2004 Mazda MAZDA3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › MAZDA3 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Mazda MAZDA3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
145 complaints18 involved a crash2 involved a fire14 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
This model car has a fuse box under the glove box known as a "passenger junction box" that has a faulty or defective relay soldered onto the circuit board. The relay is tied to lighting that includes the interior lights, exterior front parking lights, exterior rear tail lights, and the license…
This model car has a fuse box under the glove box known as a "passenger junction box" that has a faulty or defective relay soldered onto the circuit board. The relay is tied to lighting that includes the interior lights, exterior front parking lights, exterior rear tail lights, and the license plate light and is controlled by the left turn signal stalk (rotating switch). Based on my experience and many others (on the Mazda 3 forums), this relay has the tendency to fail and cause all of these lights tied to this relay to intermittently or permanently be disabled. There is no warning for this; the driver will only notice when driving at night that the interior illumination of the dashboard goes completely dark, which could cause disorientation and confusion as to whether or not the car is operable. Subsequently, the problem can be recreated by attempting to turn the lights on and off and there will be no response (and no clicking noise...it is audible when working and it switches on); the relay fails to operate and all the lights will not turn on. Driving at night without tail lights is extremely dangerous and I am surprised this has not caused serious injury from rear-ending incidents in nighttime or inclement weather situations. The serial/model number of junction box on my vehicle is BN8B-66730-C and many others on the forums have had the same issue with the same model, as well as other variations of the box. Some on the forums went as far as replacing the culprit relay (see attachment); however, at the risk of destroying the entire junction box and rendering the vehicle unusable. I finally ended up purchasing a replacement unit on eBay which corrected the issue so far and has made the lights reliable again.
- Tires
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3 equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Ventus S1 Noble2, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a loud explosion was heard. The contact's wife alerted him that the rear driver's side tire had blown out.…
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3 equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Ventus S1 Noble2, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a loud explosion was heard. The contact's wife alerted him that the rear driver's side tire had blown out. The contact's vehicle was then rear-ended by another vehicle, causing his vehicle to turn 360 degrees. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was not injured, but his wife suffered from neck pain. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's workplace and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. A body shop repaired the vehicle. The tire manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to send in the faulty tire. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was 150,000.
- Exterior lighting · Structure › Body · Suspension
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no…
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these axles power the vehicle forward and if not maintained can snap and cause damage- the wipers no longer work correctly- the tires are 2017 and old and weather cracked- potential to separate while driving or blow out on the heated pavement. upon inspection also found that the front shocks are blown out and bouncing in the mounts under the hood- causing the tires to not have the correct contact patch on the road thus decreasing traction and control- on top of all this the vehicle hasn't been registered since 2020 and has no insurance on the vehicle- again there has been no accident...yet- this is my concern- that if this vehicle continues to remain operational and on the road it not only puts the driver and occupants at risk but also other drivers- kids- teens and anyone that may be on the other end o the crash when the vehicle does snap the cvc axle or blow i out a tire
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V468000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
- Engine
The car ran great for the end of 2019. I bought it used at 145,000 miles. Then the automatic transmission started to slip. Now its stuck in limp mode.
- Exterior lighting
The tail lights go out intermittently due to a defective passenger junction box (fuse box). Tapping the box with a screwdriver handle will bring the tail lights back on for a while. This has been a mazda 3 issue over the years. the should be a recall on this.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mazda 3. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that the front passenger seat main module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted, but could not assist. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,680.
- Steering
The lock release lever on the steering wheel get loose while the vehicle IS in motion and does not locked in place. This can cause an accident and serious injuries. There should be a recall to get this repair.
- Air bags
I was rear ended while pregnant and driving my 2004 mazda 3 hatchback. The airbags never deployed but I was on my way to a doctor's appointment and was able to have an ultrasound to ensure my child was safe. No insurance claim was filed but I was concerned. I was at a stop sign.
- Engine
No problems from car no warning light. big bang then engine making very loud knocking noise...on interstate... Still cranks but needs motor...read that lot of people have had same problems
- Seats
Driver side front seat wobbles-entire assembly needs to be replaced-dangerous if weld had broken while on freeway-why isn't this a safety recall-numerous other complaints for various model years even when new-are seats removed by l0-jack techs when installing lo-jack devices?
- Steering
Power steering goes out intermittently. often starts when turning the wheel to the left. the power steering failure light , or sometimes all warning lights, come on. the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn in either direction and the car IS difficult and hazardous to navigate to a…
Power steering goes out intermittently. often starts when turning the wheel to the left. the power steering failure light , or sometimes all warning lights, come on. the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn in either direction and the car IS difficult and hazardous to navigate to a stop. electronics flash on and off (headlights, radio, etc.). car sometimes dies. if the steering wheel IS not perfectly straight when the car dies, it IS locked and the car cannot be restarted until someone can wrench the steering wheel straight again. This has happened off and on for a year. since it IS intermittent, mechanics are unable to find the problem.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mazda 3. When the vehicle was started, the steering wheel light illuminated. The steering wheel locked and was hard to turn. The contact turned the vehicle off and back on a few times and shifted the steering wheel to the left and right, but the wheel would not unlock. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,173.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Engine light came on with evap leak code. Small leak at first then included large leak code later. Also began to notice strong gas smell outside vehicle after fueling. turned out the fuel pump ring that holds down and seals fuel pump to fuel tank had cracked. Over time the split became larger.…
Engine light came on with evap leak code. Small leak at first then included large leak code later. Also began to notice strong gas smell outside vehicle after fueling. turned out the fuel pump ring that holds down and seals fuel pump to fuel tank had cracked. Over time the split became larger. When tank was filled, raw fuel would leak out around pump on top of tank. Which also happens to be right under the rear seat where me kids sit. replacement was expensive because the ring could not be removed from under the seat. It required dropping the tank to repair. mechanic felt it was a stress crack. The fuel pump had never been worked on before. The original ring was installed at the factory.
- Air bags
Was in accident hit ditch and tree head on and airbags did not deploy, causing injury to face from hitting steering wheel. Was on city street and in motion.
- Fuel/propulsion system
There was a strong fuel smell that was occurring on both the inside and outside of my car every time I filled my car up. I took to my the mechanic and it was found my fuel tank was leaking in 2 spots. One was part of the gas tank that vents the fumes - that seal was leaking and the other was part of the locking ring that IS on the gas tank itself was cracked.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mazda 3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced severe corrosion and the door frame was starting to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed that portions of the vehicle could be repaired; however, the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mazda 3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced severe corrosion and the door frame was starting to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed that portions of the vehicle could be repaired; however, the corrosion was in areas that were beyond repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Tires
Bought 4 new tires on 3/23/12. three of these tires developed bubbles and had to be replaced.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
Clutch slipping, high rpms, not red lining. Transmission exploded causing engine fire and burning motor and electrical components.
- Air bags
When starting the car the air bag light comes on and stays on for weeks then it will turn off. this has been happening for over a year.
- Seat belts
Seat belt light comes on and stay for few days then go off and back again
- Steering
I started my car and my power steering light came on my dash when I was leaving work on 4/2/2015. I had no power steering at all. I've had a repair shop tell me it IS my power steering pump that has failed. They stated that they cannot order the part needed to repair my vehicle, which IS the…
I started my car and my power steering light came on my dash when I was leaving work on 4/2/2015. I had no power steering at all. I've had a repair shop tell me it IS my power steering pump that has failed. They stated that they cannot order the part needed to repair my vehicle, which IS the electric power steering pump. I called a nearby dealership and they said I have to go through a zip dealership because it IS a vin specific part. They quoted me $900 for a power steering pump and $315 to install it! I researched the issue online and have noticed there IS a recall on the same year and model vehicle as mine. But after checking with your website, it states there isn't a recall on my vehicle. I would like to know why my vehicle has been excluded from this recall but IS experiencing the same issues as stated in the recall information. Thank you for your time and assistance. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v468000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I had my mechanic working on replacing a burnt out license plate light when he discovered that the tail lights were not working. he turned the lights off and back on, and the tail lights started working again, turned the lights back off and on again, and the tail lights were back to not working…
I had my mechanic working on replacing a burnt out license plate light when he discovered that the tail lights were not working. he turned the lights off and back on, and the tail lights started working again, turned the lights back off and on again, and the tail lights were back to not working again. he identified the fuse box to be the cause of this issue, as when the tail lights were out, he would hit the fuse box which would then cause the lights to come back on, and he demonstrated this for me. this IS a serious safety concern to me and after only a few minutes of internet research I found others were having the exact same issue. I feel very fortunate that I've not been hit from behind. I've called mazda and they said they were not aware of a known issue and there were no recalls on the part, but I've also learned that this part has been reissued 6 times. this makes me think it has to be a known issue, otherwise why keep modifying the part? *tr
- Exterior lighting · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became inoperable. Also, the contact mentioned that the exterior and interior lights failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 11005671Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10251387Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10243569Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10240496Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10226814Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10225724Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10217209In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213422Proper usage of driver's floor mat.
- 10213421Condensation/Fog in front and rear combination lights
- 10213417Passenger fAirbag deactivation (PAD) indicator light illumination
- 10213399Brake noise, judder and dragging diagnosis and servicing
- 10213387Shock absorber replacement guidelines
- 10213385Stains appear on wheels
- 10213333Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
- 10213332Battery Maintenance
- 10213326Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance
- 10213185Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10209778The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10209761Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
- 10208567Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10208556Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10206002Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common cause of repeat A/T failures is lack of lubrication to the front and rear planetary gears. This is usually caused by an accumulation of metal particles and debris (from a previous A/T failure) on the internal mesh type baffle of the oil cooler. Power flushing will remove the restriction by back flushing, followed by forward flushing to dislodge a restriction, then back flushing again. This will in turn ensure full ATF flow for the transmission when it is operating.
- 10205994Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10202696Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary:
- 10202695Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline All Mazda vehicles can run on gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) but only some 1999-2001 B3000 trucks can run on gasoline with more than 10% ethanol blended. E10 compatible vehicles: All Mazda vehicles. E85 compatible vehicles: 1999-2001 B3000 Mazda trucks with the 8th VIN digit is V.
- 10201777Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, All Mazda vehicles can run on gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) but only some 1999-2001 B3000 trucks can run on gasoline with more than 10% ethanol blended. E10 compatible vehicles: All Mazda vehicles. E85 compatible vehicles: 1999-2001 B3000 Mazda trucks with the 8th VIN digit is V. What if a customer puts E85 in there Mazda vehicle? Symptoms include: Rough Running, Lean Codes, Misfires and/or misfire codes, Lack of power, Poor fuel economy, Spark knock, Mechanical engine damage.
- 10200933This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
- 10198691Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10198689Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected. Accessories E-catalog For models prior to 2016: Accessory Parts and Installation Instructions
- 10198574Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with a series of flat windows, which act like mirrors, the reflections all converge at one point, focusing and concentrating the light onto the street below.
- 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10188015The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
Every Mazda MAZDA3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.