2005 Mazda MAZDA3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 97 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,715miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3, 5% of the 97 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,715 miles.
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.
“Transmission fell somehow and my left driveshaft is cracked. Prior to this event, in march 2007, my left drive axle was replaced by dealership after drive axle bent and broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10196494, filed 2007-07, 57,000 miles“Mazda 3 internal sensors getting stuck at mileage from 35k to 95k Mazda and giving message at in dashboard. If u reset the computer the car works fine again for a couple of miles until at message appears. When u take the Mazda to the Mazda center they tell you the whole transmission is bad, but if u take it to a transmission dealer they say is reverse solenoid or first solenoid cus of the codes. But first and reverse work fine when u reset the computer, I searched the web for at message in Mazda 3 2004-2007 hatchback or sedan and is same thing. I think is a Mazda factory error.”
NHTSA complaint #10345046, filed 2010-07, 65,430 miles“Engine failed entirely during routine highway driving, vehicle lost forward propulsion, eventually coming to complete stop on the road. There were zero warning or any notice at all that the engine was dying. I was stranded on the side of the road for over 1 hour, while help arrived.”
NHTSA complaint #11120621, filed 2018-08, 190,000 miles“When driving to and from somewhere when I come to a stop sign or a stop light my car will shake (vibrate) alot and sometimes almost die so I have to push on the gas a little or put the car in park. Also another issue I have is my car wont always turn over. I have replaced many piecxes and have taken it to Mazda dealer ships and noone can seem to find the exact problem. They say it is an intermiten problem. This can be very dangerous especially sense I have two kids that are always in the car with me.”
NHTSA complaint #10430351, filed 2011-10Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This 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…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10136777Apr 2, 2018Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission…
- 10097348Mar 11, 2013Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing atf. Using the wrong atf may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the…
- 10097367Mar 4, 2013Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing atf. Using the wrong atf may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the…
- 10024309Feb 11, 2008Multi-model - engine stalls when driving at low speed.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 9 | 9% |
| 2015 | 5 | 4% |
| 2014 | 7 | 5% |
| 2013 | 18 | 15% |
| 2012 | 40 | 18% |
| 2011 | 12 | 9% |
| 2010 | 40 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 21 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 24 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
24 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsEquipment
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 30, 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