2009 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2009 Mazda Mazda3 has 3 safety recalls and 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
115
Crashes / fires
11 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 11V-329: Visibility

Reported Jun 15, 2011 · 103,300 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from january 7, 2008, through november 28, 2008. The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during assembly. If this condition exists then over time the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase up to a point that the windshield wipers would not work.

Risk: The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before july 15, 2011. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Recall 10V-374: Steering

Reported Aug 12, 2010 · 215,000 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-187: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Reported May 29, 2009 · 7,100 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: Mazda is recalling 7,100 my 2009 mazda3 vehicles equipped with dynamic stability control for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 126, "electronic stability control system". The yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards.

Risk: Improper operation of the electronic stability control.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and have the unit replaced free of charge. The recall began on july 14, 2009. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

2009 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering36
Tires26
Wheels19
Power Train6
Air Bags5
Electrical System5
Exterior Lighting5
Suspension4
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)4
Structure4
Unknown or Other4
Vehicle Speed Control3

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 10
  • Tires › Valve — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Suspension › Rear — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,681 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 2009 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

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

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 102,212 miles · reported Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a puddle of fuel on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that previously there was an abnormally strong odor inside the vehicle and in the trunk. In addition, the contact stated that the odor was very strong, causing her to become light-headed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,212.
Service Brakes · reported Apr 28, 2023
For the past 9-10 months and on occasions, when I step on the brake pedal to either slow down or stop from a normal cruise speed, the engine rpm quickly jumps up to 2000 - 2500 rpm. I have to quickly brake harder and *place the auto transmission selector in NEUTRAL to fully stop the car from lunging forward*. The date below is the most recent date.
Steering · reported Apr 28, 2023
When driving and trying to negotiate a turn, or sometimes when going straight, the power assist steering simply fails (stops assisting the steering). I have to "muscle" the car off the roadway and either restart the engine or stop the car (off the road) straighten the steering wheel, restart the car, and the power assist is restored. This has happened five times in the last 9 months. So far there have been no accidents. The date velow is the most recent date of this failure.
Electrical System · at 130,000 miles · reported Mar 28, 2021
This seems to happen as I'm slowing down, as you would to make a turn onto a street or driveway. I turn on my blinker, then the moment I press the brake, all of the power in the car dies, and comes right back on. I think of it as a quick reset it seems. However, when this happens, the power steering does not work, and I'm left finishing my turn without power steering. The power steering is the only thing that does not "reset" when the power fails. The power steering may take 3-6 seconds before it comes back. And it always comes back on, but not until after I'm through my turn. It typically…
Steering · at 96,600 miles · reported Mar 30, 2020
While driving on a public road (40 MPH) march 2020, my daughter's 2009 mazda 3 lost power steering, and the power steering light went on her dashboard. She pulled off the road and called us for help. When the car was turned on and off the power steering returned. Three weeks later the same problem occurred. I have read numerous cases on many websites where this is occurring. This specific VIN number is not included in the power steering pump recall we found online, but it is acting like it has the exact problem . This is a huge concern because the problem happens randomly while driving! I have…

Other Mazda Mazda3 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3: 11V-329 (visibility), 10V-374 (steering), 09V-187 (electronic stability control (esc)). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report steering problems most often (36 reports), followed by tires (26). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,681 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.