IT AS TRIM DETERIORATION. *JB
Jun 05, 2014
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TWO OF THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING S___?) SENSORS WERE CRACKED AND REPLACED AT A DISCOUNTED COST TO ME OF $325. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH UNDER 52,000 MILES AND TWO OF THEM CRACK AT THE SAME TIME (!). THE MAZDA DEALER SAID THAT THEY GET A NUMBER OF THESE PROBLEMS AND THAT THEY THINK IT IS DUE TO POOR QUALITY METAL BEING USED. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THEY CRACK TOO EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CUSTOMER HAS NO WAY OF DETERMINING THIS OR EVEN KNOWING HOW OR WHERE TO LOOK. I AM NOW VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE REMAINING TWO.
Sep 06, 2013
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE TAKEN MY MAZDA 3 TO BE CHECKED OUT 2 TIMES DUE TO THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS CAP. I AM TOLD THIS HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA VEHICLE BUT NOT MINE. I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE FOR 4 YEARS AND IT HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED.
Aug 30, 2013
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT WHILE IN A LOCAL PARKING LOT, BUT AN UNEXPECTED POWER STEERING FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH ADJACENT CURB AND ONTO A CITY FIRE HYDRANT. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND THE GROUND HAD BEEN WET, BUT IT WAS NOT RAINING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR
May 25, 2013
STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2009 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER STATES THE GLOVE BOX BEGAN TO RATTLE NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE DEALER, THE ENTIRE GLOVE BOX ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2010. THE PROBLEM RESURFACED FIVE MONTHS LATER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT MAZDA WOULD NOT AGREE TO REPLACE THE GLOVE BOX AGAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE GLOVE BOX IS NOW DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND IT OPENS AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING. *JB
Jul 19, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
PURCHASED VEHICLE ON 7/09. ON 1/6/10, VEHICLE FAILED TO START, AT FIRST CRANKING WITH NO ENGINE START THEN COMPLETE DISCHARGE OF SYSTEMS (NO CRANKING, NO BATTERY POWER WHATSOEVER). BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD "MAIN RELAY" WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAS THE REASON BATTERY WAS NOT HOLDING ITS CHARGE. RELAY WAS REPLACED. SAME EVENTS AGAIN OCCURRED ON 3/3/10. CAR REMAINS IN DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR. CAR REMAINS INOPERABLE WHEN THESE EVENTS OCCUR. *TR
Mar 05, 2010
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESTIATES TO ACCELERATE APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 QUARTER TO 1 1/4 BEFORE THE VEHICLE MOVED. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE AUGUST OF 2008. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE AUTO SHOP TWICE FOR THE ISSUE AND EACH TIME THE CONTACT IS ADVISED THAT IT IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONTACT DISAGREES BECAUSE THOSE SECONDS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IF A CRASH WERE TO OCCUR. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1000. 4/01/09 *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE WHEN HE STEPPED ON THE GAS. UPDATED 04/09/09.*JB
Feb 17, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TURBO SEALS LEAKING OIL CAUSING VEHICLE TO SMOKE AT IDLE. COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES AND ON MAZDASPEED6 AND ON THE CX7. *TR
Jan 31, 2009
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 2009 MAZDA Mazda3, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your MAZDA dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 have?
The 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 currently has 119 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 2009 MAZDA Mazda3?
The most common problems reported for the 2009 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 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 2009 MAZDA Mazda3?
You can report safety problems with your 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 2009 MAZDA Mazda3 reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2009 MAZDA Mazda3. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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