2006 Mazda Mazda3 airbags problems

The 2006 Mazda Mazda3 has 27 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 12% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

Airbags complaints

12%

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.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A UNKNOWN SPEEDS, SHE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 23, 2014 · crash

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 have?

NHTSA has 27 complaints about the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 airbags — 12% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 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.