2005 Mazda MAZDA3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 97 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3, 6% of the 97 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“(visibility)the headlights both blew at the same time. I was on my way to work in the early morning the first time it happened so I had to drive approximately 8 miles the rest of the way to work in the dark, running lights only. Took the car to the dealer they said they replaced the headlights was approx. 35.00. I guessed a fuse since both blew at the same time?? Then the following year the same thing happened on my way home. It was dark and again I drove home with running lights. I think it's odd that both headlights go out at the same time every time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10678650, filed 2015-01, 73,000 miles“The adapter in the headlamp is faulty. The car requires the h7 low beam bulb, but there is a plastic adapter in the housing unit that melts periodically. I have to keep buying replacements about once a year and have to change the bulb about 4 times a year. I always smell burning plastic when this happens and worry that a fire could start (the adapter has burn/melted spots on it when removed). It also corrodes extremely fast causing the bulbs to burn out extremely quickly. I've owned the car since 2008 and it's been doing it since about 2010.”
NHTSA complaint #10563289, filed 2014-02, 120,000 miles“I have replaced the headlights on my Mazda 3 2005 each year since I've owned the car; each side I've replaced 3 times. I have had them all installed by the dealership, so that I know the repair is being done correctly. No one can tell me what is wrong with the headlights, however I've done some research on the internet and found that many other owners are having the same problems. I'm surprised that no recall has not been issued due to the nature of the problem. I personally do not want my headlights going out while I'm driving at night, which has happened twice.”
NHTSA complaint #10398088, filed 2011-04Related service bulletins
- 10154529Mar 15, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10153332Jan 3, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10134701Mar 22, 2018Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10111041Jul 6, 2017On some vehicles, the rear combination lamp lens becomes hazy and looks white when the brake or taillight is on. Due to heat accumulated by extended brake light (E) usage, the…
- 10111011Mar 9, 2017Take caution when cleaning plastic headlight lenses. Damage can occur when using some cleaners that contain strong acid, alkaline cleanser or organic solvent. Damage caused by…
- 10213417Feb 5, 2016Passenger fAirbag deactivation (PAD) indicator light illumination
- 10213421Jan 25, 2016Condensation/Fog in front and rear combination lights
- 10100888Jan 25, 2016Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/tail-light) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted…
- 10097982Jan 24, 2014Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front or rear combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom…
- 10097941Dec 21, 2012Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front or rear combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 5 | 4% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 36 | 31% |
| 2012 | 31 | 14% |
| 2011 | 10 | 8% |
| 2010 | 23 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 17 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
24 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsBrakes
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