2004 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sits mid-pack among Mazda3 years: 185 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 139, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (33), airbags (30), and transmission (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

185

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	33	18%	new
Airbags	30	16%	new
Transmission	24	13%	new
Engine	22	12%	new
Steering	19	10%	new
Tires & Wheels	11	6%	new
Body & Structure	8	4%	new
Electrical System	8	4%	new
Lighting	8	4%	new
Fuel System	7	4%	new
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	4	2%	new
Seat Belts	3	2%	new
Suspension	3	2%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	1%	new
Seats	1	1%	new
Other	1	1%	new
Speed Control	1	1%	new

Does the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V494000AirbagsJuly 1, 2021 · 260,915 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

09E011000OtherApril 2, 2009 · 2,323 units

Defect

THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

04V468000AirbagsSeptember 24, 2004 · 42,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“REAR BRAKE ROTOR AND PADS EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE WEAR. ABS SYSTEM SEEMS TO ACTIVATE PREMATURELY AT THE REAR WHEELS UNDER HEAVY BRAKING IN DRY CONDITIONS. REAR BRAKES WILL NEED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT AT 32K MILES WHILE THE FRONTS LOOK TO LAST 100K. DEALER SAYS WEAR IS NORMAL, INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2006 · crash

“INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISON ON APRIL 18 2005 AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HAVE CALLED AND EMAILS MAZDA ABOUT THIS AND THEY WILL NOT HELP ME. THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHTS FLASHING. I WAS TRAVING AT 25 TO 30MPH AND THE OTHER CAR ( THERE FAULT ) WAS GOING ABOUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 18, 2005 · crash

“CLUTCH SLIPPING, HIGH RPMS, NOT RED LINING. TRANSMISSION EXPLODED CAUSING ENGINE FIRE AND BURNING MOTOR AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 1, 2014 · fire

“CLUTCH SLIPPING, HIGH RPMS, NOT RED LINING. TRANSMISSION EXPLODED CAUSING ENGINE FIRE AND BURNING MOTOR AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2014 · fire

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 15, 2009 · crash

2004 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda3: 185 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (33 complaints), airbags (30 complaints), transmission (24 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda3 years to avoid are 2010, 2008, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2011, 2013. The cleanest record among Mazda3 years belongs to 2026.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2004 compare to other Mazda3 years?

What are the most common 2004 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

Does the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

What are the most common 2004 Mazda3 problems?

Does the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Which Mazda Mazda3 years should you avoid?

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