2004 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2004 Mazda Mazda3 has 2 safety recalls and 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
145
Crashes / fires
18 / 2
Injuries / deaths
14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 21V-494: Air Bags

Reported Jul 1, 2021 · 260,915 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-468: Air Bags

Reported Sep 24, 2004 · 42,000 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2004 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags30
Service Brakes, Hydraulic30
Power Train24
Steering19
Engine and Engine Cooling18
Tires9
Structure8
Exterior Lighting8
Electrical System8
Equipment5
Engine4
Fuel System, Gasoline3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 11
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 8
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 8
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 4
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 4
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,151 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · reported Aug 18, 2024
This model car has a fuse box under the glove box known as a "passenger junction box" that has a faulty or defective relay soldered onto the circuit board. The relay is tied to lighting that includes the interior lights, exterior front parking lights, exterior rear tail lights, and the license plate light and is controlled by the left turn signal stalk (rotating switch). Based on my experience and many others (on the Mazda 3 forums), this relay has the tendency to fail and cause all of these lights tied to this relay to intermittently or permanently be disabled. There is no warning for this…
Tires · at 150,000 miles · reported Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3 equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Ventus S1 Noble2, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a loud explosion was heard. The contact's wife alerted him that the rear driver's side tire had blown out. The contact's vehicle was then rear-ended by another vehicle, causing his vehicle to turn 360 degrees. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was not injured, but his wife suffered from neck pain. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's…
Structure · reported Aug 13, 2023
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these axles power the vehicle forward and if not maintained can snap and cause damage- the wipers no longer work correctly- the tires are 2017 and old and weather cracked- potential to separate while driving or blow out on the heated pavement. upon inspection also found that the front…
Air Bags · at 165,000 miles · reported Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V468000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Engine · at 45 miles · reported Mar 22, 2020
The car ran great for the end of 2019. I bought it used at 145,000 miles. Then the automatic transmission started to slip. Now its stuck in limp mode.

Other Mazda Mazda3 years

Compare all Mazda Mazda3 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3: 21V-494 (air bags), 04V-468 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report air bags problems most often (30 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,151 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.