Vehicles / Mazda / Mazda3 / 2004

2004 Mazda Mazda3

145 federal complaints (185 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 234 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 23 model years of the Mazda Mazda3 →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
24 city / 32 hwy
Federal complaints
145
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
31
Air bags
30
Power train
24
Engine & cooling
22
Steering
19
Tires
9
Body & structure
8
Lighting
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 37 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 9 complaints3 years old: 7 complaints4 years old: 12 complaints5 years old: 12 complaints56 years old: 13 complaints7 years old: 9 complaints8 years old: 6 complaints9 years old: 5 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 144 of 145 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 23 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 8 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 18 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 10 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 16 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 10 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 10 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 101 of 145 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

31 complaint records1 crash report
"REAR BRAKES WORN OUT. FRONT BRAKES HAVE MORE THAN 3/4 INCH LEFT ON THEM. ROTORS SHOW EXCESSIVE WEAR GROOVING AND PITTING. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Air bags

30 complaint records16 crash reports
"CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Power train

24 complaint records1 fire report
"CLUTCH SLIPPING, HIGH RPMS, NOT RED LINING. TRANSMISSION EXPLODED CAUSING ENGINE FIRE AND BURNING MOTOR AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
21V494000Air BagsMazda 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...Normally free
04V468000Air BagsON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021412
2021-07-02
Airbag133,947Issue: On certain vehicles, the plastic logo on the steering wheel airbag cover could become brittle over time. If this happens, the logo could shatter and could become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash.
2004360
2004-09-30
Airbag25,115On certain vehicles, a crack in the housing of the airbag crash zone sensor may allow water to enter the sensor and cause a short circuit. This will illuminate the airbag warning light.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SA-055-26
Aug 2026
Unknown Or OtherProduct Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
09-022-26
Jul 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or...
SA-029-26
Apr 2026
Power TrainThis Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems.
07-004-25a
Dec 2025
Unknown Or OtherA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
SA-039/25
Aug 2025
StructureSome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SA-032-25
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherSome customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause.
07-004-25
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
SA-058-24
Aug 2024
StructureSome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
09-038-24
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws.
SA-011-24b
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
SA-011-24a
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
SA-011-24
Feb 2024
Power TrainMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
SA-039-23a
Sep 2023
VisibilitySome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
SA-039-23
Jul 2023
StructureSome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
09-016-23
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemSpeedometer replacement procedure
02-004-22a
Nov 2022
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
SA-008-22a
Oct 2022
StructureSome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
09-024-22
Jul 2022
Electrical SystemIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
01-006-22
Jun 2022
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
02-004-22
May 2022
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
SA-014-22
Mar 2022
EquipmentAccessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
01-003/22
Mar 2022
EquipmentThe Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
00-001-22
Feb 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
SA-008-22
Feb 2022
StructureSome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
01-006-21-3779b
Dec 2021
Electrical SystemBattery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
05-002-21-3854
Dec 2021
Power TrainAutomatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE).
MT-002-21a
Oct 2021
Fuel SystemEthanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline.
MT-003-21
Oct 2021
EquipmentSome customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary:
MT-002-21
Sep 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingEthanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85.
01-006-21-3779a
Aug 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
09-025-21-3824
Aug 2021
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver’s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
SA-041-21
Jun 2021
EquipmentAccessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected.
SA-040-21
Jun 2021
VisibilitySome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
MT-003-21
Jun 2021
VisibilitySome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection.
01-005-21-3778
Feb 2021
Electrical SystemThe Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement.
01-006-21-3779
Feb 2021
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.
07-001-21-3775
Jan 2021
EquipmentA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
00-001-21-3768
Jan 2021
Power TrainMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
09-002-21-3770
Jan 2021
Electrical SystemIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
MT-005-20
Nov 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingSome customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Guideline 1. Record the vehicle mileage. 2.
MT-002-20
Aug 2020
WheelsNew CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.
09-006-20-3673a
Jul 2020
EquipmentWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
00-001-20-3689
Mar 2020
Service BrakesMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
09-006-20-3673
Jan 2020
EquipmentWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
02-002-20-3651
Jan 2020
SuspensionSome customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal.
09-003-20-3671
Jan 2020
EquipmentIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws.
04-001-20-3672
Jan 2020
Service BrakesSome vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in...
MT-002-19
Dec 2019
EquipmentIf an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely.
07-002-19-3616a
Dec 2019
EquipmentA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
01-022-19-3657
Dec 2019
EquipmentThere is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This Service Bulletin is to inform you about the water pump sealing mechanism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not.
MT-003-19
Oct 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingSome customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary:
MT-002-19
Sep 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingIf an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely.
SA-029-19a
Jul 2019
EquipmentThe database error discovered with IDS 114.00-114.02 release has been fixed with IDS 114.04 release and is now available for download.
07-002-19-3616
Jul 2019
EquipmentA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON.
SA-029-19
Jul 2019
EquipmentDue to a database error discovered with IDS 114.00-114.02 release (which affects Recall 3719F), it will be necessary to uninstall IDS 114 and install IDS 113.00 and 113.06 update. The Recall can be performed after removing IDS 114 and installing IDS 113.
00-003-19-3583
Mar 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingIn support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually.
02-004-19-3574
Jan 2019
SteeringSome customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
00-001-19-3560
Jan 2019
EquipmentMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual.
00-002-19-3561
Jan 2019
Service BrakesMazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program.
09-005-19-3562
Jan 2019
EquipmentWhen encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).

Showing 60 of 234 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Mazda Mazda3 →