2004 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

The 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 has 2 recalls and 145 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is service brakes.

How the 2004 compares

High

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 23 MAZDA3 model years — 6th most.

2recalls

145complaints

18crashes

2fires

14injuries

59,151median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Air Bags

Jul 1, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V494000 · 260,915 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.

Risk: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between August 28, 2021 and October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Air Bags

Sep 24, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V468000 · 42,000 vehicles

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a crack in the air bag crash zone sensor housing can allow water to enter the sensor, causing a short circuit and illuminating the air bag warning light.

Original NHTSA wording

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SENSOR, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT AND ILLUMINATING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT.

Risk: If this problem exists, the air will not deploy as designed in certain types of frontal crashes, increasing the risk of death or serious injury to the driver and front seat passenger.

Original NHTSA wording

IF THIS PROBLEM EXISTS, THE AIR WILL NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED IN CERTAIN TYPES OF FRONTAL CRASHES, INCREASING THE RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will inspect the crash zone sensor and replace it, if necessary. The recall began on October 28, 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Mazda recall no.2304J.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Engine21

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2004 vs. other Mazda MAZDA3 years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2004. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3, the latest from Jul 1, 2021 (air bags). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention service brakes (26), air bags (25), power train (24). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.