2006 Mazda MAZDA3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,166miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3, 10% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,166 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine was cold. I entered the car, started the engine, shifted into reverse and the engine accelerated uncontrollably, screaming. I could not stop the car with full braking and shut off engine. I restarted and it worked normally. This also happen about a year ago and the dealer could find nothing wrong. Help!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10713976, filed 2015-05, 101,231 miles“My car idles really rough. Once I get close to freeway speed my car constantly shifts gears from 3 to 4 to 3, so on. This causes my car to jerk, it revs from 3,000 to 1,000 and eveything in between. During this my brakes become practically useless, I have to completely press the brake pedal to make it decelerate. And braking distances are drastically increased. It further worries me that I dont have any dash lights on such as check engine, transmission, ABS, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10871105, filed 2016-05, 116,600 miles“I was on a freeway off-ramp at approximately 50 MPH, when loud grinding and crashing noises came from under the hood. The car then became difficult to steer, and would no longer propel itself. I coasted into a driveway near the bottom of the off-ramp. Upon inspection, I discovered that the transmission motor mount had broken. The engine apparently lunged forward, sheering off bolts to the other motor mounts, and landed on the suspension, severely damaging many front-end parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10775306, filed 2015-09, 150,000 miles“I was driving along and suddenly a loud noise, the check engine light came on and the car shifted from 4th to 3rd without losing speed (except from me taking my foot off of the gas when hearing the noise) all at the same time. My mechanic said the diagnostic machine pointed to the turbine speed sensor , so this was replaced within 2 days. The same day I got the car back, I drove it about 30 miles and it did the same thing again. Now my mechanic is checking into the transmission, possibly causing the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10655100, filed 2014-11, 95,000 miles“I was driving on the interstate when all of the sudden my car went from 5th gear to neutral...the car jerked/bucked and I was thrown into the lane next to me. Thank goodness I did not hit anyone else or cause an accident. Even driving in town the car does not get into gear like it should and stalls out then bucks abruptly. The at light flashes and engine light came on. Had the car diagnosed by 3 different shops and the dealer and was told it was the TCM (transmission control module). My 2006 MAZDA3 has been maintained extremely well and always serviced when suggested. I just hit 95k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10794805, filed 2015-11, 95,100 milesRelated 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…
- 10092584Aug 26, 2016There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This service bulletin is to inform…
- 10059870Dec 19, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 19 | 35% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 12 | 11% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 | 6 | 5% |
| 2014 | 13 | 9% |
| 2013 | 11 | 9% |
| 2012 | 32 | 14% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 22 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 5% |
| 2007 | 22 | 10% |
| 2006 | 17 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3
28 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
14 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology