2005 Mazda MAZDA3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 25%of 97 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the air bags of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3, 25% of the 97 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I drive a 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 sp23i, four-door sedan. A few months ago, while parked in the street, my son had reclined the passenger seat all the way back and when I asked him to return it into the upright position, a red warning light illuminated on my dashboard. The warning light has never gone off since and I am fearful that the airbag will not deploy in case of an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10939288, filed 2017-01, 110,000 miles“We were in a few accidents and the airbag never deployed and the transmission is not functioning properly after an oil change the car does not stay in park we must use the emergency brake and cannot turn off the car because when we turn it off the gear will not shift to drive and as we drive the car the car will turn off right there. Seatbelt stopped working on driver side.”
NHTSA complaint #10884187, filed 2016-07, 65,000 miles“The red airbag sign on the dashboard, at first would come on and off sporadically, but now it's on everytime I operate the vehicle, indicating that the airbags will either not deploy or deploy incorrectly. I've discussed this issue with many other Mazda 3 owners and it is a well known and prevalent issue. It is not related to any event, other than normal driving and operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10851805, filed 2016-03, 130,000 miles“I drove over a bump and the passenger airbag light came on, and also the airbag light on the dash light up as well. Both lights turned off within a week, then for the past three months just the passenger airbag light has been switching on and off. This is an extreme safety issue, and the light has returned back on again. I fear if I was involved in an accident the airbag will not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10659510, filed 2014-11, 170,000 miles“Immediately after my son had reclined the passenger seat all the way down and then back up to the proper height, the air bag seat belt light came on. I have readjusted the seat several times as well as attach and un attach the seat belts several time, but the light is still illuminated. Please have the sensors recalled so that the air bags will function properly when involved in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10568308, filed 2014-03, 110,000 milesRelated recalls
- 21V494000Jul 1, 2021Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel…Covers: Mazda MAZDA3 2004–2007
- 04V559000Nov 22, 2004On two passenger vehicles, a crack in the solder connection attaching the acceleration sensor in the sas unit made contact with the base plate, damaging the…Covers: Mazda MAZDA3 2005
Related service bulletins
- 10153329Jan 10, 2019This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
- 10136784Apr 5, 2018This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
- 10134925Feb 16, 2018The Workshop Manual has two-different airbag procedures, one for Standard Deployment and one for Two-Step Deployment. Standard Deployment is for Mexico spec vehicles and Two-Step…
- 10213417Feb 5, 2016Passenger fAirbag deactivation (PAD) indicator light illumination
- 10110991Nov 19, 2013This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination con-cerns during vehicle service.
- 10054788Nov 19, 2013Mazda: information provided regarding the indicator light illumination of the passenger airbag deactivation (pad).
- 10021391Mar 30, 2007Airbag warning light comes on with code b1877/b1881.
- 10021000Oct 4, 2006Non genuine accessories affect air bag operation.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 13% |
| 2024 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 8% |
| 2022 | 12 | 50% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 6 | 6% |
| 2015 | 4 | 3% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 7 | 6% |
| 2012 | 17 | 8% |
| 2011 | 29 | 22% |
| 2010 | 26 | 4% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 22 | 7% |
| 2007 | 36 | 16% |
| 2006 | 27 | 16% |
| 2005 | 24 | 25% |
| 2004 | 25 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology