2006 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

The 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 has 1 recall and 166 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

How the 2006 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 23 MAZDA3 model years — 5th most.

1recalls
166complaints
21crashes
3fires
15injuries
71,000median 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 →

1 recall

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.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Engine34
Steering28
Air Bags27
Electrical System21
Power Train21
Service Brakes14
Suspension14
Tires14
Structure12
Unknown or other8

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

Complaints by year filed

2006: 14 complaints20062007: 12 complaints2008: 10 complaints20082009: 10 complaints2010: 18 complaints2010182011: 10 complaints2012: 14 complaints20122013: 10 complaints2014: 18 complaints20142015: 14 complaints2016: 10 complaints20162017: 7 complaints2018: 4 complaints20182019: 5 complaints2020: 2 complaints20202021: 4 complaints2023: 3 complaints20232024: 1 complaints20241

2006 vs. other Mazda MAZDA3 years

2004: 145 complaints20042005: 97 complaints2006: 166 complaints20062007: 222 complaints2008: 303 complaints20082009: 115 complaints2010: 686 complaints20106862011: 132 complaints2012: 226 complaints20122013: 117 complaints2014: 138 complaints20142015: 130 complaints2016: 104 complaints20162017: 84 complaints2018: 110 complaints20182019: 74 complaints2020: 32 complaints20202021: 55 complaints2022: 24 complaints20222023: 12 complaints2024: 12 complaints20242025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints20261

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2006. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2006 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 2006 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (34), steering (28), air bags (27). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.