2004 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 170 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 24 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontalJul 1, 2021
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.
Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between August 28, 2021 and October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.
Campaign 21V494000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentApr 2, 2009
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
Campaign 09E011000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveSep 24, 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.
IF THIS PROBLEM EXISTS, THE AIR WILL NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED IN CERTAIN TYPES OF FRONTAL CRASHES, INCREASING THE RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CRASH ZONE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Campaign 04V468000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
26 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2004
1)4 DAYS AFTER BUYING THE CAR MY FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD 3 LARGE (1M WIDE MORE THAN .5MM DEEP) GROOVES AND THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE STARTING TO DEVELOP THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PADS MUST HAVE SOME TYPE OF HARD METALIC PIECES IN THEM THAT GRADUALLY DESTROYS THE BRAKE ROTORS. 2)IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE PADS WEAR THE ROTORS TO AN UNSAVE LIMIT. SO, I RETURNED TO MY MAZDA DEALER FOR SERVICE. JIM ELLIS MAZDA OF MARIETTA 3)THE SERVICE STAFF THERE WAS HORRIBLE AND IN THE END DID NOTHING TO FIX THE CAUSE OF THE GROOVES. THE SHAVED AN UNSPECIFIED AMOUNT OF MATERIAL OFF MY FRONT ROTORS AND INSISTED THAT IT WAS WITHIN "SPEC". THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD BUT NOW MY FRONT ROTORS ARE ALMOST OUT OF USEABLE ROTOR WIDTH. THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE BREAK PADS DESPITE THEIR OBVIOUS LINK TO THE PROBLEM. MY BACK PADS AND ROTORS WERE NOT CHANGED AT ALL! WHEN MY BRAKE SYSTEM GOES OUT DUE TO THEIR FAULTY PARTS THERE WILL BE HUMAN COSTS AND THAT'S WHY I'M FILING THIS COMPLAINT.*AK