2004 Mazda Mazda3 airbags problems

The 2004 Mazda Mazda3 has 30 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

Airbags complaints

16%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Mazda3 airbags complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 have?

NHTSA has 30 complaints about the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 airbags — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 airbags?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the airbags: 04V468000, 21V494000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.