2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems
- Complaints
- 145filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,151miles, 111 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2004 Mazda3 most often describe rear brakes that wear much faster than the fronts, with noise, dust and grooved rotors, and a power steering assist that cuts out intermittently while driving. Complaints also cover automatic and manual transmission problems, air bag warning lights with air bags that did not deploy in some crashes, and engine oil leaks or failures in the engine and cooling system.
- Brakes
Rear brakes wear faster than the front
- 20 complaints (14%)
- median 12,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2008
Owners describe rear pads and rotors wearing out long before the front brakes, with heavy brake dust, squealing and deeply grooved or pitted rotors, sometimes within a few thousand miles of new. Several say the rear brakes needed replacement well before the fronts, and some mention the ABS engaging at the rear wheels under braking. Many report the dealer called the wear normal or attributed it to driving style, while independent shops disagreed. Reported from a few hundred to about 50,000 miles, most commonly in the first 40,000 miles.
What to check: Inspect the rear rotors and pads for grooving and thickness, and ask when they were last replaced. A test drive should include firm braking to check for rear noise or premature ABS activity.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I took my car to the dealership couple times past couple yrs for excessive break dust & squeaking noise rear of the car. They told me its normal & they couldn't locate or heard any squeaking noise. Recently I went back to get an oil change & they notified me that I need my breaks replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10164993, filed 2006-08, 40,000 miles“When backing out of a parking space a luxury SUV appeared from one side, requiring me to stop suddenly. However, when I pressed down on the brake pedal (all the way to the floor), the brakes seemed very hesitant to respond, even with ABS. Thankfully the car did stop in time. I have heard many complaints about the brakes and have also noticed excessive brake dust and a few grooves in the discs/rotors in the rear after only 1000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10090659, filed 2004-09, 1,100 miles - Steering
Power steering assist cuts out while driving
- 13 complaints (9%)
- median 82,000 mi at 7.6 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2016
Complaints describe the power steering warning light coming on and the steering suddenly becoming very heavy at speed, sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes until the car is restarted. Several owners say a dealer or shop diagnosed a failed power steering pump, and some report the vehicle was out of warranty or that the pump was costly. A few mention electrical items such as lights flickering at the same time. Mostly reported between about 65,000 and 160,000 miles, often while turning or at highway speed.
What to check: Look for a power steering warning light on start-up and ask whether the pump or steering system has been replaced. During a test drive, check that assist is consistent through low-speed turns and at highway speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I started my car and my power steering light came on my dash when I was leaving work on 4/2/2015. I had no power steering at all. I've had a repair shop tell me it is my power steering pump that has failed. They stated that they cannot order the part needed to repair my vehicle, which is the electric power steering pump. I called a nearby dealership and they said I have to go through a zip dealership because it is a VIN specific part. They quoted me $900 for a power steering pump and $315 to install it! …”
NHTSA complaint #10704300, filed 2015-04, 159,000 miles“Issue: all electrical components along with power steering shutting off intermittently while driving. The first instance of this issue happened while turning into a parking lot. As I was making a right turn all the electrical components in my vehicle shut off, along with the power steering. About a second later everything came back on and operating normally. This same issue would happen intermittently, usually when making right turns. There was never enough of a pattern to say that it was happening every week or month, etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509611, filed 2013-04, 120,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light on and air bags not deploying
- 24 complaints (17%)
- median 82,500 mi at 6.6 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2021
Owners report the air bag warning lamp illuminating intermittently or staying on, and several describe crashes where the air bags did not deploy. Some say the dealer or manufacturer told them the VIN was not covered by the air bag campaigns, and many were left without a repair. A few complainants link the warning light to the sensor campaign and ask why their vehicle was excluded. Air bag light complaints mostly appear from about 70,000 to 165,000 miles; deployment concerns are reported in vehicles of various ages.
Recall 21V494000Recall 04V4680001 related service bulletin
What to check: Confirm the vehicle's VIN against open air bag recalls before buying, and check that the air bag light cycles normally at start-up and does not stay lit.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am very concerned about the safety of the car that I have had since 2004 Mazda 3. On sunday, I was hit by a car at about a 20 to 30 degree angle and the impact hit my passenger door. Neither one of us was going at a speed that should have had a result in the damage that occurred. When he hit us and the car came to rest, the police and towing people discovered that the engine had snapped off its' mounting. My airbags did not deploy either. …”
NHTSA complaint #10319918, filed 2010-03, 96,000 miles“I was involved in a crash on I-35w just outside of downtown minneapolis. I was traveling at 60mph and hit a concrete wall. My airbags did not deploy. Unacceptable!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10499819, filed 2013-02, 53,252 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifting and clutch problems
- 25 complaints (17%)
- median 43,875 mi at 5.8 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2004–2020
Complaints describe difficulty shifting between gears, hard or delayed shifts, and transmissions that became stuck in first gear or stopped changing gears at all, with some replaced under warranty early on. Manual-transmission owners report clutch noise or failure, and a few say the dealer attributed the clutch wear to the driver. Others mention harsh 3rd-to-4th shifts and transmission slipping into limp mode. Reported from a few hundred to about 50,000 miles on the original units, with later complaints on higher-mileage used cars.
What to check: Test both cold and warm shifting through all gears, listen for whine or scrape on clutch engagement, and ask about transmission or clutch replacement history and fluid service.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car has had multiple problems. I have a Mazda 3 which I purchased in december. About a month ago my car began hesitating on occassion when I was stopped at a stop light and then pushing the gas to go. I did notice after the third time the vehicle did this that the d light on the dashboard blinked. I do not know if they are linked but it would be odd if they were not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088979, filed 2004-09, 12,600 miles“The car is a Mazda 3 2004 with 18000 miles. I bought my wife this Mazda 3 in may of 2005. With 16000 miles. The car was running great and it is a pleasure to drive. 3 days ago I started to hear a noise when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Sound is like a clicking sound that you made when you put your baseball cards on your bicycle tire. To make a long story short, the transmission is being replaced under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10137863, filed 2005-09, 18,150 miles - Engine cooling
Engine oil leaks and oil consumption
- 9 complaints (6%)
- median 65,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2011
Owners describe oil leaking from a cracked oil filter housing, in some cases leading to oil loss and engine seizure, with dealers sometimes assisting on the repair. Others report ticking engine noises traced to the intake manifold and high oil consumption concerns, and a few describe overheating or coolant-related repairs. One owner reports an engine fire traced to a failed A/C compressor and belt. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 100,000 miles, with oil filter housing failures noted around 51,000 to 54,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for leaks or oil residue around the filter housing, and ask about oil consumption between changes. Listen for ticking from the engine bay at idle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am writing you to seek your assistance in reviewing a complaint that I filed with Mazda, but have yet seen no resolution. On december 27, 2005 - the oil filter housing cartridge on my 2004 MAZDA3 basically fractured and all of the oil was run out of the car, and then the engine seized. My car had approximately 54,000 miles, and 5 oil changes, all with synthetic oil. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146887, filed 2006-01, 54,826 miles“I own a 2004 Mazda 3 hatchback that I purchased new. The car has 74,000 miles on it and has been maintained faithfully by Mazda technicians. Driving home from work, the car caught fire. To reiterate, the car caught fire. Had my wife not noticed, and had we parked the car in the garage, it would have burned down the house with us in it. We managed to put the car out and took it to the Mazda dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10363507, filed 2010-11, 74,000 miles
Buying note. A 2004 Mazda3 with these complaints is worth a careful pre-purchase inspection covering rear brakes, steering assist, air bag recalls by VIN, transmission behavior and oil leaks. Records of past repairs and recall work are as useful as the mileage when judging a specific car.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 145 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3. 111 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,151 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 14 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 209 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes28 19%
- Air bags25 17%
- Steering19 13%
- Engine cooling17 12%
- Tires9 6.2%
- Electrical system8 5.5%
- Exterior lighting8 5.5%
- Body and structure8 5.5%
- Fuel system7 4.8%
Also reported: Equipment (5), Engine (4), Seat belts (3), Suspension (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Seats (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Total brake failure , towed to dealer to find out why brakes failed, it was found to be a loss of brake fluid due to a rubbing of the brake line on another part of the car, it was repaired and at the same time the other side was inspected and found to have the same problem, the technician, said it was a factory defect and took a photo for us, and we contacted Mazda about the problem we have heard back from them as of today.”
NHTSA complaint #10303808, filed 2010-02, 94,501 milesAir bags: “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 20mph. I sufferd head, back, groin injurys. I very unhappy with the way Mazda is treating me on this!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10121123, filed 2005-05, 15,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Automatic transmission/manual jerks when going from 1st to 2nd gear and after a period of hard driving the jerking stops. This should not occur in a quality vehicle like this one, however it shouldn't occur at all. Please provide me a solution to this annoying problem. Fyi: I have had the transmission flushed and new fluid added however the problem still remains..help!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10226383, filed 2008-05, 5,500 milesSteering: “When driving over bumpy roads, my power steering light comes on, sometimes losing power steering making it very difficult to drive the car. It has never happened on the highway, but there's no rhyme or reason for when it will come back on or why the steering goes out or not. Two mechanics I've taken it to can't seem to find anything wrong and one thinks it could be the power steering pump.”
NHTSA complaint #10486396, filed 2012-11, 110,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
42% of the 111 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 96,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA3 · sedan | not rated | 4 / – | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| 3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| 3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| 3 FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| 3 FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V494000Jul 1, 2021Air bags › FrontalCovers: Mazda MAZDA3 2004–2007
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.
- 04V468000Sep 24, 2004Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: Mazda MAZDA3 2004
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.
Recall details for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 209 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037013Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended…
- 11026904Dec 10, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
- 11022742Aug 22, 2025Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a…
- 11020039Jun 19, 2025Other or unknown. Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause…
- 11017699Apr 25, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
- 11007022Aug 15, 2024Body and structure. Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024Electrical system, Other or unknown. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 11005671Jul 29, 2024Other or unknown. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the…
Other model years of the Mazda MAZDA3
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | — | 1 | 5 | — | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 12 | 1,900 | 3 | 5 | — | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 12 | 2,500 | 0 | 5 | — | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 24 | 27,287 | 0 | 5 | — | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 54 | 1,700 | 1 | 5 | — | 29 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 32 | 2,000 | 2 | 5 | — | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 74 | 5,000 | 6 | — | — | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 110 | 29,850 | 4 | 5 | — | 35 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 84 | 28,692 | 2 | 5 | — | 16 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 104 | 36,806 | 6 | 5 | — | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 130 | 33,500 | 4 | 5 | — | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 138 | 34,250 | 4 | 5 | — | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 117 | 40,660 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 226 | 39,500 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 132 | 45,100 | 2 | 4 | 27 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 686 | 59,036 | 3 | — | 27 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 115 | 33,681 | 3 | — | 25 | 69 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 303 | 40,046 | 2 | — | 26 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 222 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 166 | 71,000 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 97 | 65,915 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 145 | 59,151 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Mazda MAZDA3 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners of the 2004 Mazda3 most often describe rear brakes that wear much faster than the fronts, with noise, dust and grooved rotors, and a power steering assist that cuts out intermittently while driving. The issues reported most often: Rear brakes wear faster than the front; Power steering assist cuts out while driving; Air bag warning light on and air bags not deploying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
NHTSA recorded 145 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 28 complaints (19% of the total), followed by air bags with 25.
Has the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 (3, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 reported?
Among the 111 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,151 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 96,000 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.