VehicleVerdict

2007 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 301 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Mazda3 year — the 2007 model ranks #4 of 23 Mazda3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 92 reports (31% of the total).

301

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

36

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Mazda3 years?

Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted920 complaints2004: 185 complaints2005: 127 complaints2006: 224 complaints2007: 301 complaints2008: 387 complaints2009: 140 complaints2010: 920 complaints2011: 179 complaints2012: 328 complaints2013: 176 complaints2014: 180 complaints2015: 154 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 105 complaints2018: 139 complaints2019: 117 complaints2020: 50 complaints2021: 66 complaints2022: 31 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 20 complaints2025: 8 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Mazda3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering9231%
Airbags3612%
Engine3110%
Electrical System279%
Brakes176%
Transmission176%
Tires & Wheels165%
Suspension145%
Lighting124%
Fuel System103%
Speed Control93%
Body & Structure93%
Other62%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seats21%

Does the 2007 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.

10V374000SteeringAugust 12, 2010 · 215,000 units

Defect

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“IN DECEMBER 2007 MY 2007 MAZDA 3 5 DOOR LOST STEERING CONTROL AND I SLID INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. MAZDA OF GREATNECK WOULD NOT TAKE MY COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY. AS I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN I FELT THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO MY TURNING THE WHEEL. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 10, 2007 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY MAZDA.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 11, 2007 · crash

“I AM THE OWNER OF A 2007 MAZDA 3 . SEVERAL DAYS AGO, WHILE MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT, THE CAR LOST POWER, LOCKING THE STEERING (WHILE SHE WAS ON A CURVE), AND SHE LEFT THE ROAD, HITTING A TREE, AND TOTALING THE CAR. SHE WAS NOT HURT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 16, 2009 · crash

“MY VEHICLE FELT SHAKY WHICH CAUSED ME TO SWERVE SLIGHTLY CAUSING MY BACK PASSENGER TIRE TO RUN OVER A CURB. AFTER THE SCARE IT SEEMED TO DRIVE LIKE NORMAL. I ONLY HAD ABOUT A 5 MINUTE DRIVE TO WORK. WHEN GETTING TO WORK, AFTER BEING INSIDE A FEW MINUTES, A COWORKER POINTED OUT THAT SMOKE WAS COMING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 3, 2019 · fire

“My daughter and I were on the way to O'Reilly when we turned at a short curve going under 20 miles and the steering wheel got loose and the brakes wouldn't stop us. The car just kept swerving all over the road and we ended up in a ditch the day after my husband purchased the car. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 25, 2022 · crash

2007 Mazda Mazda3 — common questions

Is the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 301 complaints put the 2007 model at #4 of 23 Mazda3 years. It is one of the Mazda3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 Mazda3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (92 complaints), airbags (36 complaints), engine (31 complaints).

Does the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.