2005 Mazda MAZDA3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › MAZDA3 › 2005
These records cover every 2005 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 2005 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 two passenger vehicles, a crack in the solder connection attaching the acceleration sensor in the sas unit made contact with the base plate, damaging the solder connection.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The airbag may not deploy when the vehicle IS involved in a frontal crash and it can cause serious injuries.
Remedy
Dealers repaired these vehicles. the two vehicle owners were contacted by telephone on november 22, 2004, and these vehicles have been repaired.
Owner complaints
97 complaints16 involved a crash3 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, other individuals informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the…
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, other individuals informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clock spring was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Electrical system
Randomly, the parking lights, tail lights, and climate control lighting will fail. This has happened to me multiple times over a number of years. Striking the right side of the center console will generally result in functionality being restored. Sometimes, simply turning the lights off and then on…
Randomly, the parking lights, tail lights, and climate control lighting will fail. This has happened to me multiple times over a number of years. Striking the right side of the center console will generally result in functionality being restored. Sometimes, simply turning the lights off and then on again results in the failure as well. My assumption, based on online forums where others have had the same issues, is that the Passenger Junction Box (PJB) is faulty. Striking the center console send vibrations to the PJB, resulting in it (usually) to start working again. While I do not regularly drive the vehicle at night, my concern is that without working tail lights, I could be involved in an accident OR be ticketed for my lights not working. Others online have had the same issues, and I believe it may be an issue in multiple vehicle models and model years.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was unable to contact reach the manufacturer or the local dealer for the recall repair. The contact called the number to the local dealer and the manufacturer…
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was unable to contact reach the manufacturer or the local dealer for the recall repair. The contact called the number to the local dealer and the manufacturer but was unable to schedule an appointment for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair and had made it very difficult to resolve the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Invalid VIN.
- Suspension
Tires feather or cup in less than 25000 miles due to the rear wheel factory camber tire manufacturers do not recommend aggressive camber and will not warranty the tires for premature failure. Mazda and other manufacturers know that the aggressive camber causes tires to wear faster since they are…
Tires feather or cup in less than 25000 miles due to the rear wheel factory camber tire manufacturers do not recommend aggressive camber and will not warranty the tires for premature failure. Mazda and other manufacturers know that the aggressive camber causes tires to wear faster since they are not designed for this. The feathering drastically affect handling especially in wet weather. Tire manufacturers should state the maximum acceptable camber for their tires and manufacturers should choose appropriately design tires for this application. It IS a safety issue since it happens with factory recommended alignment specs. The aggressive camber improves handling but tires are not designed for this. If the tire manufacturer will not back the tire for this application then the car manufacturer has improperly designed the suspension for passenger cars. This IS the 3S model with only 135000 miles and 5TH set of tires and alignment checked each time.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
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.
- Steering
While driving the vehicle at any rate of speed the steering wheel locks and sometimes shuts the car down. I was traveling at approximately 65 miles per hour on the highway and the power steering light on the dash illuminated and then the steering wheel locked ,making it almost impossible to steer…
While driving the vehicle at any rate of speed the steering wheel locks and sometimes shuts the car down. I was traveling at approximately 65 miles per hour on the highway and the power steering light on the dash illuminated and then the steering wheel locked ,making it almost impossible to steer and have control of the vehicle..another instance , I was in the middle of making a turn when the steering wheel locked, this time the entire vehicle shut down forcing me to quickly try to restart the engine.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Exterior lighting
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.
- Power train
Vehicle will not start unless key IS on put into neutral then starts. sometimes green p light does not light up.
- Steering
Suddenly loss of steering power when backing out of driveway
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting · Seat belts
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.
- Unknown or other
The car shifts completely wrong when it IS going from 1ST to 2ND gear. Sometimes its shifts really hard going between the two gears also. It kind of sounds like the gears are going to slip. Its even worse when it IS really cold out. It jumps to 3RD gear at 15-20 mph sometimes also. I feel very unsafe when I drive my car.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2005 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and going over a bump, the rear passenger's side wheel started shaking and making a rattling noise. The contact had to slow down in order to stop the shaking and rattling noise. The vehicle was taking to the…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and going over a bump, the rear passenger's side wheel started shaking and making a rattling noise. The contact had to slow down in order to stop the shaking and rattling noise. The vehicle was taking to the dealer and was diagnosed that the tie rod on the rear passenger's side wheel had to be placed. The vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000. The vin was not available.
- Air bags · Electrical system
This IS an update to the previous complaint as the same issue, the airbag light being on, has already been recalled in certain vin#s and apparently needs expanding. Please reference mazda recall #2504k or nhtsa recall # 04v559. My airbag light has come on and stays on for no apparent reason. It stays on when parked or driving, it IS on at all times the vehicle IS on and IS not associated with any event.
- Air bags · Electrical system
The red airbag sign on the dashboard, at first would come on and off sporadically, but now it's on everytime I operate the vehicle, indicating that the airbags will either not deploy or deploy incorrectly. I've discussed this issue with many other mazda 3 owners and it IS a well known and prevalent issue. It IS not related to any event, other than normal driving and operation.
- Air bags
On february 15, 2015. I was involved in a minor car accident with my girlfriend. My left rear door was hit but the air bags did not deployed. I though nothing of it because I though the impact needed to be harder. This was my first car accident. Today on september 5, 2015 around 2:20pm, I was…
On february 15, 2015. I was involved in a minor car accident with my girlfriend. My left rear door was hit but the air bags did not deployed. I though nothing of it because I though the impact needed to be harder. This was my first car accident. Today on september 5, 2015 around 2:20pm, I was involved in another car accident with my girlfriend. I was at a complete stop waiting for some vehicles to turn. 5 seconds later, I was hit from the back. The impact was very hard sending my girlfriend and I to the hospital. I had the same resort with the air bags not deploying. Lucky for me, I always wear my seatbelt because if I have not. I would of been more seriously hurt or dead.
- Steering
Driving and steering light comes on,then hard to steer left or right.turn switch off and right back on light goes off and steering returns....very dangerous
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 mazda 3. While attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 mazda 3. While attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 04v559000 (air bags); however, the vin was not included. The failure mileage was 10,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 mazda 3. While driving at approximately 65 mph, there was an abnormal noise and the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred once. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 125,000. The vin was not available.
- Engine
I had done my oil change about 3 weeks before I was driving to work and I felt my car running different, when I brake and took a right turn, and the engine oil pressure came on, I checked and the amount of oil in my car was minimum, the car has no leaks and I had checked that with a mechanic, so…
I had done my oil change about 3 weeks before I was driving to work and I felt my car running different, when I brake and took a right turn, and the engine oil pressure came on, I checked and the amount of oil in my car was minimum, the car has no leaks and I had checked that with a mechanic, so the car IS burning oil.. I had been talking to many mechanics and people from auto part stores about this problem on my engine, and they say that many, if not all of them mazda3 cars from this year have that problem, and the problem IS from the way it IS manufactured. *tr
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2005 mazda 3. While driving approximately 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Steering
The vehicle was coming around a turn at about 30 miles per house, when the vehicle's radio went off and steering locked up into manual and car was difficult to maneuver. when the brake was applied, the car stalled out and engine stopped. the vehicle was able to moved to side of the road and stop.…
The vehicle was coming around a turn at about 30 miles per house, when the vehicle's radio went off and steering locked up into manual and car was difficult to maneuver. when the brake was applied, the car stalled out and engine stopped. the vehicle was able to moved to side of the road and stop. the car was turned off and upon restart had to issues. upon rest of return trip home, upon the application of the brake, the cars radio, thermometer gauge and general electronics would stop and reset when the brake was released and gas pedal applied. *tr
- Exterior lighting · Seat belts · Visibility/wiper
(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…
(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. the passenger side seat belt doesn't work right. It locks up, unable to pull strap out to buckle up. Took it in and called mazda. They paid for repair which was quoted at approx 89.00. All was good for about a week. I picked my step mom up and she went to put her seatbelt on and it wouldn't extend. I have found that if you wait a few minutes and begin driving the passenger can use the belt. If we drive and the brakes are being applied the seat belt doesn't come out. Not sure if that's a coincidence or not. Didn't have it fixed again, we deal with it. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body
While traveling approximately 35mph an oncoming vehicle (ford explorer) tried to make a left turn across my lane of travel. while braking, my 2005 mazda 3 was hit on the drivers side directly between the drivers side front door and drivers side rear door damaging both in the process. My vehicle…
While traveling approximately 35mph an oncoming vehicle (ford explorer) tried to make a left turn across my lane of travel. while braking, my 2005 mazda 3 was hit on the drivers side directly between the drivers side front door and drivers side rear door damaging both in the process. My vehicle was then pushed into a vehicle located at the intersection cross street. this collision damaged the passenger side rear door and rear quarter panel. as a result, 5 airbags deployed; the four door curtain airbags and the drivers side torso airbag. the problem IS that the driver side curtain airbag deployed after my head hit the drivers door window glass. because my head hit the glass hard and bounced back I received a concussion as well as whiplash on my neck. if the airbag would have deployed in time, the result would most likely have been much better for me. *tr
- Air bags
I drove over a bump and the passenger airbag light came on, and also the airbag light on the dash light up as well. Both lights turned off within a week, then for the past three months just the passenger airbag light has been switching on and off. This IS an extreme safety issue, and the light has returned back on again. I fear if I was involved in an accident the airbag will not deploy. *tr
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
- 10213423Siriusxm satellite radio registration transfer after unit replacement
- 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
- 10213329Engine Start /Stop Procedure with room fuse removed
- 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.
Every Mazda MAZDA3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.